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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  Dont regret buying my Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - September 3 - 7:56 am

  I checked out all the midsized trucks and quickly eliminated all the american trucks. I liked the Tacoma and Ridgeline but the Frontier was just as good with more standard equipment and a better price. It rides better than my 2002 Jeep Liberty. It has excellent pickup while averaging 17 mpg.

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  nice truck - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By jbumx2 - September 2 - 10:34 am

  This is my first truck and first Nissan. I sold my TSX to buy a truck so I could do more camping trips with my family. So let me just get this out of the way... I love this truck. It drives perfect. I usually drive conservatively and this truck is very nice and comfortable just cruising around. But when you need the power, this thing doesnt hesitate. The engine has a nice growl when you get on the gas. The interior is simple but works. The materials are hard plastic. Coming from the TSX and my wifes CR-V, I personally feel the switches in the Nissan are not as high quality, but they work nonetheless. (Im probably just not used to them.) I got the Navy Blue and I cant stop looking at it.

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  Love the Truck, but..... - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By hogtastic - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck. Plenty of Power, plenty of room and lots of features. Have no real complaints on the overall quality of the truck. The one concern that I cannot get my dealership or Nissan to address (and in the overall quality it is minor) is the character display in the XM Radio mode. The dealer replaced the stereo once but still doesnt work right. Displays all characters when connected to the iPod or when a CD has the data available but not in XM Mode. If I turn the truck off & then immediately restart, then it will display all the XM characters but Nissan says it is not malfunctioning. Again, a minor issue but very frustrating when dealer and mfg act like there is nothing wrong.

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  Top Notch Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Greg Gumbo - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an 84 Nissan truck, a 95 XE V6 ext cab, and now the 2003 Frontier XE V6 Desert Runner. By far the best Nissan I have owned to date. Every design short coming of my previous truck ( which were few) have been re vamped and nicely modernized. Nissan continues to lead the pack in design and performance. My 95 2WD being the work horse it was, I opted to buy an 2WD Frontier. With the added ground clearance, who needs 4WD? She gets me every where I wanna go........

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  Excellent import , beats any domestic! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Lear - August 28 - 3:20 pm

  As with any of the top-3 Japanese auto makers (Nissan/Toyota/Honda), this Nissan is an excellent quality vehicle. Designed and build with quality materials and engineering for many of use, not just the first 2-5 years, then ragg-out. Very reliable, excellent resale, great mileage. Cant beat it!

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  Great truck - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By mark383 - August 25 - 4:45 pm

  I bought a new 2006 Toyota Tacoma V6 Prerunner and never really liked it. It was way too sensitive to any wind. It took a tight grip on the steering wheel to keep it on the road on a windy day. If it had been windy the day I test drove it, I would never had bought it. The Frontier drives great on windy days and very little wind noise compared to the Tacoma. It rides better, gets better fuel mileage, better transmission and has more power. The only gripe is the interior scratches easily and the turning radius is not as tight as the Tacoma. I went from a truck I hated to a truck I love to drive. That says it all.

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  First Pickup - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By DEH - August 24 - 1:30 pm

  This is my first pickup and I must say that I am exceptionally pleased with all aspects of this truck. As a previous Nissan owner I have been familiar with the product but again, this was an outstanding value and product.

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  Takes a licking, keeps on ticking! - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By brownmanintexas - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Truck purchased new in 2-99; traded in a buzzy bouncy crappy 98 regular cab Toyota Tacoma. What an upgrade! I love this truck. It has the 4 cylinder engine; as such acceleration is not comparable to gas guzzling V8s. BUT, go west of Kerr County where a 75 MPH speed limit is common. 85MPH in 5th with 24 MPG is no problem with this high revving 16 valve engine. Engine is exceptionally smooth and quiet at speed. Throw away the OEM Firestones and OEM shocks. Buy 4 Bridgestone AT Revos tires and Gabriel Max-Control shocks. Then, enjoy this inexpensive and extraordinary tough little truck. I do.

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  2004 Nissan SC-6 4D is GREAT - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By trigger557 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Great TRUCK and highly recommend it. Crew Cab SC-v6 and Long Bed options are the way to go. Love the purchase.

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  Nissan Forever - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Tweety12 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my truck the first week the new body style hit the dealership. Nissan took a chance with this risky design and won by a mile. I owned a Toyota 4x4 before and thought I loved it until I got my Nissan. I have tested the limits of this truck and it has not failed to meet a challenge yet. The only visits have been for routine maitenance and the service dept has been great. I agree it could have more power without the supercharger since I pull a large boat, but as it is, it steps right up to the plate. I have become Nissans best advertisement. If your are considering a Crew Cab Nissan, dont hesitate.