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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  Exactly as expected. - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Tsunami - November 25 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 2nd nissan pick-up. Had last one for 8 years with no major problems. The bench seat was wearing me out before I could wear the truck out. I love this truck and it is much improved over my older 96. The four wheel drive goes terrific in the snow up here in New England! Im 58" and have plenty of room in the truck, I think though that a large person might be cramped. A friend of mine was looking at a Dodge, I steered him towards the Nissan and he loves his truck as well. I fully expect to drive this truck for atleast 10 to 15 years.

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  Great Truck...Period! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Czech1 - November 24 - 9:40 pm

  Like the title says, Great Truck...Period! Did a lot of shopping and comparing before deciding on the Frontier. Standard features plus what you get with the SE V6 Value Pkg blew the others away. Absolute best value out there. The ride is very smooth and quiet, transmission shifts are almost unnoticeable, more power than expected, handles great. Fit and finish is awesome. Especially surprised at how little, if any wind noise at highway speeds. Plenty of interior room. Interior is rather plain but very functional. Ive only got 2000 miles on it but on my last trip I avg 24.5 mpg on the highway. I highly recommend this truck!

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  All Around Decent Truck, But... - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Squid - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Lots of people have complained about the gas mileage and yes its not great. Recently, got about 315 miles on 15.6 gallons. Thats about 20 MPG with mostly highway driving and thats what the sticker said, so Im not complaining. Very pleased with the long bed. Ive run into quite a few instances where the extra length was needed. I really like the overall versatility of the truck. It seats five (somewhat comfortably) and yet still has plenty of room in the bed for bikes, fishing gear, whatever.

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  Tacoma or Frontier - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Thom Phillips - November 21 - 7:15 am

  I set out to buy a Tacoma, but several factors set my decision on the Frontier. First The Dealer "Sparks" was as useless as a three legged horse. No help on the trade of my 2013 Prius that had hail damage. and the cost of the Tacoma was going to cost me more that 5K than the better equipped Frontier. SV Package included Tow PKG, Extend a bed Dual control Heat/AC, Heated Seats, Auto Dim Mirror with thermometer and compass built in fabric seats etc. The ride is much better than my Prius noisewise and comfort wise, The acceleration is excellent and the steering seems nice and tight. The Dealer "Grand Strand Nissan" and the sales and management were excellent. They offered more than 5k on my trade than the Toyota was willing to give. I noticed a superficial scratch on the tail gate spoiler and mentioned it to my sales agent and the shop manager came out looked and said well replace it without a problem. I could have lived with it but being a new truck I was happy they offered. Great overall experience

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  Love My New Truck! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By chuck - November 20 - 9:06 am

  I totalled my Toyota Tacoma into a deer running across the road, limped into Nissan, and bought this truck on the spot. After a 130 mile trip back home, I fell in love with it. I recommend this truck over the Toyota, which I had put on nearly 200,000 miles. 2000 Tacoma by the way. The 4.0 runs very well, effortless, even at altitude here in Wyoming!

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  Noisy Fun - 2015 Nissan Frontier
  By Joseph A. Tony Miranda - November 17 - 3:16 am

  The truck is fun to drive, has excellent acceleration, decent gas mileage but is very noisy. Not wind noise but road noise. Can barely hear radio unless its above 15 on the volume scale and higher than that if the AC is on high. It is like they forgot to install the insulation.

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  nissan frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mark - November 16 - 6:20 am

  the little engine that could, it pulls a 3800 pound bass boat in wv mountains, no problems. I still get great mpgs, and I have given zero power away to a "fool" size pickup, this is my first Nissan, I have previously been sold on Toyota, but the Frontier kicks its tail.

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  Relatively Speaking - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By finalfrontier - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This is truck for truck guys, unless you need it to haul stuff and go off road on a regular basis there are more car like options (like cars and those danged SUVS). It needs better brakes and a new engine not to mention better paint and more room in the back as well as better NVH insulation among other things. On the other hand its cheap, tough as nails, very utilitarian and looks good. Plus its loaded and will last forever, has very low maintenance and retains its residual value way better than Ford, Chevy, GMC or Dodge (not as much as the Taco though).

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  Great so far - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Newby Nissan - November 14 - 4:00 pm

  I have only had my Frontier for a few weeks but by far it is a great improvement over my 2005 F150. Had tranny problems with that at 15,000 miles. Got tired of fighting it and traded off. This is faster, drives better and gets way better mileage then F150. great value. Toyota was way out of line on price and a dog compared to this Frontier.

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  Perfect Upgrade - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By drumbob - November 12 - 10:06 pm

  Went from a 2001 Nissan Frontier SE DR to the 2005 CC Nismo. Its a great ride and my gas mileage is better. Even though its a Nismo Off Road it still rides better than my old 2001. Plenty of power if I need it. Can take it on a road trip and really enjoy the ride. Dont plan on much off roading but it may help here in the mountains in the winter.