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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  Love my Truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By GatorKane - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Ive been very happy with my truck. It rides and drives like a truck, a little slow to start, but passes without having to downshift. I have noticed that the ABS light has been on faintly since I got the truck, although dealer says it is fine - Ive been told "all of them are like that". Only other problem was the rear window started leaking during heavy rains due to a poor seal around the brake light on the cab.

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  had 3, but no more, EVER!!! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By stevey_name - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Frontier. I had a 2000 Frontier that I had bought NEW and had a ton of problems with it. These trucks need to be made in Japan where the assembly process is much better! Anyway, I gave Nissan another chance when I bought a loaded up 2001 Frontier Crew Cab 4x4... I only had it for 3 months and it seemed ok?! Here I am in another Frontier, and it has problems galore. Radio went out already, raw gas smell under the truck that is undiagnosable and catalytic converter smells every few days. On top of that, now I have some electrical issues that who knows what itll cost. Im trading it and will absolutely NEVER buy a Nissan truck again.

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  I Love my truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By ilovemytruck - March 7 - 11:10 am

  I bought my 2002 Nissan Frontier KC with 35000 miles on it and i love it it could use a lower gear in the rear end and a better clutch but over all this truck is great! this is my first truck i couldnt have picked a better one, if you are looking for a ranger,forget about it, the nissan is the best way to go. it has japinese quality and reliabilty and a higher resale value also. this is just a great truck over all.

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  2001 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By mbfuller - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck not only looks "hot", it is! I love the front end design, and receive compliments on its look wherever I go, mostly from men. Old and young, they love the look of my Frontier Crew Cab pickup, black in color. The chrome looks especially good. While not a large pickup, it is perfect for smaller loads, such as gardening tools and plants, furniture, and even groceries are handy with the extender folded inside neatly!

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  PRO-4X - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By kipster85 - March 3 - 3:21 am

  This is my first truck, first "straight-from-the-factory" purchase, and first Nissan. 8k miles & 8 months later, Im very happy overall with this vehicle. I naturally looked towards the Tacoma first since my buddy had one, but the price was steep. I then test drove the PRO-4X and I was highly impressed with the ride quality and handling both on and off road. The mpg does hurt if you drive in a slow speed town, but not too bad for highway travel. Ive done everything with this truck except towing and mudding, and it runs beautifully.

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  If purchasing new truck check out Nissan - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By G. Miller - March 2 - 10:10 pm

  Had a 2004 Dakota and was going to purchase a 2006 Dakota until on a whim I decided to test drive a Nissan. Never looked back. The Dakota Has more room, however the Nissan is quick and nimble, corners real well and gets better gas milage, and the Nissan V-6 has more horsepower than the Dodge 4.7 liter V-8 I owned a Nissan hardbody I purchased new in 1997 and it was a nice truck but it dosent even begin to compare with my new Nissan.

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  nice but - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Henry - March 1 - 8:50 pm

  I only had this car for a couple of days but I can tell you its a nice medium truck but its not all it could be. For example the ride its horrible,very stiff to the point that i thougth it had something broken. It doesnt help that nissan uses the worst tires in the market, Generals. The gas mileage is between two or three miles below their estimate so prepare for it. theres no excuse that we are in the year 2006 and this car has these flaws

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  I love Frontiers - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By mutants-dad - March 1 - 7:53 am

  I love this truck. Ive had no maintenance problems with it. It hauls what I need it to haul. The price was right and it got great mileage for a truck. It was built so tough that when I was involved in an accident with a dumb kid driving a Sequoia my little truck got the better of that big SUV.

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  I love my new truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Eflesher - February 23 - 10:20 pm

  This is my first pickup truck. I looked at a Titan and it was just too big for my needs. I live and work in the city, but snowboard, mountain bike, and haul around kids, dogs, stuff. This truck is a lot of fun to drive and feels really solid.

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  Fantastic Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By tufaznailz - February 22 - 3:43 am

  This is a solid truck that looks good and has a cab that will help you stay organized. I think it is the best value in the marketplace, but the gas mileage on the 2wd Nismo stinks.