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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  Excellent Truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By JV - October 16 - 11:06 pm

  I bought the 09 Frontier back in August of 08 and since then I have put 23,000 miles on it so far. It gets really good gas mileage for its engine size I average about 18 or 19 basicly I fill up when it gets to 1/4 tank and I have driven about 325 miles. Its really smooth on the highway and offroad the handling is second to none. The hill descent feature and hill start assist are really great options to have esp in the winter with snowy conditions. Overall just a great truck that can fit four people comfortably on long trips.

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  2nd Frontier - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - October 13 - 5:44 pm

  I originally bought a 2015 SV V6 2WD King Cab (in May 2015). After using it for 6 months it became obvious there was not enough room in the cab when I needed to carry passengers. I was also a little disappointed with the lack of features I have become accustomed to in my new vehicles - heated seats, compass, outside temp, rear camera............ While the reviews of this 2015 vehicle were not outstanding, I was happy (overall) with my truck. It was fairly noisy, but it fit my expectations of a truck. (I want to be able to carry stuff, with reasonable expectations for performance and reliability.) So after getting a reluctant nod from my wife, I bought the same truck as a 2016 (November 2015). However, this time it was a 4 door SV with the value truck package. This version is much more usable, with less road noise. Gas mileage is not outstanding, but its not rediculous (as you might expect from the reviews). I get 20 mpg consistently (combined). The features and controls work well, and are simple to use. However, they may be somewhat dated in their design. Again they honestly meet my expectations for a truck. I did look at the new Chevy when I bought the 2015. The dealers were unwilling to negotiate on the price, and there were few vehicles available on the lot. There were no Toyotas available in a 2WD, and the dealers were even less willing to negotiate about the price. To be honest, I may be unlike many who want a pick-up. Id really prefer a small/mid pick-up that would be based on a small SUV. This would likely improve gas mileage, and address the main reason I have a pick-up. Did I mention I want to have the ability to carry stuff...... I am not a farmer or tradesman, so I dont need all the bulk and capacity of a real pick-up. I use this vehicle to go to work, shopping, and just general transportation. Given the 3 small trucks currently available in the market, I think the 4 door Frontier is a competent choice. It doesnt seem to have any of the concerns noted in many of the customer reviews for the new GMs or Toyota, and the gas milage is not significantly different.

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  MY WHEELS - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By LARRY M MILLER - October 9 - 10:00 am

  GOOD ALL ARROUND VEHICLE FOR MY NEEDS HYWAY/OFF ROAD USAGE

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  Great Vehicle - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Jim Taylor - October 7 - 10:26 pm

  My 2000 Nissan Frontier has been a very reliable vehicle. I have 103,500 miles on it, and it shows no sign off ailing. I honestly feel the vehicle will go another 80,000 to 100,000 miles easily. So if youre looking for a reliable vehicle, you shouldnt go wrong with this one.

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  what the... - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By truck&cat - October 6 - 10:43 pm

  After 11 months and 32K replaced transmission. (bad synchronizers. Other than that plastic is tacky, A/C fan is getting louder and louder, windows rattle. Plenty of room for a field serviceman for tools and whatever you need for 4-5 day trips. Gas mileage is reasonable, 23mpg on hwy if you dont go over 70mph. Tried all grades, the best results with 89 octanes. Turning radius could be better.

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  Love It - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Chipchick - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have driven many different trucks in my time, but Frontier has been the most enjoyable. It can certinaly turn heads and makes to proud to drive it. Gas mileage sucks, but I guess there is a draw back on everything. Ill pay for it.

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  98 Frontier SB - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By rben - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 98 Frontier used 18 months ago. Only normal oil changes so far- its been perfect. Have taken on two long(2500+ miles)trips- very comfortable and reliable. I think this is the best light truck value for your dollar. The four cylinder gets about 23mpg city/ 27 hwy. w/ a tonneau cover on the back. The power is adequate, evenly heavily loaded through 9000ft passes in the Rockies it did fine. Quite peppy around town without a heavy load. My fifth Nissan, but first truck- I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Chinese Firedrill - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fpkarau - September 30 - 8:03 pm

  This is a company vehicle used extensively offroad. Performs well off road. It comes without skid plate and managed to tear oil pan off first 2 months we had it going through a mud hole on a construction site that every other rig on the mountain traversed without incident. Aluminum rim destroyed first month and needed to replace all stock tires as well as they are junk. Most irritating thing about this unit is that is has no keyless entry yet only one key tumbler in drivers side door only. Result is that if you want to enter vehicle from passenger side you have to do a "Chinese firedrill" around the truck to open unit from drivers side door and return to passenger side. Moronic design.

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  Best Buy for the $ - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By bigityj - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 XE-V6 Kingcab 4x4 Frontier has 22,350 miles on it now,and Ive used it for hauling, towing,commuting, and 4-wheeling. It has yet to let me down. Gas mileage averages about 19.5 mpg with 31 inch tires and about 18.5 avg with stock 30" tires, which I am very happy with. Dont be supprised that this truck doesnt ride like a Caddy, or have the frills that come with a luxury vehicle. The Frontier is the old hardbody Nissan truck with a beefed up drivetrain and new visually appealing design. I have only been back to the dealer for 2 very minor problems. To date I have NO regrets & dont expect any either!

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  26 MPG V-6 Auto 4x4 4 door! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Randall - September 30 - 3:20 am

  Yes, 26 mpg @60 mph Cruise control on basically flat road. 21 mpg at 75 mph. Use Mobile 1 5-30, keep air pressure checked regularly. Plenty of power to get to freeway speeds. Bought new in 2007, now has ~ 33k. Fixing to put kn air filter. If there is one thing that is somewhat irritating is the turning radius. Oh, as for the high mpg, it is repeatable. Tried it again this past weekend, little different terrain, a few small hills, 25.2 mpg @ 60 mph! The only thing I can figure is the engine does not work hard at that rpm, so it sips fuel. Nissan has a winner here. Is there a diesel frontier coming?