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:

• 

  NISMO2NV - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Derek - July 31 - 7:16 am

  If you want a good allround daily driver that doesnt mind rough roads and getting down and digging with it on the weekends you have found the right truck. I have owned my truck for about 6 months now no problems I love the style, its a head turner I had a guy in a newer model vette giving it the look :) Only major problem is the gas milage but what do u expect out of a V6 pushing HP numbers of V8s good vision I am a young driver but I see out well and can maneuver this truck pretty well. Not the same truck as the 04s no comparison they should have changed the name of it, it really exceeded my expectations.

• 

  best truck i ever had - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By nissan1 - July 30 - 1:13 pm

  reliable,sturdy and powerful. I put alot of miles on this truck during the first six months and it just keeps running smoother.

• 

  From a 95 Sonoma to an 06 NISMO - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Rocketman67 - July 29 - 12:13 am

  This is a truck that I new I was going to like when I ordered it but never thought it would be this nice. She is not perfect by any means but its a truck that when I get behind the wheel I just like to drive and drive an not necessarily go anywhere. It just feels good being behind the wheel. It has the NISMO package which I thought would have been a harsh ride but even upping the air in tire to 40 PSI is still comfy.

• 

  Tough to Beat - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By GWC - July 25 - 2:16 am

  Glad I chose this over the Tacoma, for the money, this is the truck. Nice, comfortable interior, smooth powerful engine, which beat some V-8s.Good looking exterior. Would like to have had some door protection. Installing a K & N filter & maybe a tornado for better fuel economy.

• 

  are ya kidding - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By redhot - July 21 - 11:36 am

  I just bought a new tundra, (let my wife take it over). Took over her frontier for work. Its a tuff little truck that can take a beating and gets great gas mileage. 4 cyl bear basics does the job, been getting 24 mpg driving across New Orleans. Pot holes, railroad tracks, ya name it, handles it all. Be my work horse till she wears out, gets wrecked, flooded or stolen. 29k on it.

• 

  Love my Frontier! - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By dafowler88 - July 18 - 2:11 am

  I purchased my Frontier PRO-4X in Jan 12 for $26,500. It was a slightly used 2011 model with 5700 miles. I couldnt be happier. The only thing I have had to do to it after putting 20k miles on it is change the battery which was replaced under warranty. The gas mileage is my only gripe, but I can live with that as I only have a 5 mile drive to work both ways (average 15.8, mostly city driving). I went with the Frontier over the Tacoma and F150 V6 mostly becuase of value but also because I just think its a much better looking truck than either of the latter two. The 4-wheel drive system is second to none (Maybe Jeep, I suppose). It has great get-up.

• 

  Kinda Used.. - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Origamiman - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I was driving a Crown Vic. I loved my roomy 4.6 V8 car,but i needed something more updated; plus, people always thought i was a cop. Loved the look of the Nissan for the dollar. Both the Ford and Dodge had better engines, but the Dodge was too expensive and the jumpseats in the Ford are a joke. I settled on A Nissan XE 2002 barely used. It only had 4000 miles on it, and most of the features i wanted. I built my truck online and i would of had to pay much more money if was brand new. I got a find.

• 

  Good Quality Basic Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Peacefield - July 10 - 10:36 pm

  Handsome inside and out, good build quality, and comfortable. Too new to tell on reliability, but its already leading me to high expectations. Not a bad little engine and an easy clutch, though I wish the gear box felt more certain and direct through the stick to my hand. My only real complaint is that the truck suffers terribly from bump steer. You dont even have to be going very fast to be startled by it. Hit some bumps while going around the curve (or even going straight for that matter), and the wheels leave the road to come down some place different. That aside, its a nice driving truck and represents a very good value. Im happy with my purchase.

• 

  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Erol - July 6 - 4:46 am

  Had it for a month now and its a winner. By far the best crew cab out there. Great style, comfort and most of all power. the layout of the cabin is excellent, everything in easy reach. Feels like a full size truck

• 

  New Frontiers - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By John Daulton - July 3 - 9:29 am

  No problems with the power train or any systems. Drivers side cloth seat is worn, but I do that with all of my trucks.