Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Frontier has long been a popular choice with consumers who don't need the greater towing and hauling abilities of a full-size pickup. Since its debut, the Frontier has offered four-cylinder or V6 power in a rugged yet livable package. There have been two long-running Frontier generations thus far. The current truck is bigger and more powerful than the original and could be considered more of a midsize pickup than a compact, but either one should work out well for a broad spectrum of consumers.

Current Nissan Frontier
The latest Nissan Frontier is offered in extended cab (King Cab) and crew-cab body styles. Trim levels include the economical S, the better-appointed SV, the more rugged Pro-4X and the top-of-the-line SL (crew cab only). There is also a Desert Runner package available for RWD models that provides the Bilstein shocks and some tougher styling elements inspired by the 4WD-only Pro-4X.

The extended-cab S and SV trim levels offer a 152-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission as standard. A five-speed automatic is an available option. A robust 4.0-liter V6 making 261 hp is standard on the Pro-4X and all crew cabs. It is also an option on the SV extended cab.

In our reviews of the Nissan Frontier, we've been impressed by its rugged capabilities and easy-to-drive nature. It feels more maneuverable than its boxy styling and workaday purpose would suggest, and the optional V6 engine makes acceleration respectably quick. Downsides include uncomfortable rear seats and the lack of a regular-cab body style. Overall, we highly recommend the Frontier to anyone who needs pickup functionality in a reasonably sized package.

Used Nissan Frontier Models
The current, second-generation Nissan Frontier arrived for the 2005 model year. Compared to the original Frontier, the second-generation model offers bigger dimensions, new styling inside and out and stronger engines.

If you're considering a used Frontier from the current generation, there have been a few changes to look out for. The Desert Runner model and several upgrades like a rearview camera and dual-zone automatic climate control were not available until the 2013 model year. Prior to 2010, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and stability control were optional, so we'd suggest making sure a used Frontier has these important safety items. Prior to 2009, the Frontier's styling was a little different, and the Pro-4X was known as the Nismo off-road package. Nissan added the long-bed version of the Crew Cab model starting in 2007.

The first-generation Nissan Frontier debuted for the 1998 model year. It didn't offer as much muscle or variety as the current model, but as an affordable used truck, it could still be a solid choice. This model was angular and boxy outside and similarly utilitarian inside. Initially, Nissan offered regular cab and extended cab (King Cab) body styles with a 143-hp four-cylinder engine across the board. A 3.3-liter, 170-hp V6 engine became available as an option the following year.

A Crew Cab variant with four regular doors debuted in 2000 and was the first such compact pickup truck on the market. Unfortunately, the Crew Cab's backseat wasn't exactly full-size, nor was its abbreviated bed. Nissan added the Desert Runner trim level in 2000, combining the look of the four-wheel-drive Frontier with two-wheel-drive economy.

In 2001, a face-lift gave the Nissan Frontier a more aggressive look. The fenders wore bolt-on extensions, and the tailgate was more sculpted than that of any truck that came before it. This was also the first year for the supercharged version of the 3.3-liter V6, which produced 210 hp and 246 pound-feet of torque. A long bed and an "Open Sky" top (a huge power-operated fabric sunroof) for the Crew Cab were available in subsequent years.

User Reviews:

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  Tough act to follow - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By john - April 21 - 1:30 am

  Im really impressed,this is my first nissan, really a bold look, powerful, and really fun to drive, very comfortable!! I have always been a ford man but their is no comparison,im a nissan man now.

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  Does it all - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By dragon3 - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  I just put my 2000 desert runner to pulling a 3000 lb. trailer, I modified the rear suspension and put in a weight distribution hitch on the ol frontier (w/v6 engine) and it works just fine. Great little truck. Wouldnt hesitate to recommend this truck (w/V6 engine).

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  Cant do much more - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Wil - March 29 - 2:33 am

  Over all very please with the truck. Could do without the roofrack it should be a option. The finish is first class both inside and out. The gas mileage I get is 18.5. After testing Tacoma and Frontier and the price of each it was a no brainer.

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  Get whatcha pay fer - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By diffie - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Driven all kinds of trucks from great big diesels to little bitty 4-cyls... cant beat this for quality. Mileage depends on the driver. I get 15 in the city, 17(hwy) when I tow my small camper, and an honest 21(hwy) when solo (Im happy with that with a 2-ton compact V6). I have had this truck 14- mo now and have no complaints when you consider the competitions price and quality.

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  Frontier king cab - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By art - March 27 - 6:00 am

  The frontier king cab is pretty nice, it does have some flaws that you have to look for. The king cab is ok if you are going to put a baby back there. I would go with a crew cab next time, also the interior is cheap looking but thats ok, its a truck. The clock radio should be different color, cant read if the sun is out. I do hear a noise under the dash board sometimes and also when I spin the tires I hear a funny noise, the wide turn stinks. Overall the truck is nice, if you are looking for room for back passengers definitely go with the crew cab. Fuel mileage could be better for a 6 cyl. Also my brakes squeak a lot.

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  Good Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By RichieGil04 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  1st pickup. Power options, variable int. wipers, cruise, tinted windows, bed extender for $18K. Thats a great value. Commuter car & weekend warrior. Use it to haul mulch, pallets of pavers, bring snow blower for service. 4WD a must with a truck in the snow. Fun to drive.

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  Great truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Leo Norkus - March 24 - 2:03 am

  This is the most fun I have had driving a truck. It is comfortable, smooth riding and the gas mileage is not bad for the V6. Took it on a 400 mile trip with my wife, even she said it was the most comfortable ride in a truck.

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  Under the Radar Value - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By rkt440 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive always been aware of the Froniter but I never realized what a value it really is. Quality Japanese craftsmanship, the right features (Alloys, A/C, CD), slightly larger motor and you get a super-cab for the price of a similarly equipped, regular cab Ranger.

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  Love my crew cab - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Parrothead - March 10 - 10:00 am

  A great truck. More hauling room than SUVs and the people hauling room of a sedan. Not overly cumbersome like a full size truck or SUV. You get the same road visibility, but without the bulk and poor handling. Its got good power and great handling. Seeing as how its a Nissan it should prove to be extremely reliable. No major problems so far and things should stay that way.

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  Man I love my first truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By 06_frontier - March 8 - 9:43 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Honda Crv ex. I am 18 and this is my first truck. It is a fun, well appointed vehicle. I actually like some of the plastic in the cabin because of its tuff truck feel. The engine is a marvel to hit with your foot. It gives me chills and goosebumps thinking about it. Its been there and for having it only two days and driving it already almost 200 miles getting a great 17 city, Im thrilled.