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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  2005 Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By 2005 Frontier - October 23 - 5:56 am

  Love the durability and handling of this truck. Tows my trailer without any problems or lack of horse-power. Bed is more like a full size pickup and the interior feels like a full size truck. A big improvement over the previous generation of mini pickups.

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  Good vehicle - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Ken - October 11 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my truck new in 1999. I only have about 65,000 miles on it. I have not had a single problem with it in all these years. The air conditioner is just as cold today as it was the day I drove it off the lot. The car has not been back to the dealership since I bought it. I do change the oil/filter about every 5,000 miles. It still runs like a sewing machine. Gas mileage is about 19 in town and 24 on the highway (65 mph). Did have to replace factory radio.

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  very good - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By leo diegas - October 7 - 2:00 am

  very reliable,multi-functinal truck you got an suv and ttruck at the same time very practical design.......

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  Bang for your Buck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Wheeler69 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Price was the best. Comfort was great.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan - October 6 - 7:50 am

  Test drove a Tacoma, didnt like the car like interior. Then drove the Frontier and loved it. I have owned it for 8 months now a have no regrets!!!

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  New yet - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By JERRY TAYLOR - October 1 - 12:20 am

  After much research on smaller pickups, im pleased with my choice. After looking at ford and tacoma this was the obvious choice. Only had it 2 weeks, but im happy.

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  First one - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By LaEmperor - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan truck (had a 300zx and a 510 before).I took a chance a bought a repo and I love it.The truck is perfect for what I need it to do which is light to medium hauling and tooling around. I am very satisfied with this truck

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Grace - September 19 - 3:43 am

  This is a really great truck. The 6 cyl gets great gas mileage-20mpg with a mix of city and highway. It has lots of storage compartments under the rear seat and you have to love the sprayed bed. The turning radius takes some getting used to. It has all the basic features one would need on a truck, plus more. We were fortunate to get model without the tacky roof rack although I wouldnt mind the running boards (Im 52).

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  AWESOME small truck!! - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By chris3215 - September 14 - 1:57 pm

  This is my very first light weight truck and I will tell you I love the way it handles and I drive manual so the 6 speed if great, fast pick up in speed, great to take out on the trail. This truck out shines all the GMC light weight and Chevys light weight is how well made it is nothing cheap on the Frontier. Looking very forward to many years with this truck. Well worth what I paid.

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  Great vehicle so far - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bob2468 - August 27 - 7:51 pm

  I compared Frontier & Tacoma - other than interior design the Frontier is way ahead... exterior, ride, driver comfort, performance, road noise, value. My past vehicles were 4 cylinder compact cars, so this was a big change. Love it so far! Getting about 21mpg in mostly city driving using a/c - better than I expected (easy on the gas, manual transmission). Back seats are just fine for the kids. Cant speak to reliability yet. Black/Beige, SV package OEM step rails, extender, fogs Truxedo bed cover