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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Be Careful!!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By UpsetBuyer2 - October 31 - 10:00 amI actually own a 2WD 4 door LB Supercharged Frontier. Like the other buyer, my truck has been in the shop about 10 times. The supercharger was making a bad noise (bearings) and they say it is normal. Truck also pulls to the right, and the tires were balanced two times already. The Supercharger only takes premium fuel, so get ready to spend some major money!!!! Also, the sticker says 15 - 18 mpg, thats a bunch of crap. I only get 208 miles to the tank in the city - this is with a 19 gallon tank. Do the math - 19 gallons at 1.70/gallon every week. Get ready to open up a credit card account.
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frontier good truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By hector gonzales - October 31 - 10:00 amI purchased tuck 4 mos ago. very nice no repair problems at this time. very dependable truck....
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gas issue so far! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By 1st newcarowner - October 31 - 10:00 amIam a college grad and I bought my crew cab almost a month ago. So far the mpg /gas has been my concern. I drive easy but still seem to have to full up every week. I have a 12 yr old jeep that gets better gas mileage
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Impressed - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By Owen - October 31 - 12:53 amNot much change from the 06 but the value power package (new in 07) is a must. Not as smooth over rough roads as my Ranger. The power is awesome. I know gas mileage is a common complaint, but Im getting over 21 mpg in town! And its supposed to get better once the engine gets broken in. I only got 19 with my Ranger with a much smaller engine. The turning radius is, well, non-existent. Dont try a U-turn at an intersection. The transmission is incredible smooth. I cannot feel it shift. Overall, Im very impressed with the look and quality.
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Great styling - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By CW in COS - October 27 - 10:00 amThis is a great looking, and fun truck. I have had the truck for two years now and have found it to be very reliable. It performs very well off road and is good for hauling small loads.
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Transmission No gears - 2014 Nissan Frontier
By Ed - October 26 - 3:58 pmI have a 2014 Frontier at 32000 miles transmission started to slip within five miles no transmission. Forward and reverse gone. You could smell the clutch a mile away. I hadnt shifted in 5 miles. Towed vehicle to dealership where I bought truck I have extended warranty as well. 1689.99 later clutch flywheel pressure plate throw out bearing all replaced. 1000 miles after repairs I could feel the clutch was already wearing. Service director wanted me to test drive him and show issues I was now having, Heat plate rattle, grinding fourth gear clutch already wearing out and lets not forget the crease in the passenger door, Service director thanked me for knowing how to drive a stick. Gee only 30 years driving one. Now its in the shop see what they say this time. 1 year and already 1700 maintenance for an issue that wasnt my fault! Is it the hydraulic system to clutch? Yesterday another 2014 coasts into gas station 27000 No transmission clutch smell months later a new clutch flywheel. Then rebuilt transmission back at mossy Nissan for pressure plate and throw out bearing. Just over 40k.
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Good basic small pickup - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By dageezer - October 25 - 10:00 amI needed a vehicle that was good on gas for commuting to work and could haul stuff on the weekends for various home improvement projects. I like the handling and overall ride of this truck. The interior with the bucket seats is a little cramped for me (im 65"), the bench seats wouldve been better. Its pretty quick once you get it moving, a little more low end torque would be better as another reviewer said. The base CD stereo system is pretty decent. Overall I dont think you can go wrong with this truck.
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??? windowshield wipers and brakes - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By loren whan - October 25 - 10:00 amI have had nissian trucks since 1984 and this is the second one from this dealer and frankly was not happy about the service given I am taking back again for the brakes to be checked out. The wipers smear in different spots. AND THE THING THAT ALL MY NISSIANS HAVE DONE IS THE DRIVERS OUTSIDE MIRROR SHAKES AT 45MPH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT.
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Nice truck from Nissan - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By Peterd1987 - October 17 - 5:26 amSwitched from a 21 year old Nissan Hardbody D21 to a 2000 Frontier Desert Runner. Bought with 60,000 miles. I like the tough look of the Desert Runner, it looks tough. No major maintenance other than replaced brake pads and rotors. Exhaust heat shields rattle at 1500 RPM and rear slider and other windows rattle. Other than those minor things, I love the truck. Nice acceleration and power, comfortable, and great visibility. The only major design problem is the horrible 5th gear. 3000 RPM at 70 MPH... could be much lower, especially with the V6 to get better gas mileage.
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Im lovin it! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By PHF - October 16 - 10:00 amI really love my truck thus far- its only been 4 yrs! If I could change anything it would be the gas milage- not very good considering the trucks size but it is a six cyldr. Looks a lot better than the toyota and has an incredible resale value. the battery is due for a check up but other than that changing the oil is all Ive had to do. Highly recommend and will probably buy another.
