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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  Love It - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By JB - June 18 - 5:16 am

  I cant say enough about my Frontier. I do a lot of beach driving and can say I never have come close to getting stuck. The V6 265HP has surprising pickup. Rides great on the highway and its comfortable too. Mileage could improve but I get around 21MPG on the highway so I cant complain too much. I drove the Tacoma and it cant compare.

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  2005 NISMO 2WD - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By ras1500 - June 17 - 1:20 am

  This is my second Nissan product and both have been extremely reliable. The NISMO is a great truck with plenty of acceleration and fun to drive. Fuel mileage is around 20 MPG combination city/highway. The build quality of this truck is not as good as my Japanese built 99 Pathfinder; sealant in the pickup bed is sloppy and theres some glue on the headliner.

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  Great Compact Truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By S. Carlblom - June 11 - 11:26 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Nissan Frontier for a little over a couple months now, and have had no problems. It drives great, but could use a little more power out of the 4-cyl. motor. Its styling is impeccable, interior and exterior. I get great gas milage, about 25+ hwy, and 20 city. Its very reliable, and always runs well. It had everything I was looking for in a compact truck.

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  Best Vehicle Purchase Ever - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Skriker - June 1 - 12:46 am

  I purchased my Nissan Frontier crew cab 4wd in Feb of 2000. I still have the truck with just shy of 80k miles on it and it is still going strong. It has not required any major or even minor mechanical work aside from the usual things like new brake pads, filters and tires. All in all this is the absolute best vehicle I have ever purchased for reliability and functionality. This is the first time for me as a car owner where I am certain that when my current Frontier eventually fails I will happily buy another one just like it. :)

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  2012 Nissan Frontier SV Sport Appearance - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By frontier21 - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the 2012 Nissan Frontier Sport Appearance crew cab a month ago, and I love it! I couldnt stand the gas mileage in my 07 f-150 5.4L anymore, so I traded for the Frontier. I tow a fairly heavy 20 ft. flats boat, and I was nervous at first about towing with the V6 versus my big 5.4L. The Frontier does perfect! Pulling power is impressive, and the suspension actually feels better than the ford when loaded down. Gas mileage is impressive compared to the 12-15 I was getting, I drive a mixture of city/ highway and right now Im getting 19.4. I would definitely recommend this truck to anyone looking to get away from the MPG of a full-size truck without sacrificing ANY power.

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  2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By silverbullet77 - May 14 - 6:20 am

  Well, there is a reason my handle is silverbullet. These new frontiers will get up and leave just about any other truck on the road, plenty of power, plus a little more in mine, comfy interior, beautiful design, and all around nice ride.

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  Great Truck!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By GAJeepMike - May 14 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this truck, I knew Nissan trucks had a great reputation for dependability (Ive personally known many to last 250K+ miles without a worry), but now you can add practical and fun to their reputation. With all the features, (i.e. crew cab, CD changer, V6, bed extender, roof top luggage rack, etc.) this truck couldnt be more practical, nor more fun to drive.

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  Best in class - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By jwill - May 10 - 9:20 am

  I drove the Frontier and the Tacoma - the frontier was my favorite by far (although some of that had to do with the sales guy). The v6 has power to spare, the seats are comfortable, and Im getting 19 mpg mixed driving, which is about what my old Volvo 740GL was getting. Couldnt be happier with this truck.

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  Fantastic pickup - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Nicholas schutzius - May 9 - 10:05 am

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  Happy owner! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Neil Weber - May 8 - 6:33 pm

  Previous truck was a 2004 Dodge Dakota with 4.7L/automatic. This combination turned out to be a very poor choice for towing anything! Transmission was the problem as it was constantly gear hunting! My Frontier has the very powerful 4.0L/six speed manual combination. It tows my 3600lb boat/trailer easily and when towing my motorcycles I dont even feel the weight Im towing (approximately 2200lbs.) I have owned many pickups. So far, this is the best of them all.