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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  Its ok but..... - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By mike - September 10 - 11:13 pm

  Ive had this pick-up for 9 months now, and it is ok. The ride is the biggest disappointment. The truck has a vibration when driving 40+, had at the dealership twice. They rebalanced the tires both times, but truck still has vibration. It also has numerous little rattles in the cab. On the positive side, you get a lot of options and a nice looking truck for a lot less than other models.

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  Campers deelite - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By bigdaddypain - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Have been camping twice. Is very utilitarian. Seats 4. Not very comfortably, but well enough esp. for a 4 door truck. Can haul junk w/o worry.

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  Better Value than a Similarily-Equipped Tacoma - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bpm2348 - September 9 - 12:06 am

  Ive owned a Tacoma Pre-runner (2008) and now a Frontier. The Frontier has more power, is more comfortable, a better value, and rides more like an suv than a truck. I liked my Taco as well, but the seating position seemed weird and I am not a big guy. It seemed like my legs were a lot closer to the steering wheel in the Taco than the Frontier. The Frontiers seats are also a lot more comfortable. I like Tacomas, but the Frontier is just a better value and it was a lot easier to work a deal on one than on a Tacoma.

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  Nice new ride - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Grunger - September 8 - 8:26 am

  Ive only had the truck for 3000 km, but so far Ive been nothing but impressed. The shifting is smooth and the power is excellent. Ive read some complaints about the gas mileage, but I just got back from a 2000 km road trip and averaged 24 mpg. For a new truck that has not been broken in I am satisfied. If you really need a truck you dont buy it to get 30+ mpg, you buy it to get the job done.

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  Miss my Frontier so much! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By S. B. - September 7 - 7:06 am

  I bought a 2008 Crew Cab Nissan Frontier brand new, intending to drive it for 30 years or so, and planning to "hand it down" to my son when he got old enough to drive. I drove it for 8 years, then gave it to my son, who only got to drive it for about a year before someone plowed into it while it was parked and totaled it :( It was a really awesome truck--I absolutely loved it. Super comfortable, good for city driving or highway driving, handled well, drove well, didnt nickle-and-dime me on maintenance, super functional, good looking truck. Not ridiculously big, or uselessly small--just right. The interior plastic materials were a bit clunky looking, and it had the turn radius of an aircraft carrier, and handling the stiff steering wheel was a great upper body workout. The paint held up really well--still flawless after being parked outdoors for 9 years, but the black trim was in need of reconditioning. The cloth on the seats was very rugged--it was kind of waffled...I forget what they called it, but it was very durable and helped keep the seats cool. I used to joke about bringing the seats into the house because they were more comfortable than my favorite recliner. The cam position sensors did go out--the truck suddenly lost electrical power and shut off when driving around 35-40 mph twice, and gas mileage decreased noticeably over a few weeks time before it was diagnosed and repaired. That was the only problem I ever had with it. It had one recall that was quickly fixed. It was an all around great vehicle. I really miss it, and if youre an experienced driver looking to buy one, go for it!

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  bullet resistant - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By dorfsmurfal - September 5 - 6:23 am

  Bought news. was over $9000 less than the base Tundra. Has 4L six, massive power lousey gas mileage. Just towed a steel two horse trailer with two horses up 15% grade to yosimite pulled like a champ. Only mechanical issues is rear end went out under warranty and fuel sensor. Factory replaced with no issue. Nissan has way cooler looks than Toyota and a better overall value than Toyota. Some interior noise and squeaks. But I off road. I just changed the facotry tires and brakes at 78,000 miles. Every time I go to the dealer they try to buy it from me. Ran the sand dunes at Pismo fine people couldnt believe the power or abilities. Did I mention no accelorator problems? GO NISSAN!

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  Dont regret buying my Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - September 3 - 7:56 am

  I checked out all the midsized trucks and quickly eliminated all the american trucks. I liked the Tacoma and Ridgeline but the Frontier was just as good with more standard equipment and a better price. It rides better than my 2002 Jeep Liberty. It has excellent pickup while averaging 17 mpg.

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  nice truck - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By jbumx2 - September 2 - 10:34 am

  This is my first truck and first Nissan. I sold my TSX to buy a truck so I could do more camping trips with my family. So let me just get this out of the way... I love this truck. It drives perfect. I usually drive conservatively and this truck is very nice and comfortable just cruising around. But when you need the power, this thing doesnt hesitate. The engine has a nice growl when you get on the gas. The interior is simple but works. The materials are hard plastic. Coming from the TSX and my wifes CR-V, I personally feel the switches in the Nissan are not as high quality, but they work nonetheless. (Im probably just not used to them.) I got the Navy Blue and I cant stop looking at it.

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  Love the Truck, but..... - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By hogtastic - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck. Plenty of Power, plenty of room and lots of features. Have no real complaints on the overall quality of the truck. The one concern that I cannot get my dealership or Nissan to address (and in the overall quality it is minor) is the character display in the XM Radio mode. The dealer replaced the stereo once but still doesnt work right. Displays all characters when connected to the iPod or when a CD has the data available but not in XM Mode. If I turn the truck off & then immediately restart, then it will display all the XM characters but Nissan says it is not malfunctioning. Again, a minor issue but very frustrating when dealer and mfg act like there is nothing wrong.

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  Top Notch Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Greg Gumbo - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an 84 Nissan truck, a 95 XE V6 ext cab, and now the 2003 Frontier XE V6 Desert Runner. By far the best Nissan I have owned to date. Every design short coming of my previous truck ( which were few) have been re vamped and nicely modernized. Nissan continues to lead the pack in design and performance. My 95 2WD being the work horse it was, I opted to buy an 2WD Frontier. With the added ground clearance, who needs 4WD? She gets me every where I wanna go........