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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  Dont listen to the critics - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Denver D - August 3 - 6:44 pm

  Auto reviewers need something to write about. They write that the Frontier has below-average gas mileage and a cheap-looking interior. Well, I get 19-20 mpg in my 2017, which is just fine for a truck, IMO. You get better advertised mileage in a Tacoma and other models, but drive it and see why: the manufacturers hobble the transmission with sluggish response and shifting to artificially inflate mileage numbers. The Frontier has a responsive transmission and the V6 has plenty of power to get this truck off the red light. As to the cheap interior, it is a light truck not a luxury vehicle. I test drove the other models in this class of light truck and I saw nothing better. It is well better than the 2000 Ranger I used to own, and worlds better than my dads trucks in the 1980s. If you want leather appointment and woodgrain dash, you are looking in the wrong class of vehicle. The visibility in the cab is better in the Frontier compared to the competition too, with the pillars blocking much less of the rear view. The seats are more comfortable than the Tacoma. The rear seats are a little tight, but not so tight that an adult cant sit back there and it fits a carseat, too. I dont understand the criticism of the handling, either. Once the steering is broken in, it has a good turning radius and the engine has enough power to get you through a tight curve hugging the road just fine. The factory tires could use an upgrade, though, to a Michelin or Goodyear radial. Overall, Im very glad I purchased this vehicle and not the competition, and the price is right.

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  OK - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By parangaricutirimicua - August 2 - 2:00 am

  No too bad for me because no one knows when I cannot write because no one know a word in Dutch

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  so far so good - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By mr bullit - August 1 - 6:56 am

  WOOT...does 265 Hp ever rip... best handling truck i have EVER driven. Very comfy seats,stereo leaves ALOT to be desired. this is my 4th frontier from this same dealership.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Long Distance Driver - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I drive 200 Miles to work on Sunday Night and then the same on Friday. About 20 miles aday at work. Solid, fun to drive, great fuel ecomomy for a small truck (28 mpg at 75 mph). Only complaint was dealer who repeatedly lied during sale (surprise!!)

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  Great, Fun, Compact truck. - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By bqd - July 30 - 2:20 am

  I have the basic 4-cylinder king cab XE. Its fun to drive and the creature comforts are pretty decent. Although the interior design and material have a cheap plastic feel to them, espcecially the knobs for the AC/Heater. Great truck for the price. The four cyclinder version is a little weak and takes awhile to get to highway speeds.

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  Happy With Mine - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Happy - July 29 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased it new. Its my second Nissan truck and without a doubt, Id get a third one. Past couple of years I drive 22,000 miles annually. The only parts that were replaced were from routine wear and tear. Ive done everything recommended to maintain it and replaced all parts as they wear out. 2007 my mechanic said the engine would go over 200,000 miles and now 2009 hes saying itll go over 300,000 miles. Im getting a new car end of this year but definitely keeping my truck.

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  Greatest Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Dick W. - Phoenix - July 29 - 7:03 pm

  I have owned many pick-ups but this is the finest. My previous vehicle was a 2002 Frontier SE Crew Cab and was no comparison to the 2005. The 2005 is a most impressive vehicle in terms of build quality, power, handling, ride, just everything! I looked and compared Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Dodge and GMC and there was absolutely NO COMPARISON! They all fell well short of the Frontier in all areas. The Ford and Dodge were really inferior in every way, do yourself a favor and drive the Frontier and you will buy it.

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  Great Compact truck for the Money - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By billc66 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  If yur looking for a compact truck with outstanding quality, great features, and a super low price. The Frontier is for you. I shopped all makes Ranger, Dakota, S-10, Colorado and non of them compare to the value you recieve from the Frontier. Nissan should own the small truck market. Ford, Chevy they have nothing to offer except higher priced compact trucks. We love our Frontier.

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  Great for light hauling and commute - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Atlantic Diver - July 26 - 6:56 pm

  This truck fulfills a need to haul equipment for the weekend warrior and provides great transportation for the daily commute. I am consistently averaging 20 MPG. A 10 hour drive is very comfortable for two. The jump seats are only used for a short local trips. I installed a spray in bedliner plus a matching color high cap over the bed to keep items dry and out of sight. The truck looks great and performs well.

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  love my truck! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By amy monroy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  overall best truck i have had , had fords frm a dully to a 250, nothing compares to this truck!