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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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - August 26 - 7:06 am

  I looked at all the Mid sized trucks, no better bang for the buck in the Frontier. Toyota would have been at least 6k more and who wants an 11 MPG dakota, an thats it in the mid-sized market. All that aside I love this truck! drives great fun to drive. absolutely no complaints. if your looking BUY ONE.

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  Bumpy take off - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert - August 23 - 12:23 pm

  Truck runs great, drives great, however I have a "bump start" feel on launch from a stop. Very annoying. Drive shaft already replaced but they are looking at it again this week. Too much grease in the slip yoke causing the drive shaft to "hang" or stick and release when the brakes are released and you accelerate. It feels like the axle moves out from under the truck and then the truck moves. I can only feel it in the seat. You can put the truck in neutral and it wont do it as it takes the pressure off of the shaft and it equalizes.

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  poor fuel economy - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - August 16 - 11:16 pm

  The truck is good looking and has sufficient power. Truck has been well taken care of and has met the off road demands that I have placed on it. Interior and exterior are well designed. A crowed favorite.

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  More bang for $$ then Tacoma! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Critter - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great midsize truck,plenty of getty up,handle and rides nice for a 4x4. Youll pay 2-3 K for Tacoma same equipt. Dont think Toy is that much better if at all! Fuel is so-so 16-18 normal. 20-22 Hiway! Yes would buy again best truck Ive had in along time. Its head and shoulder over my old 94 Nissan. Had 160 k when I bought the new one. Bang the buck Frontier is it!

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  I Like It - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By pcs - August 7 - 6:06 pm

  I love my truck, but want to be honest in my review. Complaints are 1.) The front seats cant be lowered enough for someone my height (62"). I am looking through the blue tint at the top of the windshield at everything above the horizon. 2.) When you go over bumpy road at highway speeds the truck is all over the road. White-knuckles on the steering wheel. 3.) The knobs for the a/c controls couldnt feel any cheaper. It feels like they are about to break off every time I touch them. 4.) Looking at the other reviews, how can anyone give it a 10 for fuel economy? Im getting about 14.2 mpg.

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  Great truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By gene - August 7 - 5:26 pm

  Checked out Frontier, Tacoma and Ranger. I wanted a 2 wheel drive and really disliked the Tacoma 2 wheel drive appearance. I had owned two Rangers and felt, after the drive, that the Frontier was the most bang for the buck. I have not been disappointed.

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  Would I Buy It Again? - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By 49er - August 7 - 10:00 am

  My 1998 Frontier has been a very reliable truck considering that the nearest Nissan dealer is 87 miles away and that I have never had to tow it in! The Nissan pastic decal on the tailgate has refused to stay on after two trys at dealership gluing. I finally had them take it off and buff the paint under it (at my expense!). The radio light is starting to go on and off. I have yet to take it off- road, but its nice to know the four- wheel is there, especially in Montana! Make sure that you have a person in the know wire yours for a trailer! I feel that I got my moneys worth. Not real great gas mileage - but better than a V-8.

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  Exellent Truck!! - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Cartier - August 3 - 3:06 pm

  I bought this truck with 40k miles. 145k now. The only problem so far was the muffler. I replace it and the truck keeps performing like new. I am a snowboard instructor. In winter I take this truck to the mountains and is just the perfect truck for it. I replaced the stereo for a nice eclipse deck new speakers and a sub. This truck is comfortable. I haul a 20ft boat and it does not have any problem. Plenty of torque!!

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  saved my life - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By D Coyne - August 1 - 5:10 pm

  I bought this truck just in time I owned a little SUV and wanted something a little bigger in case of an accident. Well a few months after I purchased this truck I was rear ended on a freeway by a semi truck going they say 41-50 miles per hour I was at stop and this semi hit me and I hit 4 other cars. I walked out of it I do have a broken lower back and a really batter up body after the accident but it saved my life. The frame on the frontier is well built. My family and I really loved the truck. The only down fall about it is the gas mileage and could use a little more leg room in the back. The ride is like a truck and feels like youre driveing a big truck and has a nice feel to drive.

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  Frontier 4X4 Crew Cab 2000 - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By sleeksteel - July 31 - 1:58 pm

  Extraordinary performance and quality. The best vehicle I have ever owned. Bought it new and have had this 2000 model since winter of 1999. Have close to 200,000 miles! I will keep this truck forever. Have a couple of rust spots, which I sprayed rust remover, sanded it off, and painted it. My truck still looks like new with some minor dents. I keep up with the maintenance: oil, lubes, tires, tune-ups, etc. I enjoy off-roading out in the country.