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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  Nice but.... - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Idlejunk - December 8 - 4:36 pm

  This truck is an average truck with good in-your-face, like it or leave it styling. The average comments come from the following: Bad Stuff: 1) Underpowered for towing / hauling (yes - even with the supercharged engine) 2) Sloppy transmission with poor ratios for towing / hauling 3) Horrifing gas milage for a small truck! (14.5 MPG city - 14.5 MPG highway) 4) Exhaust Header that cracks about every 40K miles (has been covered under warranty) 5) Finicky about fuel - requires 93 octane to avoid knocking and supercharger cut-outs. 6) Steering Effort is High Good Stuff: 7) Off-Road Capabilities 8) Seats - very comfortable (leather) 9) Dash Layout - easy to navigate with gloves LOOKS!

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  Better Than I Expected - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By *El Ocho1* - December 7 - 11:30 pm

  I just purchased this slightly used (8930 miles on it) 2009 Frontier King Cab SE. I mainly needed a truck for work & my two main criteria were confort & reliability. I had originally been looking for a Toyota Tacoma, but for the price of my Frontier I would of got an 06 Tacoma with a lot more miles on it. After driving my Frontier for 2 weeks now I am happier than ever. The truck is very comfortable for me (64") & performs great! It feels like a big truck, while keeping smaller dimensions. Looks very aggressive & rides like a car. every time my wife gets in it she comments on how comfortable it is! Hands down a better value than a Tacoma, much more bang for your buck!

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  not too bad - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By brooks - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Good little truck, outstanding offroad performance. Have no problem hanging with the lifted trucks. The truck feels solid in everything I do. Interior is a little dull but the ergos are outstanding and suspension sags a lot with a little load however that may be due to the off road package. The horsepower is down compared to the competition however the torque and short gearing make up for it. Pulls a load(engine wise) like a big truck. Not a good highway vehicle. I drove mine from PA to Alaska in just 5 days and didnt have any problems, and the seats provide great support, however the truck runs at very high rpm at highway speeds.

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  Frontier is a great value - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By ELannan - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Frontier base model is an excellent value. The four cylinder is perky, the gas milage is excellent for a truck, and the styling is in a class of its own. Its much cheaper to buy that a Colorado, for example, and has a proven engine that has a reputation for durability. Ive only owned it for a few months, but I have been very pleased with its overall quality. Its not a truck for everyone, but for my basic camping and around the house needs, it is great.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan - November 25 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this truck new and have 20,000 of problem free miles on it. Test drove other midsize trucks and this was the best one by far. I could be like a lot of other people and say the fuel economy could be better, but its a truck and I expect it.

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  Proud Nissan Owner - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Bert - November 18 - 8:33 pm

  Ive only owned this truck for a month but extremely satisfied. Fun to drive, attractive, and roomy for 4 average size people. Fuel economy 16 around town, 21 highway. After thorough research, glad I choose the Frontier over Tacoma. Pros & Cons below.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Bruce - November 11 - 12:43 pm

  I have driven this little truck for 98000 miles with no problems. One set of tires and windshield wipers. Nothing else. Great in the sand at the beach. Has some issues puling and seems to be a little gutless on hills or with a big load and gets about 19 miles to the gallon. Not great but this little truck is as dependable as they get. I even push a little snow in the winter.

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  Great Toy - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By M. Swan - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I read the reviews. I did my research. I found one on the internet. Without even a test drive, I bought it and the dealership drove it down to me (4hrs one way). If you want a small truck that has the OMMPH, here ya go. If you expect to get 20+MPG.. dont buy this truck. It is a PERFORMACE vehicle. Fun to drive and no major issues so far.

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  Best Value out there - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By the real Brett - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I looked at all the 4 door compact trucks and found when comparing what you get for your money this truck was an all out winner. The closest competitor was the Toyota, but to comparibly equip the Toyota to what I got in the Nissan, I would have had to pay THOUSANDS more. On top of that, the Nissan has a nicer interior, standard equipment and options that arent even available on the Toyota, a better and MUCH quiter ride, and a longer, more usable bed.

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  Frontier SC - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob D - October 31 - 11:16 pm

  This is the second Frontier Ive had and this time I will never purchase another Nissan again. I had reliability issues with the first Frontier that I had, a 2000 and was offered a "good deal" on a trade in on a 2002. The 2002 has been no better. This vehicle is extremely costly to maintain.