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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  so far, so good - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By maas - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I had a 95 Nissan pickup that never did me wrong, but it was time to get something newer. I decided to stick with Nissan due to my past experience. I love this truck, but I keep hearing about people having problems with them and that scares me. One thing I can say is that the A/C makes some strange noises that I fear will mean problems in the future. Also, my clutch pedal squeaks. Gas mileage stinks big time. Overall, I think its great, but Im still worried that it will end up having some problems .

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  Satisfaction! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Richard S - November 10 - 10:16 am

  Bought new in 1999. 135,000 miles to date. Very few problems. Usual maintenance. Have original muffler and brakes. Not the greatest pickup performance and uses more gas due to the cab it carries on back. But cant complain mileage. Have owned Toyota, Mitsubishi and Mazda models. This Nissan has been by far the best!

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  Great Lil Truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By ATG - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Has been a great little work horse. Have hauled "lots of materials in it. Really fun to drive! Get a lot of comments about its looks!

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  the best compact pick up - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By moe - November 1 - 10:00 am

  the vehicle has good handeling.i recomend getting the sport package its worth it.for mild offroading its great.in the xe model it needs a locking rear axle but other wise a great truck

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  My review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Heather Cousins - October 27 - 10:00 am

  i may have gotten ripped off on the price, but its a great truck!

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  excelent truck for fun ride.. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By fahri - October 26 - 4:13 am

  thats the first time im having brand new truck in my life. I love to drive it around. plus its fun inside outside everything just perfect..

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  Awesome Power - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By crazzzycanuck - October 24 - 4:36 am

  Ive owned many trucks over the years, and this 2006 Nissan Frontier 4WD is by far the best yet! Power, body style, reliability and toughness make it one truck Ill be using for a long time.

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  2008 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SE - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By wlong336 - October 22 - 5:50 pm

  When I decided that it was time to buy a truck I narrowed my choices down to the Tacoma, Dakota, and the Frontier. I quickly decided that the Tacoma was out of my price range, so that left the Dakota and the Frontier. When you put these two trucks side by side there is no comparison the Frontier wins by a knockout. Its bigger, more powerful and comes with way more features for a smaller price tag. I love this truck, its is fun to drive, looks great with the chrome grill and bumpers unlike the cheap grey plastic bumpers of similarly priced Dakotas. Also, there may only be 23 reviews on this site for the Frontier but every one is good. That has to say something!

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  Great Value, Quality & Reliable - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Keith - October 16 - 1:03 pm

  You cannot go wrong with this truck or really any Nissan. Good quality and no issues to report. Great acceleration and power for size of engine and vehicle. Own the 5 speed and had cruise installed at dealer when purchased new.

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  Solid truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Russ1999 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Always been very dependable, reasonably comfortable, and extremely practical. Never a problem. Top reliability.