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:

• 

  Good No-Frills Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By doug - September 26 - 5:33 am

  I wanted a basic, simple truck, and thats what I got- roll-up windows, the horn doesnt beep when I lock/unlock the door, no power stuff to break. I like the 5-speed and 4- cylinder combination, although I have to gear down on hills even more than with my manual shift Camry. Dont even think of mating a 4-cyl with a slushbox. Only one nit-pick so far. The lower grille is a gaping empty hole leaving the radiator and A/C condenser with no protection from flying rocks. I am thinking of bolting a piece of stiff 1/4-in fence wire to the lower plastic and painting it black.

• 

  Needed a truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Lithonia Brown - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Best bang for the buck.

• 

  Worth Buying? - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By jstitan2000 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is almost everything you would need in a pickup truck. If you change to S/C pulley to a slightly smaller one you could achieve the pathfinder horsepower of 240. Then truely would this be a S/C truck thats fun to drive. I cant complain about anything else except the fuel mileage. In town you get 15 mpg. Pretty bad! All in all this is a great truck and 10,000 less than a full size with a kickass stereo.

• 

  Awesome Little Truck! - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By Ty - September 19 - 9:09 am

  I bought my 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro4X used with 64k on it. It came with a certified used warranty from the dealership. I had a 2005 Chevy 1 Ton with Bose sound system. I traded that beast in for this tough little truck. I got in this truck and as soon as I hooked up my iPhone to the stereo I was sold. This truck has a factory sub under the back seat. What! Wow. And it is a Rockford Fosgate. It blew my Bose away. Then the ride, comfort and trim. Wow. It looks so good. All black. No chrome. Took it 4 Wheelin. Posy all tires. No slip. Like a caterpillar. Wow. The engine is tough. Powerful and lots of torque. Will pull 6,800 pounds. The only thing I can complain about is that it doesnt shift fast enough from R to D. Some times it hesitates. I googled this and it is typical for this truck. I am very happy with this machine! I do not see myself getting rid of it any time soon.

• 

  didnt due enough homework - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By budelman - September 18 - 10:03 pm

  Driving truck under 60 mph rides very nice , have to check speed as dont realize your going 60, at 70 mph have to have two hands on steering wheel to keep in the lane, at 80 mph need two fisted death grips to keep vehicle on road feels like driving in hurricane vehicle all over the road, Interior plastic or vinyl scraches too easy pernament scuffs marks just from work boots only 2 weeks old and notice blemishes on back plastic bed wall, although its not possible looks like sun damage, Engine while driving is always shifting gears and speeding up on its own. I have a commercail A license and have driven every type of vehicle you can think of tractor trailer to bucket trucks,. I usally get g

• 

  Mini Titan is very good at most things - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By adm77450 - September 16 - 8:23 pm

  Have owned 05 Crew Cab LE 2WD for 2 1/2 months now. Overall very pleased with my purchase. Traded in 04 F150 Crew Cab and even though I gave up lots of interior space this truck is much easier to manuever abound Houston traffic. The bed divider/bed extender is very innovative and comes in handy a lot. Heated leather seats are fairly comfortable and give good support. Truck could handle a little better at highway speeds. Not sure if stability control is offered but would have been a good option to have. Getting about 19mpg combined so far. Has plenty of low end torque and lots of HP for the size.

• 

  Satisified Used Truck Owner - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By ahrivnak - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan meet all of my expectations and exceeded most. Most of my praise goes to the comfort of the vehicle. The seats are Large enough for a person my size, but my ten year old son has no problem falling asleep in the passenger seet. The controls are easy to reach, understand, and use. If I had to make one complain, it would be about the power of the engine. I expected a bit more power from a V6. Still, there was plenty of power for most tasks. I also think the stlying is superior to any comparable truck (Toyota, Mazda, Chevy, Ford etc) and far superior than the current Nissan frontiers. You will enjoy!!

• 

  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By TM - September 12 - 9:46 pm

  I love this truck. Ive owned a Toyota and believe me it is a Toy compared to the Frontier.

• 

  Nissan quality cars and trucks - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By THOMAS MANZO - September 12 - 6:56 am

  Ive owned a couple of Nissans and they are both outstanding vehicles. Reliable quality vehicles. I never had to worry about being let down or stuck somewhere on long trips cross country and I drive them hard. High mileage vehicles and they handle and drive like new. Very happy and satisfied with the vehicle, and I love my 2002 4WD Longbed fully loaded Frontier.

• 

  3 Months and still love it - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Zach J - September 11 - 11:16 am

  I was test driving the Frontier and the Tacoma left and right, but I had to go with the Frontier. Since then it has been great. I love the power mostly, but Im getting between 18 and 20 MPG, which is slow city and highway mixed together. Wish there were a few more features available with the SE model rather than having to upgrade to the NISMO (like a $6K step up). Wanted a better sound system and spray in liner. Nothing I cant do aftermarket though. Plus I can drive on 87 fuel, who wants to pay for 91 in the Tacoma?