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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  New Owner Review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By DATSUN - January 29 - 2:00 am

  First time Ive owned a new vehicle without even a hint of problems. The crew cab is best thing Ive bought, truck, sedan, SUV all in one. Im getting about 20mpg with all highway miles, better than the sticker, but, not certain why they cant get that healthy engine at around 25mpg on the highway. Mileage my only complaint.

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  Nissan Convert - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By NissanNewbie - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Nissan, and it came only after a very LONG deliberation between it and the Tacoma. Ive owned a 04 Tacoma, and it was a very reliable truck. But I always had this nagging voice in my head that I should have gotten a higher quality driving experience from the large amount of money they demand for that truck. This truck not only costs several thousand less, but "Feels" higher quality. The materials dont feel cheap like the Toy, and unlike the Toy, the steel around the bed doesnt feel like it should be wrapped around fish, instead of a truck. I got the "Lux Package", so the interior is SWEET! Once I drove them both, the decision was very easy. Nissan for the win!

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  Whole lota truck in a little package!!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Blekaxe - January 28 - 2:53 pm

  Best truck I have ever had period! Gas mileage is the only complaint, but makes up for that with power. The RF stereo in this baby rocks!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By joshsDad - January 28 - 12:20 pm

  This is an awesome truck! Fun to drive and great performance from the new 4.0 V6. Back seat is almost comfortable for a large adult but I don’t know if I would want to be back there for a long trip. Only one complaint: The only way I can unlock my doors is from the drivers side door. No unlocking mechanism on the passenger side. The truck has power door locks but no Key Fob remotes to unlock them and this is not a dealer oversight. And here is the kicker all you need to have keyless entry is the Key Fob Remote. What was Nissan thinking? The put the receiver for the keyless entry in the truck but did not include the Keyless remote. You can buy the remotes from Nissan for $137.50 each.

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  2009 Nissan Frontier/ XE - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Dennis - January 17 - 12:03 am

  This is my second Nissan Frontier, Ive owned and drove my 2001 for 8 years and I must say it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, I still own it. Ive owned the new Frontier for 2 months now and the only complaints I have thus far is the drivers seat and the center console.

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  Not bad! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Randy Collier - January 13 - 4:56 am

  Okay, I was in love with the truck at first sight but the gas mileage (mpg) was bad. Still very shocked that the fuel economy on this truck was that low. I am driving mostly on the freeway and I am only getting 18-19 mpg. The turning radius is abysmal. I have driven smaller and larger trucks and both had better turning radiuses. The radio stinks! Also the the trim on the steering wheel started to rub off. Did you know they use black plastic with a silver finish? They should keep it black so there will not be any rubbing off.

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  4th Frontier 2005 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Larry - January 8 - 7:40 pm

  Just took delivery of a 2005 Frontier L.E. This is my 4th Nissan truck in the last 14 years.The previous ones were all 4 cyl versions. This one is the v6 and what a difference that makes.The new v6 is great.Loads of power and the 5 speed trans. shifts smoothly.Only have 500 miles at this point but every thing is working as planned. About 19 mpg so that falls short of the older 4 cyl models but the extra power is worth it I think.

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  3.5 Year owner says "Good Truck" - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By SAF - January 6 - 4:20 pm

  It has been my primary vehicle for 3.5 years and I have just turned over 70K miles. I commute 28 miles one way every day with this vehicle, have taken it off road a handful of times and hauled numerous heavy loads. I pretty much abuse my vehicles and dont baby them. If I keep the highway speed under 70 mph I average 20 MPG. The horn broke after 1.5 years while it was still under warrenty, other than that I have had zero problems with this vehicle ,nothing but oils changes. The truck has held up well, still starts and runs like a new one. I would definitely consider buying a Nissan again.

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  tylertown - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By lance - January 5 - 1:53 pm

  Drives great love the truck. Will climb one hell of a hill, pulls great and i drive it 400 miles a week.

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By KB - December 31 - 8:40 am

  I have had my Frontier for two months and while I think the overall ride is great for a truck, I cannot seem to get comfortable in the drivers seat. I am 62", 190 pounds with a slender build, but it still seems Im too big for the seats. How does the average American fit in to these seats. The sides of the seat are poking in to the sides of my rear end and no matter how I adjust my location in the seat it is still uncomfortable. Also, when I have the seat in a fairly upright position I have very little headroom, so I have to keep the set reclined a little more than I would like.