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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Fun to drive, beautiful to look at - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By jjpeter - June 11 - 10:23 pmPros: Wonderful power, but even cruising leasurely this truck just gives you confidence, knowing it can just leap forward with a slight tip in on the right hand pedale Massive brakes and sure stopping power. Handling; again, confidence inspiring, solid, feels like the wheels are planted five feet beyond the fenders. The seats; the best I have ever experience in ANY car. Tough, beautiful fabric, looks like it will last 100 years. Dash; fully functional, everything reads at a quick glance. Stereo controls on the steering wheel are NICE. Sitting height, perfect, commanding view of the road, yet its easy to enter and exit the cab.
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Tough little truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By CL Owens - June 9 - 11:03 pmI have taken this truck off road as much as city streets and highways. It has been a great vehicle with decent performance. Acceleration is a little lacking but towing is not a problem at all. Top speed is limited by Nissan at around 95-97 MPH. My truck is loaded with the limited slip differential, skid plates, power everything, cruise, running boards, roof rack (which will actually hold the rated 125 lbs its rated for). My truck came from factory with P265/70R15 BFG all terrain tires and full size spare. GVWR as equipped is 5220 lbs. This vehicle is my daily commuter, toy, toy hauler, and work truck.
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A Very Nice Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By JimG - June 7 - 11:50 amA very well-built and nice looking truck, fun to drive, plenty of power. The towing cap. is very good.
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Great, except for the headlights - 1998 Nissan Frontier
By Floyd - June 6 - 11:26 pmI bought my Nissan Frontier brand new, on the advice of a Toyota dealer friend of mine. He said, "Toyota trucks are great, but so are the Nissans, and theyre cheaper." After 8 years and 124,000 miles with my Frontier, I couldnt agree with him more. My truck has been great: no major repairs, no recalls, no production defects. Just change the oil every 6,000 miles and enjoy trouble-free performance. Very comfortable driving position. The 4 cyl. motor is a little underpowered, but the gas mileage is great (21.5 to 28.5 mpg). My only complaint is that the headlights burn out every 18 to 24 months, but you can easily replace the bulbs yourself at a cost of about $13.
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Very Solid Crewcab 4x4 Mountain Truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By peijae - June 2 - 10:25 pmI am person that has had over 35 cars since the age of 16, partially from hobby and partly for experience. The best vehicle I had owned was the 2008 Tacoma, but had to get out of heavy payments and let it go. Since then I always wished from at least a small truck bed after a few SUVs. Living in the mountains of Colorado, I need plenty of power, decent fuel economy, passenger room and real 4x4 utility. Not the easiest combo to find. I ended up getting a Frontier and it is truly one excellent mountain truck. Lifted, built, 33s, 5 speed, headers and intake: Excellent power up and down hills, 15-22 mpg, and very capable off road. I like it as much as my old 2008 Toyota Tacoma. A 200k keeper.
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Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By Don - May 31 - 3:03 pmJust love this vehicle, added a wood grain kit in the interior to take your eye off the plastic, looks great. Very responsive 4.0 litre engine, not bad on gas for a V6.
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Big improvement! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Bob - May 24 - 12:10 pmI traded a 98 Frontier with more than 130,000 miles on it. Dead reliable and relatively economical, but ride was harsh and interior uncomfortable for long trips. Nissan learned their lesson with the new Frontier. Very comfortable, roomier, and the increased torque make this heavier vehicle peppier than its predecessor. I got the plain jane of the line, but am very satisfied with the package. Toyota wouldnt try to find a 4 cylinder Tacoma, but the Nissan dealer was happy to and cut a great deal. Average 22 mpg around town; 24 on the road. Nice job, Nissan!
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Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By vuch - May 22 - 4:16 amI have a Crew Cab SE. This is a great truck to drive. Plenty of power, good interior space. I think it is the best looking mid-size truck on the market. The Utili-track and factory spray in bedliner are great also. I have a noise in the engine that is on a technical service bulletin hopefully it will be fixed the next time I bring the truck in. If you are in the market for a truck take the Frontier out for a test drive...you wont be disapointed.
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Very Happy - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By PacificCoast - May 20 - 4:33 pmI bought a 2006 Nismo CC 4x4, fully loaded. It was used, with 10,000 miles. I had read before that people claim it drives like a sports car, and it really does. It is a blast to drive. I have also been very pleasantly surprised with how smooth the ride is, even on the worst freeways (and even with the Nismo package). It has lots of room in the back seat, and a roof that rises so that taller people can sit in the back seat without hitting their head. Transmission is smooth, power plentiful. Rockford fosgate sound system is terrific. This truck is tough, it looks great, and it drives nice. What more could one ask for? Fuel economy is not bad for a truck.
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Great to Drive - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By FRONTIER LOVER - May 20 - 5:26 amI traded my 2000 Frontier for the 2005 model. After reading the Edmunds Reviews along with my experience with the 2000 there was no other choice. I looked at the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma, the Dodge Ram Series and those that GM had to offer, which confirmed my thoughts about the 2005 Frontier. I like the overall rugged looks of the exterior, the well laid out interior, its performance and roadability. I try to find reasons to get it out on the road and enjoy the drive. Best choice I ever made.
