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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  V6 Crew Cab 4x4 5sp - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By gforce - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall a pretty good truck. Way better quality than my 98 Dodge, but nothing compared to my 95 Audi. Both exhaust manifolds cracked, bumper rusted, driveshaft carrier bearing failed, O2 sensor caused CEL to come on. Fortunately, original owner purchased extended warranty! Post warranty, tailgate decal peeled ($140+!!) and exhaust is rotting. I commute 120mi/day and only get 17mpg on the highway. Great on cross country trips, but could use more rear leg room.

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  I Love My Nissan - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By MyklH - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I saw this truck early in 2003 and knew immediately that it was the truck for me. Great looking, plenty of power, room for the kids (Im a single daddy). It is the best all around non- full size truck that Ive ever seen. It is a beauty, performs awesome in all terrain types, and is comfy and built rock solid. My son really digs this truck too and we expect to have MANY years of fun in this baby. Buy one, you wont be sorry.

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  01 Nissan Frontier - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By tdd - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Loved this truck from the day I first saw it! I drove a Toyota to compare, but there really was no comparison. The Nissan handled and rode considerably better and feels better made. The Toyota had a more performance-oriented engine, but the Nissan is more of a workhorse. My truck has almost every feature available for the XE (including V6), and it was thousands cheaper than a comparable Tacoma.

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  reliable - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By kidpatsy - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Nissan 4 wheel drive I have owned. Put 120M with no problems on first one, $75M on second one and my kid is still driving with no problems.

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  First truck and so far, so good - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By EGP - May 28 - 3:26 am

  A year and 13K+ miles, no major problems so far. Sales process and service top notch. For pros & cons, here we go: This is not a full size truck. This thing bounces around on rouch roads like Charo from the Love Boat. I got the Crew Cab for my 3 year old and it is tight, yet very functional. Also, this thing sucks petrel like no other 6-cylinder, albeit supercharged, engine I have ever seen. A- for you looking for me to grade on a curve.

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  Excellent Truck, Great Price. - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Gonzo1124 - May 22 - 12:43 am

  Traded an 06 Honda Ridgeline for the Frontier SE and I am extremely happy with my decision. The Ridge was an okay vehicle, but not a true truck. The short bed was a negative, the squatting of the rear end while towing was not acceptable and the mileage was pitiful at 13 to 14 mpg. The Frontier is a great, good looking real truck with ample towing capacity (6,500 with the V-6) great looks, good ride and a very powerful, with a lot of torque V- 6 engine. My full size motorcycle fits very well in the bed and when towing a trailer, you dont even notice you are pulling something back there. This truck will burn rubber any time you want to from a dead stop.

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  2002 Nissan Frontier - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By umco20 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Good truck, nice interior, comfortable. Poor power, not really fun to drive.

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  Great truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By tykane01 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck. It is my first truck ever, so that might not say much. The ride height is great. Love the sound system. Should have bought 4x4. The long bed is a must. Of course the back seat is cramped. But overall satisfaction is excellent. Watch out for the nissan dealers though. Watch out for the speed limiter too. Sucks if you do not know it is going to happen.

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  The New Engine Rocks! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Luis L. - May 8 - 6:00 pm

  I compared this truck to the new Tacoma and Chevy Colorado. At the end of the day, the look of this truck and the engine power won me over. The exterior is really nice (most people think its a titan at first), and the interior is no nonsence. The engine is solid and has a nice response. The stock tires and wheels are nice. The back seats are roomy and the fold up seats are great for cargo you dont want to put on the bed

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  Nissan doesnt care about gas mileage! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By jim d04 - May 1 - 3:40 am

  This is a good little truck for people who dont need a full size. The ride is very good, better than an 07 Tacoma IMO. Very close to my 00 Pathfinder. Decent power. Terrible gas mileage, city or highway. In the 16-13 MPG range. For a small truck it should be better. 4 doors are convenient but leg room in rear is very tight. Ok for short rides, but anyone near 6 will be uncomfortable. The tires have held up very well. I have almost 90,000 miles and they are just getting to the point that I should replace them.