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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  Great truck to have fun in!! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Steven - April 29 - 9:06 pm

  I bought this truck brand new while stationed at FT. Sill, OK. I used this truck to pull the biggest U-Haul trailer (I think its a 6x12) from there to Kansas City, MO. Thats about 455 miles. It was stuffed to the roof with belongings, including the interior of the truck, and the bed. It pulled it wonderfully at about 70 MPH the whole way. Only got about 7 miles to the gallon, but I was pulling roughly 3,000 lbs. I bought a reciever hitch to pull the trailer. I havent had a single problem with it, 4WD works great in snow and having fun in the muck.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By RoissyW4N44 - April 27 - 12:13 pm

  Ok,so maybe its a bit early,I just bought it a week ago,but so far it seems absolutely phenominal.The NISMO model is a bit tougher on the bumps,but then it is a 4x4 after all.If you are in the market for a midsize pickup I would look no further.After exhaustive research,not one of the others is as well equiped,or has as many great features.The Frontier is the only truck in its class with STANDARD four wheel disk brakes.Compared to the more popular Toyota Tacoma,this is the better truck.I think my only two complaints would have to be:no long box option,and gas milage seems a bit lower than expected.

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  Full Size Strength in a Mid Size - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Mac - April 26 - 7:23 am

  This truck is as fun to drive today as the day I bought it. It has plenty of power, amazing handling, great 4x4 features and capability, and it very comfortable. Reliability has been great so far, and the interior and exterior hold up well to the elements. Its a great looking truck, and I frequently get compliments on it.

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  Great for the money - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Monty - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a desert runner with v6 manual trans. This is my second Nissan truck. The first one was an 1988 HD long bed v6 that had 225000 miles. That truck held up so well I had to buy another. I love my new one, its so smooth and drives great. Everyone complains about the gas mileage but mine is no different than my old truck. I think the gearing is to low,the engine runs at 3000 RPM at 70 MPH, but it has 4x4 gearing.

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  Nissan aced this truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Dwight - April 9 - 8:16 pm

  I have owned Fords for over 12 years Great trucks but it was time for a change. The big thing was the fuel mpg for what i need a truck for a V8 is too much motor. If you need a kid hauler and you shop at Costco or Home Depot then you need to go test drive a Nismo crewcab. Mpg on highway has been 22.7 in town is 17 to 18. Good sound system every time I am out someone says NICE TRUCK.. I am so sold on this truck tons of power and fun to drive. Gooo drive one put your foot into it.

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  Fantastic truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By osiris32080 - March 29 - 7:22 pm

  I was all about getting a Toyota Tacoma, drove several and liked the raised suspension, but the ride itself wasnt that strong. After I tested a Frontier, I was sold. Off-the-line pickup in this V6 reminds you of a V8. Have yet to tow anything, but have used the bed for hauling heavy furniture and havent noticed a change in the way it drives. There seems to be a strong dislike of the interior, but in my opinion, its a truck, and Im not expecting anything fancy. Very fun to drive, and even though I live in a big city, its not too hard to get around. Like previous reviews, the turning radius leaves much to be desired, but overall, I love this truck.

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  2005 Nissan Frontier XE - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - March 13 - 5:30 am

  This is a very nice truck to own. Very sharp looking truck. All my friends like the look of it and how it rides. Only problems I notice are: (1) your legs come close to hitting the lower dash; (2) truck horn is very wimpy and truck should have two horn buttons at each edge of steering wheel, not just one in center that is hard to use; (3) dont plan on getting any custom wheels for it because the 6 X 114.3 lug pattern is not standard size - there are very few makers of custom rims that will fit on the truck, very few custom rims will fit; (4) interior should have two dome lights, one near front of cab and other near the back of cab.

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  Cant live w/o a truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By flashbang - March 8 - 2:00 am

  stop by to pick up my tags for the 03 Altima I just bought last week. My 94 Ford Ranger 4x4 ( 170k miles) was killing me on gas. They had just got in this Sand Dune color Frontier. After a quick test drive I couldnt stand it anymore I had driven a truck for 8 yrs and had to have another. The ride is awesome and the long bed absorbs most of the road bounce. My wife loves the truck more than me I think. Anyway I was able to use my companies VPP (vehicle purchase program) agreement with Nissan to knock off $3800.

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  styling, power, roomy...i like it - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By wes - March 5 - 4:06 am

  this is the first truck ive owned, and its beat all my expectations...priced better than toyotas, roomier and more powerful too. nissan doesnt have the reputation of quality like toyota, but in my opinion, nissan is just as good if not better. time will tell, but resale values are improving on nissans because of it. great truck.

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  Buy one if you can find one! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Frontier freak - March 4 - 9:50 am

  I owned a 04 Frontier and traded in for the 05 2.5L/5-speed - well worth it. Bigger everything and still reliable, expect for some body squeaks. The truck never had any mentionable problems but routine main. & a battery (not counting two wrecks which it took like a champ) and its still running and hauling 1,000 lbs. well. I think the interior design and ergonomics are great for a king cab, and the bold exterior design sets it apart from the wimpier Tacoma and domestics. Would like to see a more stroked 4 (or inline 5?) base model - the 2.5 L does great for the weight of this sturdy truck, but acceleration and torque are issues. I hope to get the 4.0 next time.