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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  @1000 miles - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By dmantic - July 14 - 4:49 pm

  So far, truck is working out well. Minimal road noise for a pickup. Plenty of power. Steering tracks very good, especially at high speed. Seats firm and comfortable. Interior not well thought out. Too many cup holders that could have been used for storage compartments. Cheap plastic chrome exterior trim. 21+mpg mixed hwy/city. Overall, good value when compared to competition with similar equipment. Fun to drive.

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  Rojo Jr. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Simon - July 12 - 5:03 am

  This truck rocks!Nissan did everything right once again,power,looks,comfort and of course reliability.Move over Chevy&Dodge and look out Toyota. Nissan has built a great midsize truck. If you cant fit the Titan in the garage, buy this. The interior is a little shoddy,but who cares, its a truck with a pretty hefty motor. Tows my boat, my camper and even my mother- in-law. By the way its manufactured in Tennesee. Youll get respect on the road and the trail.

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  Best truck on the market. - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By JRock - July 9 - 3:46 am

  I bought this truck about a year ago. It is very comfortable to drive in and can even park very easily thanks to its good turning radius. It is not for the average person though, it is meant for the person with an attitude of being the best. It is very easy to add accessories to it if you want to. It is very easy to tow with and it doesnt rattle at all. It has a great power spand, it always has power. Over all, I think it is the best truck on the market, especially for its price.

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  The little truck that can - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By lazy fisherman - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the truck for cheap transportation. I needed something with 25 mpg at 75mph for my 70 mile to work round trip, plus be able to tow my boat anywhere. Best experience was full bed load, while towing moving trailer with wife and mother in law to Georgia, no problems had to leave it in 4th gear on expressway.

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  my nissan - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Davidljohnson - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck new and have loved it since day one. I get great gas mileage. Great ride. Great dependability. I cant say enough good about my truck. Will drive it till it dies.

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  Great Truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By RB1010 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this truck for 4 years now - pretty much got the first one off the line. It has been nothing but wonderful - great useablity, fun to drive and problem free! Not once has it been to the shop. In four years, thats pretty good. Moved from North Carolina to Seattle, drove it all the way. Then moved to Montana - drove it back and forth a few times. Then, finally moved to Wisconsin, a move that involved a large, heavy UHaul. That truck made it without loosing its breath!

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  Embarked on an (almost) new Frontier - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert L. Van Elsberg - July 1 - 11:42 am

  I traded in a well-worn but very reliable 2003 Toyota Tundra base model with regular cab, 5-speed manual transmission and a 3.4 liter V6 engine. Id badly injured my left foot in a falling accident and kicking the clutch was painful. I love Toyotas, but the price on the used Tacomas was too much for my budget. Enter a well-maintained 2014 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab with the SV package. While not as big as the Tundra, the Frontier was quite comfortable and its automatic transmission and cruise control were blessings to my injured left foot. I also found the Frontier tracked well in its lane rather than wandering the way my Tundra had. The only fault was in the limited rear view along the drivers side of the car via the door-mounted rearview mirror. After a few hair-raising moments I learned to lean forward and look back along the drivers side of the truck to watch out for traffic. Once I got used to that it wasnt a problem. I love the 4.0 liter V6 engine, which offers 60-plus more horsepower than I had in my Tundra. No more being left behind at the stop light by everybody else (including grandma). I bought the truck in December 2016 with just under 35,000 miles on it. I saved a good $8,000 to $9,000 compared to a new car. Do I see that as a great deal? Oh yes--Nissan trucks are made to last and I saved a lot more than I gave up by purchasing a late-model used pickup. The previous owners clearly maintained the vehicle well. Also, the built-in towing package is a plus as my wife and I--both in our 60s--are ready to trade tent-camping for the comforts of a trailer. The more I drive this truck, the more I like it. And while I would have preferred a gray-colored truck, the shiny black highlighted with chrome bumpers, sidesteps, etc., is definitely a "sexy" combination. I worried about going from Toyota to Nissan, but both companies make great vehicles. Like the old saying, "You pays your money and you takes your choice."

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  Dependable Nissan Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Marky Mark - June 30 - 8:10 pm

  I first saw this truck. The body shape was very unique especially the front end kinda liked the look. When I test drove it the engine sounded very quite. The price was in my range. I didnt have to spend an arm and leg. Powerwise acceleration is pretty weak, But as long as it get me to point A to point B its all good. Shifting is not too smooth, a bit jerky with the clutch. I had to really go easy with the clutch when releasing it back. The ride was too bumpy on streets and highways where I live. Gas mileage pretty good cant complain. Im a light truck user when hauling and going camping. Having a truck is a must. Overall very dependable and reliable truck. Mostly I got it at a good deal!

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  My new lemon - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Gordo - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Well, my family has owned Nissans since 1984 so i really wanted to like this truck. However, after taking it back 4 times to Boulder Nissan and twice to John Elway Nissan I am still having major probs with it and thanks to the terrible/rude service at Boulder Nissan Ill be using the Colorado Lemon Law to get my money back. They still havent sent me my owners manuals and ive had this truck for 6 months! The two major probs i still have are it pulls to the left when i brake and have a very loud squeak coming from my rear window seal that silicone hasnt fixed. Mighty dangerous when its icy!

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  Nice! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By marioh - June 22 - 4:10 pm

  This is my first NEW truck! I love Nissan. The way it drives, the security I feel when Im driving it. This is my daily driver, and I dont mind putting miles on it. (OK mileage, and fun to drive). To and from work, and use it on the weekends to go places with the family. I love the fact that I can use it as a truck, or family vehicle. Work and play. Nice... Definitely a KEEPER!!!