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 a truck! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By a truck guy - August 26 - 7:40 pm

  The 2004 Nissan Frontier may not be a handsome truck but it does the job and at the right price. I would have preferred it to have a larger engine and more leg room in the rear, however I knew what I was buying so if I want to gripe about something it should be my thin wallet. This trucks best feature is its functional long bed.

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  One Tough Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By datsun72 - August 25 - 4:16 am

  Bought mine new. I now have over 140,000 on it. All Ive ever had to do is change oil. Ive only had to replace the brake pads once. The tires average over 60,000 before I replace them. Its never even had to be aligned. Toughest vehicle Ive ever owned. It still looks brand new. Its worked hard and now my son drives it. Liked it so well I bought a 2008 Frontier to keep it company. Nissan builds the most reliable truck out there.

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  Desert Runner - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By TonyM - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy this truck. Rides and drives well and yet feels like a truck. Much better value in my opinion than Prerunner.

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  2005 Nissan SE Crew Cab 4x4 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Lee - August 20 - 11:43 am

  I have my 2005 Nissan Frontier almost one and half years now. I really enjoy driving this truck. Four wheels driving is exciting. I drove in the mountain when I was in Idaho, this truck gives me enough confidence to climb high mountain and handling is quite good. I really have nothing to complain about this truck.

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  Best "Mid-Size" Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By barrys42 - August 17 - 3:43 am

  I traded a 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II for my 2006 NISMO Crew Cab 4x4. The Ranger was a decent truck but it got horrid gas mileage (avg about 14 with 80/20 city/highway). I love my NISMO so much more than the Ranger. Its a little bigger but its more powerful, has a better ride, and handles way smoother. It also feels much more solid than the Ranger. I have to watch my driving because the truck wants to go fast! I can definitely feel sports car roots in the truck. The engine is smooth and refined and well matched to the 5- speed automatic. Fuel economy is around 16 in town and I get a solid 20 on the highway. The truck is a pleasure to drive.

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  AWSOME TRUCK - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Harvey Anthony - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This truck is all and more than I hoped it would be. Its fast when I want, has awsome 4wd capability, and drives like a 2wd.I drove a long way to get it [ 4wd sc not available in my area] and have been happy that I did. Only flaws, kind of flashy for my taste, and I only wonder what the guy was thinking when he made the instrument panel the way he did...awful,but I can live with it!

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  Almost there - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By P-R.B. - August 12 - 10:00 am

  When I set out to buy my first news vehicle I knew one thing. I was getting a truck. I researched everything I could about recently produced 4x4 mid-size trucks, and was hoping to find and American made that fit my criteria. After all was said and done I bought my 07 frontier brand- new with 205 miles on it. I was spoiled for a few years owning a 78 international scout ii. I have put this Nissan through the same paces that I was able to put old Betsy through, however. At 37,000 mi. I needed to replace the clutch, and now at 78,000 I am needing to open the transfer case because the 4x4 wont disengage all of the way. So I ask, "what the hell?" why are these things breaking?

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  03 Frontier Crew Cab 4WD SB - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By henrysc - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a solid performer on and off road. Have not towed with it yet, but expect it will do fine. Will probably add 3" lift kit and performance exhaust.

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  Go Frontier!!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By monzee - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have thouroughly enjoyed my nissan frontier since I have had it I have done nothing more than have regular oil changes and replaced one brake bulb very low maintence

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  Love the Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By fortdixie - August 7 - 10:12 pm

  Had my 2010 Frontier for over a year. Purchased the 4x4 LE with all options including the 4.0 liter V6. I must say that its one of the best trucks I have ever owned. Its tough and tight and has all the comforts necessary for long trips either on pavement or back roads. Am getting just over 19mpg on hwy and about 14mpg in the city. The power adjustable seats are great after owning a Tocoma that felt like you were setting in a bucket. The torgue is more than enough to pull a 5000 lb+ camper. The down side of towing is that no one makes a decent extension mirror like those offered on a Tundra. Have a strap-on mirror but it just wont work well. Everything else is 100%.