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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  My First vehicle - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By truckgirl - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 nissan frontier and I love it. It is my first vehicle. The truck has been very good for me, I havent had any major problems with it. It gets me back and forth to where I need to go with no problems. I have fun driving the truck. Because of my experience with the truck I will probably buy another Frontier in the future.

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  Love My Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By ams27587 - December 30 - 5:30 am

  Great truck. Bought 1 year old with 9800 miles. Better styling and performance than the Toyota costing about $3K more. 3 years and 64K miles later, still enjoy this truck. Some minor problems encountered, including A/C high pressure hose replaced twice, power steering pump leak and some unexplained rattling underneath the driver. Dealer has been generally cooperative. The supercharged engine delivers great torque but at a cost of barely 14 mpg around town. I now drive my wifes car during the week due to having to fill up every 4-5 days. All in all, a great truck and very reliable and still looks great for a 4 year old.

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  Fantastic Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Bowhunter - December 27 - 7:03 am

  Gotta love this truck. Handles well, plenty of power, great fuel economy and its just fun to drive. I have the 6 speed manual transmission and couldnt be happier

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  Truck of the Year - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - December 21 - 12:53 pm

  Bought 2005 Frontier King Cab, w/NISMO package in Red. This truck is awsome. It has huge horspower / torque and lots of cool features you can add on. It rides great and pretty much whoops on all other midsize truck that have a V6 engine. I upgraded and got the Audio Package, Bed Package with liner ect.., the in cabin microfilter, and alarm.

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  Id Buy it Again - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By bansko - December 21 - 5:23 am

  Ive put 8,000 miles on this truck so far, including hundreds on gravel and dirt through a Wyoming winter, and I have no regrets. No warranty issues of any kind. The V6 has plenty of power and the steering and handling are excellent on and off pavement. I considered the Tacoma since I like the looks slightly better, but Toyota has had some serious quality/recall issues with the Tacoma over the last 10 years. That, and the fact that toyata wants a few thousand more for an equally equipped truck leaned me toward Nissan. The Frontier is indeed a rugged, no-nonsense truck. I expect to drive it for many years. BTW, JD Powers just ranked it the top midsize pickup for 2012.

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  Frontier Braker$$$ - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By DANO - December 20 - 10:20 am

  Researched several brands before purchasing Frontier. Looked to be the best value for the money. Fit and finish were tight with no apparent problems. Interior entry is difficult for tall or large frame people. Seating is comfortable on short and long trips. Interior is sparten with lots of vinyl. Only one recall for crash sensor in front due to corrosion. Rear box is functional with the spray-on bed liner, lock down hooks and bed extender are a complete loss for our usage. Tires make a lot of road noise which permeates thru cabin area, but is manageable. Brakes have been a major disappointment on this vehicle, both in stopping and replacement (22000) much to premature for 25k trk

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  Great truck!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Terry - December 10 - 12:46 pm

  Great truck, fun to drive. First new Vehicle, but I researched every midsize truck available. Frontier had the best bang for the buck. Ive had a couple of issues but they were handled by the dealer with little trouble.

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  The Only Choice - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan - December 5 - 5:00 pm

  I looked at all the similar trucks (Dakota, Ranger, Colorado, Toyota, Honda). I drove them all. There is no doubt that this is the best truck of the group. It performs with speed far better than any thing else. Its look and feel is much nicer than all the rest. It is comfortable and fun to drive. From someone who has always owned SUVs (Grand Cherokee, Explorer, Murano, Suburban, and Durango), this rates right up there with any of them in terms of driving comfort. Nissan has their act together.

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  Frontier Desert Runner - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By crazymagman - November 29 - 7:23 am

  Have had the truck just over a year and have not been overly thrilled. As a Desert Runner it is fun to drive off road and you can go anywhere you want, but it feels unconnected from the road and like it is working very hard on the interstate to keep up to speed. Its okay, but not quite as good as I would have liked.

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  Rugged and Reliable - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By rod71 - November 28 - 5:12 am

  I had this truck for about 7 mths now. Bought new. It is a rugged little truck. I say little even though its consider as a mid size truck. On the out side it gives the illusion that its has a roomer interior. Nissan could have made it a few in wider and added a few in of leg room for back seat passengers. 1 week after having the truck I exp. a loud clanking noise during start ups, and while driving until the engine warmed up. The dealer tried to tell me it was normal but turn out to be a loose cooling fan. Now my drivers side window makes scraping noise when the window is let up or down. Looks like I need a new regulator. Other than that its a great truck, but with bad gas mileage.