5 Star Reviews for Nissan Frontier

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.45/5 Average
1,385 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 441 through 450 of 1,385.00
  • 7 Year Update - 2000 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    This is an update of my post 3/21/02. Ive kept up on the maintenance. Nothing has broken, unless I have bent or smashed it. ABS doesnt work when you are going backwards down a snow covered hill. K&N air filter helped mileage. Still getting 18.5 average and 20+ on trips. Still no squeaks or rattles, though it sees a fair amount of logging roads. The regulator on the left rear window went out Feb 06 / 88,500 miles. Extended warranty covered it, otherwise it would have been $300. Quoted just under $900, to change the timing belt, seals, water pump, belts and hoses at 105k. It doesnt need hoses or a water pump, but since they are tearing into it, I wont have to worry for another 100k miles.

  • Frontier XE (4 Cyn/ 2.5) 5 Speed - 2004 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    Excellent ride for a truck. The Stabizer bar makes it handle better. ABS feature is excellent, it has helped me avoid a couple of accidents! Hansome both in and out! Its the same reliable engine I expect from Nissan. Also, the XE has a reasonable price and has all the BASIC features one needs. Its great for hauling all kinds of heavier or bulky items, yet great for daily commutes. Although the 4 cylinder could use more power/torque, most of the time I do not need 6 cylinder power/fuel consumption on a daily basis--especially with gas prices increasing every moment! Overall: Thumbs Up!

  • Amazed - 2010 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    Set out to purchase a Tacoma, have owned them in the past. The Pro4x, though, blew me away. The interior of this vehicle is incredibly high quality and supremely comfortable. The paint is terrific, body panel gaps consistent. The ride on broken Northern pavement is great - no see-sawing - handles bad roads with aplomb. It is a blast to drive, handles well, easier to manage in tight confines that a full-size. Live in a rural area; has handled flooded roads and off-road conditions well. Burns regular grade fuel. Great truck!

  • Prod date 11/04 compared to a 03/05 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    Purchased prod date 11/04 on 1/05, numerous problems [eng rattle, hard pull right, r/r dr pnl incorrect, clunk in drivetrain accell/decel, shudder 3-4 shift trans, brk pedal squeak, washer nozzles misaligned, rolls too far in park, hood & sunvisors vibrate, r/f rear seat trim panel broke off, r/f a pillar rattle, a/c knobs loose, prk brake out of adjustment, frt windows grind up/down] dealer said normal- not!!! Traded back in for same model later prod date 03/05-different characterist truck-no problems. Love the truck-awesome power 4.0L, ride, handling great, bigger than my 01 nis frontier 2wd cc xe; electric blue screams buy me! Love the red dash lights & fact sprayed bed liner!

  • First Impressions - 2007 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    Ive only owned the vehicle for less than a week now, so this review is not intended to be anything more than the title states. Im only 58" and feel that the seats are made to fit my size perfectly, so taller drivers may have issues with comfort. Im generally very pleased with everything about this truck and pretty well initially convinced that I made the right purchase. Only time will tell if this is a lasting impression.

  • Great truck for a lot of gas - 2003 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    My Frontier is a great truck: fun to drive, comfortable, reliable, does everything I ask it to without complaining. But my only complaint is that it sucks gas like no one elses business. I average about 15-16 MPG. Granted, I live in the city, which isnt optimal for fuel efficiency, but it still hurts the pocket book. It still gets below average gas milage on the freeway (about 16-17 MPG), but its still better than in the city. My recommendation, if you do a lot of freeway driving or dont live in the city, its a great truck to drive. If you live in the city, you better be rich.

  • 2007 SE 4x4 CC LB - 2007 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    I checked out the Tacoma and the Ridgeline prior to purchasing the Frontier. I didnt like the Tacoma ride and the cost. The Ridgeline was very nice, but not "trucky" enough for me. The ride and feel are so much better than the 2005 Ranger I traded. I have owned two other Nissans and this is the best yet.

  • Tundra Trader - 2007 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    I traded in my 2006 Tundra sr5 4x4 doublecab for the Frontier. it outshines the toyota by miles. parking, cornering in tight situations, gas mileage, you name it. Its too bad more people dont test drive these trucks cause they rock.

  • Best Purchase - 2006 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    I have nothing bad to say about this truck.I was concerned about the gas mileage, but just have been pleasantly suprised.The numbers come in way above the door estimate. Im getting @22 mpg driving to and from work and just got back from a road trip where I got @ 26 mpg on the highway.

  • great truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
    By -

    the only thing wrong with this truck is the turning radius. Ive driven full size trucks that turn better than the frontier. Other than that, it is a blast to drive and carries my atv and I dont even notice the weight.

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area