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:

• 

  Stay Away from - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By BarkleyPup - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I really like the ride and the power, but the gas milage sucks. I would not recommend. Also the bed is not as big as it looks. Most full sized trucks get better fuel milage.

• 

  Almost perfect! Almost - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By g100 - September 3 - 8:18 am

  This truck has everything! I am coming from a 2003 Tacoma wich I love better than the new Frontier and the New Tacoma. The frontier has things that Toyota should be ashamed that they dont. Power seats, heated seats, heated mirrors. Rear Defroster! Who do they think is out in the weather, the little sedan or the 4X4 guys. This ommitance does not make sence. The ONLY problem with this truck is is wanders on the highway and even on back roads. You have to drive this truck and not take your eyes off the road. This truck is top SL version with 18 tires. I have tryed removing some air from tires but still not perfect.

• 

  Nissan the next GM - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By cop74 - September 1 - 9:19 am

  Buyer beware, Nissan is using poor quality parts, expect expensive repairs at 40,000 miles, sound familiar, putting cheap parts in cars how did that work out for GM. Do not waste your hard earned money on poor quality.

• 

  2006 Nissan Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By aolaniesene - June 30 - 10:18 am

  We purchased a Nissan because we believed in its superior quality. We believed that we would have a truck that would easily last us 10 years. However, after just 4 years - and almost nearing to paying off this trucks loan - we experienced what other forums show is a common manufacturer defect. At high mileages, Frontiers may experience a break in its radiator, causing coolant to mix in with transmission liquid. Even though we have been excellent Nissan clients, bringing in our Nissan for regular servicing to ensure it lasts long...weve been hit by this defect. So, the non-reward for taking care of our truck is having recently paid approx. $6k..

• 

  not the best - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By canam77 - May 5 - 8:30 am

  Other than the non repairable alignment issues. And the bad welds on the frame it hasnt been that bad of a truck...

• 

  Dont buy a Frontier - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Tom LaBathe - April 16 - 11:36 pm

  After only 7 months and 11,000 miles the paint is peeling off of the rocker panels. Klines service department said it was caused by sand in the street and fix the problem.

• 

  I test drove it and walked away - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By David Jewell - March 11 - 9:30 am

  This is a nice mid sized truck, however the brake pedal is very sponge and goes down almost to the floor. We checked with the service manager and said the brakes are designed that way. Also I felt the controls were confusing, remembering I did not have a chance to really study them. Ill keep my Silverado.

• 

  Biggest mistake of my life - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By E - March 8 - 6:50 pm

  I had high hopes for this truck when I got it. It was my first brand new vehicle. From the very first day I had problems with it. Ranging from a broken steering column to bad tires leaky windshield, brake problems and the list goes on. I have lost countless hours of work going to get it fixed for a bunch of different reasons. My truck currently has 29,000 miles and doesnt work. Ive gone through 3 different batteries. The truck turns off while driving or it wont turn on at all. I was getting charged over $1000 to replace abs module but it looks like that isnt the problem or it may be a problem but it seems that it is another problem why it wont turn on.

• 

  3700 - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By NISSANOWNER - December 15 - 5:36 pm

  This truck is more like an suv with a truck bed however the four door back seat is very small no normal size adult can fit. The standard v6 is weak even up hill the look and the interior are the reson i bought this truck and the fact it has had no problems, but it just a little to slow and wussy in the long run it will still be a good running truck when i trade it in.

• 

  More cons then pros - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By p2cpu - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been reliable in the sense that it has not broken down. But I have had many problems with the front end (loose torsion bar, sway bar end links breaking loose 3 times). Now my steering needs an alignment. I took it to Foothill Nissan to have my automatic transmission serviced and they overfilled it, causing it to leak all over the undercarriage. My driver side window has always rattled. The windows fog up easily (unlike other trucks I have had). Heat always comes out of the vent, even when you have it on cold. The front fenders dent easily. It is a really great looking truck, but I think they need to work on the quality.