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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  A Competitive Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By LW - August 19 - 8:33 am

  I selected Frontier over all other pickups after extensive research. With 2,000 miles on it I have experienced no problems. It handles well and tows a small bass boat without effort. Engine power and torque is more than adequate and fuel economy has met EPA predictions for this model. It is also nice that all its performance is with regular gas. Well worth the price paid. With the large tires I have occasionaly felt feedback in the steering wheel on rough roads.

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  SC V6 Extended Box - GREAT BUY - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By trig55 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. Highly recommend it. Gas per mile is a little bad, but for a super charger who cares. I get a lot of people tell me what a great looking truck it is. I opted for the SC Crew Cab with all the options.

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  Nice Truck at a Nice Price - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jerry Hardison - August 12 - 5:20 am

  Excellent rebuild of an old body style. Not even the same truck compared to the old hardbody design. The 4.0 Ltr motor has some very real power as the larger and heavier truck requires. Interior design and comfort is terrific and the exterior design is hard to distinguish between the Titan at a distance (nice look). Time will tell if it will perform as well as the old style. (The bed squeeks have to get that checked out) Wheres the keyless entry or alarm?

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  Fun Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By WK - August 10 - 4:23 am

  Looked at the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, and Honda Ridgeline before buying my Frontier Crew Cab LE V6. Frontier is better than all; its very close to the Tacoma but the Toyotas need for premium gas turned me away. The Frontier is not perfect; the seat fabric could be better, the turning radius is poor, and the console is too low/far back. The worst negative is the bump steer when driving at highway speeds; its a little distracting until you get used to it (keep two hands on the wheel and its not so bad). However, the acceleration is awesome (I added a K&N filter and gained a couple more HP). Gas mileage is what I expected (avg 18 mpg - hey its a truck not a hybrid).

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  Exceptional Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Tracker 3 - July 22 - 8:46 am

  I bought a 2006 Nissan CC LE model and I love it. The stiffness of the frame and steering is a joy you can feel the quality. The interior is spacious and quality is apparent. Out of all the other brands out there that I test drove this truck was the tops. However I did not drive the Tacoma because I did not like the looks or the added price compared to the Nissan. I did not find the audio or leather packages as necessary so I went without it. The truck is excellent and drives like a dream. The 265 HP V6 really puts you back into your seat when you unleash all the ponies on the highway. It is a very comfortable truck to drive.

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  Frontier - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By GW in NL - July 18 - 2:40 am

  I recently traded my car and stepped up to becoming a truck owner. I had planned on getting a Toyota Tacoma forever, and came very close, but before purchasing I decided to shop around alittle, and I am glad that I did. Once I took the Frontier off the parking lot for a test drive, I knew it was a done deal. The smoothness of the ride and powertrain blew the Tacoma away, not to mention a larger truck for less money (especially the dump)and more POWER. The dealership was very friendly and threw in a few extra accessories (unlike Toyota). It was a no brainer. Its a truck that handles like a car or SUV, I love it.

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  frontier pro4x/tocoma trd - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By norm - July 4 - 7:43 am

  I was looking at the Tacoma TRD and the Frontier PRO4X. I feel both trucks are great. Why I went for the Fronier is it felt more comfortable, had more power and felt like it, the automatic shifted better, and the options were more to my liking. The sprayed in bedliner is and the rail system is awsome, not slippery when wet like a composite, also like the radio and 6 CD player, sound great, and the blue tooth is a plus. Never like the looks of the new Tacomas I think the PRO4X color keyed front end looks awesome, but that is in the eyes of the beholder

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jmhaney - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like this truck and the way it preforms. Cab could be a little bigger.

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  NISSAN FRONTIER ROCKS!! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By GREG A - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Three car seats fit in the back seat and the akita fits in the bed. The optional bed extender is a must for large cargo loads. This is the perfect vehicle for a family guy who needs a truck.

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  Little truck, lotta truck ! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By john d - June 23 - 1:06 am

  I use the truck primarily to tow a 3000 lb camper. The 3.3 L engine in the 2002 was rated at only 170 hp but this little truck seems to use all of them as it tows the camper plus another 500 lbs of camping gear as though it is not there. That is both with power and mileage. The camper and gear doubles the weight of the truck alone with no more than a 15-20 % increase in fuel consumption. For power Im comparing it to my old Ford full-size with a 351 V-8. Never any maintenance in nearly 8 years of use other than regular preventative maintenance. Cannot recommend this little truck too much!!