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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  This is truly a truck of all trucks! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By John - January 17 - 7:16 am

  I originally wanted to purchase a 06 Dodge Dakota (4 door). After test driving and noticing what was not offered, I was disappointed. I looked into the Frontier by accident, and after test driving it, I fell in love with it. For the amount of money you pay, it is so worth it! Nissan did a great job with the interior design. Everything makes sense and layed out well. I love the subwoofer and the installed satellite radio. The spray on bed liner is an added bonus. Overall, the frontier drives great, looks like a million bucks, and definatly gets the looks.

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  2010 frontier review - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By lwl222 - January 14 - 3:15 pm

  this truck is a 4 wheel drive and I had to use it in the snow to go to work, I had no problem on the freeway and I needed to learn the 4 wheel drive system. I drove it off road to retrieve a fellows stuck car and had no problems driving in the snow. I am happy with this truck, and it was $10,000 cheaper than the Toyota of the same year model . I have had it for 5 years now and it is paid for. im very pleased with this truck.

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  Frontier Rocks - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jakefrontier - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The Frontier really could be used on the open Frontier.

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  nice truck! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By crew10 - January 12 - 10:56 pm

  Wow, I cant believe all the silly things people were complaining about on the 09 models. Its not a 45000 dollar truck! I have the 2010 crew cab(same as 09) se 4+4 with the 4.0 v6. You get alot of truck for under $30,000. just go buy it!

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  Great Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By bryane - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought new 1n 11/98. 54,000 miles now. Not one single problem. Yes, I would have liked to have more power from the four, but it does OK. Truck rides better than my partners 98 Jeep Cherokee.Great in the snow and for hauling mulch, plants etc. I look forward to driving this truck for 10 years.

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  First time nissan owner - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By JOHN B - January 10 - 11:06 am

  This vehicle is roomy and is very functional i really feel that it has good build quality.

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  Insert review title here - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By jwb0507 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Nissan Frontier SE 4WD now for 7 months and I have almost no complaints. It performed well for me in the summer heat of NC and now is doing great in the winter snow of NH. I never worried about getting to work. In 4WD it is a bit difficult to make sharp turns (i.e. parking lot) but I guess its standard with a 4WD. Its a bit difficult to get in and out of the truck. The step rail is more for decoration. I was thinking of getting a car but I like the versatility of a truck with 4 doors. I guess its the truck for the undecided.

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  Love This Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By buffy72396 - January 3 - 6:46 pm

  We replace a car for this truck, and so far just love it, we have 5000 miles on it. Looked at the Tacoma but this was a lot more truck for the money. We have the SE pkg and 4 wheel drive. Gives you a very nice ride. Gas mileage was a little low till we put on the Bakflip cover and that improved mileage 25% to 30%. Well worth the money for the cover. Will pay for itself.

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  Read here for performace upgrade - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By bgbg - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought new. AT leaked back of tranny, dealer fixed on third try, tech from Japan looked at it. Front sway bar endlinks nuts,washer breaks. Replaced with plyurethane bushing with hardware included from Baxter Auto. Shocks: Monroe reflex all 4. Mileage now 58k. No major problem, I do my own oil chg and maintenace.

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  My "Little Goat" - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By j-shoota - December 31 - 10:00 am

  For my first New vehicle, I wanted something that is versatile to all my needs. I commute, I like to go "out", Im a camper/hunter/snowboarder, who likes to "roll" with his "boyz". First, this sucker can climb. The clearance is nice and handy. It has the solid/heftiness of the "american" made trucks but doesnt have the bulkiness, which came in handy MANY times while 4-wheelin. The look turns heads, along w/ the upgraded stereo. The 3.3L engine is not enough for its weight. Rides smooth and solid. I found it a little difficult to make tight turns into parking spots, especially with an extended bed (gotta have the extended bed).