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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  Daily commuters delight - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By daily commuter - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck in 2001. my registration date was 9-11. This truck got 94,000 on original tires. 105,000 on brakes. 160,000 and counting on the clutch. I just took off the seat covers and the seats are like brand new. Im giving the truck to my son and I believe he will continue to enjoy it. I just got the front wheel alignment done for the first time last week. Mostly freeway miles but I have taken it in the mountains and to the ocean. I got 24 miles to the gallon but I had to cruise at 63 miles an hour to do it. If you put 89 octane in it you will get the 27 miles a gallon they claim. And you get to go 65 miles an hour. I will miss this vehicle.

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  My first nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By BOBRAT - February 13 - 7:30 pm

  My first foreign vehicle. Always been a chevy man. Worked for gm for over 23 years. I love this truck. The 265 hoarses are great. I may never go off-road, but i know if i have to, i can. And i cant wait for a serious snow storm!!!!!

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  NISMO Believer - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By GR - February 6 - 12:26 am

  Love this truck. Solidly built with great performance. This engine is sweet - climbs the steepest hills in 5th gear like a champ!! Test drove the Tacoma but liked this better. The cabin is more spacious and laid out more sensibly. The sightlines and front window much better than the Toyota. 4 WD works great on ice and snow. Nice and stable. Getting just over 18 mpg with mixed driving. Glad the salesman talked me into the Rockford-Fosgate 6 changer CD. This stereo is a MUST for your truck.

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  Kick Butt Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Jeckyll - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This truck is great. You get the best parts of an SUV, but you still have the convenience of a truck bed. Great towing capacity and the long bed makes it very stable. Back seat is a little cramped, but fine for younger kids, dogs or just storage. I only average about 19 MPG which I think could be a little higher. Funny thing is that it never seems to differ between hwy and city, or even towing my boat.The 3.3 liter is tough and strong, but not quite the pick I was looking for. I wish Nissan offered the 3.5 liter V-6 in the Frontier. I think that would be the icing on top and make this truck absolutely perfect.

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  My second Nissan truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Matt - January 14 - 9:40 am

  This is my second Nissan truck. My first was a 87 1/2 Hardbody and it served me well. It was a basic XE 2wd 5sp. I sold it with 70k miles to a friend who kept it for close to 200k miles. This 06 is lights years ahead of my 87 in every respect. I plan on keeping this 06 for 15 years. I was able to keep my 95 GMC Sonoma 4x4 for 11 years so I the Nissan being a better build vehicle should be able to meet that goal. My 95 was getting 18-19 in mostly city driving and my 06 is doing that with no problem. Considering the 06 is a bigger, heaver truck with more hp(155 for 05 vs 265 for 06)IMHO is pretty impressive in my book. Ride quality is impressive for the 06 compared to my 95.

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  great truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jeramy - January 10 - 10:26 am

  I have had this truck for a year and a half. I looked at the other midsized trucks and could not find a better deal. bought for 19k compaired to 26 or 27 for the others. I have driven in all conditions such as 4 feet of snow, dry roads, and some light off road. Never had a problem with the truck getting me where I want to go. I would buy again if I had the chance.

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  Love my Frontier!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By FrontierLuver - January 4 - 3:53 am

  Ive got 78,000 miles on my baby and I have no complaints whatsoever. Have not had one problem. Have done nothing but regular maintenance. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone looking for a good, solid, reliable little truck.

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  Almost perfect Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Little Mac - January 3 - 3:16 am

  This is my 2nd Frontier. First was a 2001 King cab with no place for my little dogs to sit and look out the window. They love the back seat of our new truck! Day after we got our truck we went on a 2000 mile road trip. MPG was 20-25. Best mpg is at 60-65 hwy. It might take you a little longer to get where your going but worth it at the pump. Better ride than my old truck more like a car. Turning radius took some time to get used to, old truck was much better.

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  my frontier - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By aprado - December 31 - 2:00 am

  at first i like the old hardbody design and then i needed a new one specially the crewcab having one child and a lot of people asking for help if they needed to move something, it turned out i wasnt wrong of chosing my frontier crewcab but sure would be better if it was timing chain instead of timing belt like the new pathfinder.thats all i did replace my timing belt and its new again.

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  The best mid size truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ADAM - December 22 - 5:40 am

  This truck has everything, you cant ask for more..the most v6 power than any other midsize truck, even topping out the V8 in the dodge dakota and being less cheaper in price...moreover i prefer the tacomas old look design over their new 2005 look and their base prices are more than the frontiers which is beyond me considering their truck does not offer anything more than the frontier does, in fact nissans V6 engine out performs their top v6 engine by almost 30 horsepower...