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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  My 2nd Nissan Frontier. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ren6 - June 28 - 9:20 am

  Drove my 1994 se v6 with over 220,000 miles. The new truck met and exceeds my expectations. I knew Nissan built quality trucks already but the newer engine (less mpg) is beefier and smoother. Great ride on the open road and rugged for off. Get the optional Traction package. Still have my old Nissan and expect to get the same quality out of the new one. Excellent hands down compared to the toyota. I never even thought twice about buying another nissan.

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  New truck owner - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By gopackers3 - June 28 - 4:09 am

  This is the first truck that I have owned and so far it is providing exactly what I needed. Of course there is always the truck envy when something bigger or with four wheel drive pulls up alongside, but all I need to do is remember why I bought it. My need is 80% commute and 20% hauling and this fits that need exactly. My used XE had the upgrades (i.e. power windows, door, etc. along with A/C, towing package, bed liner and tonneau cover), so I am not missing much. Time will tell whether the Nissan brand holds up as my family loyalty is in Toyota and Honda.

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  NISSAN FRONTIER NISMO - BY ALS - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan Frontier - June 26 - 4:56 pm

  Based upon independent research and test driving all the trucks that are in the price and mid-size range, I feel that Nissan stands slightly above the Toyota Tocoma in performance and off road abilities. Nissan needs to continue their efforts to improve their weight to horsepower performance ratio. Toyota is a fierce competitor with an enormous funding base. If Nissan develops an engine for their Frontier that puts out 300 horsepower (stock) I Would buy it tomorrow.

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  Nissan is the best old or new - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By don - June 22 - 7:43 am

  I have a 2000 loaded Se 4x4 frontier, which will be up for sale in June 2010, low miles, under 50,000 miles, I have been thrilled with my truck for the last 10 years, and I can hardly wait to get the new 2010, I will get a 2010 LE CC Long Bed, Loaded with everything except the Moon Roof, that is the only thing I have not enjoyed on my 2000.

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  Frontier - 4th of July fireworks.. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By JS - June 20 - 6:00 pm

  Just bought it this last week and love it. It has a lot of get up and go. Very roomy for a King cab and feels very tough. It has all the features I wanted and it didnt break the bank. I compared the Toy and GMC and was not impressed with the option packs or the add on pricing for both of them.

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  Truck Stinks - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Kevin - June 20 - 5:30 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this horrible vehicle. It has been in service on average every two months costing me lots of money. The latest issue was a short in the wiring harness causing all of the back light to go out. $2.52 for the part and $152 in labor. This truck also had the fuel gauge issue costing me $474 to repair one year ago. Now that there is a recall Nissan has the gall to tell me that my vin falls outside of the range. What kind of double talk is that. There have been so many issues that there is not enough space to write them all. Stay away from Nissan. Bad news!!!

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  Cant complain - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By MarkD - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the truck new in Oct 99 and havent had a single problem. Other than oil changes, a new battery and 2 new tires the truck has performed flawlessly.

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  Great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Nick - June 14 - 4:16 pm

  I have 8,500 miles on my NISMO right now and its still a blast. Great looking truck, awesome on and off road. I have not found an obstacle this truck cannot handle. Best fuel economy around 60-65 mph.

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  Good - but need better SEATS! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By lamier - June 14 - 12:23 am

  We compared several trucks for the last few weeks. Ford, they wanted too much for the Sportrac; Toyota, they dont make any deals, and the rest are the rest. This is my wifes car, and she loves it because it handles as a car on the highway and as a truck in the country. The only complain so far are the seats; they need more support and the arm rest are out of place. Over all, it is very nice truck with a teen looking.

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  Decent Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Montana - June 11 - 4:50 am

  This truck is powerful, and very responsive. The quality is good, the ride is smooth. The truck has a great turning radius. I have taken this truck hunting and climbed over some pretty rough hills in Eastern Montana without a hitch; the truck grips! Ground clearance is plentiful as well. The truck is genuinely off-road capable. Very fun truck to drive. The only real negative I have had is in regard to the body design. If you drive on any gravel at all, the rear wheel flares get beat up pretty badly. I had to buy a bottle of touch up paint. Hopefully Nissan will do something about that in the 06 Model.