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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  4X2 aweful in the snow - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By terrx - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Truck is great if you live in an area of the country that doesnt get snow, otherwise by a 4X4. I bought the 4X2 because it was cheaper, wish I ought the 4X4, the truck kicks out and has poor traction in snowy weather conditions. Also truck has poor MPG. Other than that the truck runs smooth and handles bmps better than any vehicle I have driven.

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  Nissan doesnt care about gas mileage! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By jim d04 - May 1 - 3:40 am

  This is a good little truck for people who dont need a full size. The ride is very good, better than an 07 Tacoma IMO. Very close to my 00 Pathfinder. Decent power. Terrible gas mileage, city or highway. In the 16-13 MPG range. For a small truck it should be better. 4 doors are convenient but leg room in rear is very tight. Ok for short rides, but anyone near 6 will be uncomfortable. The tires have held up very well. I have almost 90,000 miles and they are just getting to the point that I should replace them.

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  had 3, but no more, EVER!!! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By stevey_name - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Frontier. I had a 2000 Frontier that I had bought NEW and had a ton of problems with it. These trucks need to be made in Japan where the assembly process is much better! Anyway, I gave Nissan another chance when I bought a loaded up 2001 Frontier Crew Cab 4x4... I only had it for 3 months and it seemed ok?! Here I am in another Frontier, and it has problems galore. Radio went out already, raw gas smell under the truck that is undiagnosable and catalytic converter smells every few days. On top of that, now I have some electrical issues that who knows what itll cost. Im trading it and will absolutely NEVER buy a Nissan truck again.

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  Be Careful!!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By UpsetBuyer2 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I actually own a 2WD 4 door LB Supercharged Frontier. Like the other buyer, my truck has been in the shop about 10 times. The supercharger was making a bad noise (bearings) and they say it is normal. Truck also pulls to the right, and the tires were balanced two times already. The Supercharger only takes premium fuel, so get ready to spend some major money!!!! Also, the sticker says 15 - 18 mpg, thats a bunch of crap. I only get 208 miles to the tank in the city - this is with a 19 gallon tank. Do the math - 19 gallons at 1.70/gallon every week. Get ready to open up a credit card account.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By jratzloff - September 23 - 9:50 am

  I bought the Desert Runner (100,000 miles) after owning a 97 Dodge. The heater core had to be replaced ($700), the heater controls on the dash were "stripped" out and did not work properly($250), and the air distribution box under the dash still needs to be replaced, but I wont do that for a while, if ever. Ive had many small trucks, but none rode as rough as this one. I have replaced the shocks and will change tires soon. On a smooth road, it is great, but on a rough road, wow!. Steering wheel blocks the dash instruments (I am 63"). Truck looks great and has enough room inside for me, but I am really disappointed in the mechanical aspects of the truck, specially for a Nissan.

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  No Power! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By wadk - June 15 - 10:04 am

  XE is severely underpowered, too much truck and not enough engine, should never have got it. Need the V6.

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  Weak Clutch - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By vb - May 7 - 10:00 am

  The clutch is weak if you plan to pull the rated 3500lbs. It will slip bad (with the peddel fully out)trying to pull a heavy boat out of the lake. Other than that it is a great truck, just too small of a bed for me.

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  another failed nissian - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Brenda - March 13 - 12:10 am

  just got it a month ago today..and already having problems w/ it. we returned a murano because of all the problems w/ that. and once again back to the shop. powersteering is completely gone and the steering wheel is making a clicking noise at not even 2000 miles.

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  My Nissan Stinks!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By kram1972 - February 20 - 10:30 am

  I bought my truck new off of the lot. Ran great for about 55k mi then hell broke loose. blower resistor blew ($150), then blower blew ($500), then at 45k mi a ujoints went and another at 59.5k mi. a week later PW on driverside blew, then last week with 64.5k mi i was informed that the motor needs to be replaced but guess what, 6yr-60k mile warranty is over and they wont touch it. oh, the timing chain is stretched to maximum limit and needs to be replaced and amazingly my oil pressure gauge hasnt moved since I bought the truck but i was 2 quarts low when I just had it serviced by Nissan. NEVER NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN!!!!

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  Thump - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By ku - January 29 - 7:56 pm

  When taking off from a full stop, there is a noticeable "thump" in this truck. Its almost like the rear end is going to fall out. Internet searches show other Frontier owners have reported the same problem. Internet forums say its axle warp and that a helper spring can fix the condition. Dealer service dept says nothing is wrong. Tired of bringing it back and having nothing done. Arm rest is too short too. Not a good experience with this truck. Had it two months and will be getting rid of it very soon via trade for a more dependable vehicle.