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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  2007 crewcab - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By bub - June 20 - 11:13 am

  I have been driving wifes 03 F150 and needed something for myself so I got a fairly good deal on the frontier.The ride is rougher which for me is just fine.

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  Cons of the 2002 Frontier SE-V6 - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By tjniemann - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a good vehicle, but I remember looking up reviews on Edmunds in April prior to purchasing my truck and one reviewer wrote in about the "clicking" noises in the front. I figured it was a fluke and wouldnt happen to me. Well, it did. I have "clicking" and occassional metallic "squeaking" noises in what seems to be the front suspension -- Primarily when im turning around a corner. Had it in twice and its still not fixed....

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  Love It - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By JB - June 18 - 5:16 am

  I cant say enough about my Frontier. I do a lot of beach driving and can say I never have come close to getting stuck. The V6 265HP has surprising pickup. Rides great on the highway and its comfortable too. Mileage could improve but I get around 21MPG on the highway so I cant complain too much. I drove the Tacoma and it cant compare.

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  2005 NISMO 2WD - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By ras1500 - June 17 - 1:20 am

  This is my second Nissan product and both have been extremely reliable. The NISMO is a great truck with plenty of acceleration and fun to drive. Fuel mileage is around 20 MPG combination city/highway. The build quality of this truck is not as good as my Japanese built 99 Pathfinder; sealant in the pickup bed is sloppy and theres some glue on the headliner.

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  No Power! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By wadk - June 15 - 10:04 am

  XE is severely underpowered, too much truck and not enough engine, should never have got it. Need the V6.

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  Original Owner - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By LM - June 12 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this truck new and I still really love it. I do NOT like the gas mileage, but it is not a daily driver anymore. I have some problems now and Im getting ready to fix them: Fuel pump recall, cracked exhaust manifold, either tie rod or some other part has gone bad to cause the front end to shake. I do enjoy driving it - it is fun! I know you can get a newer truck with better mileage and more modern features but - I like the body style and I do not see too many SCs around. Its irritating to have to use 93 octane - at $4 a gallon!! I will do some mods to get a little more power out this summer.

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  Great Compact Truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By S. Carlblom - June 11 - 11:26 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Nissan Frontier for a little over a couple months now, and have had no problems. It drives great, but could use a little more power out of the 4-cyl. motor. Its styling is impeccable, interior and exterior. I get great gas milage, about 25+ hwy, and 20 city. Its very reliable, and always runs well. It had everything I was looking for in a compact truck.

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  Good, reliable, and dependable - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Reliable as heck - June 7 - 3:03 am

  I bought this truck 2 years ago. So far Ive only replaced one 25 dollar AC blower motor, the tires, and the oil (occasionally). The thing has over 115,000 miles and runs like a champ. I have never, ever, ever had a single problem with it that prevented me from doing what I wanted to do with it. I use it for bikes, canoes, hauling wood, driving around town, and Ive never had any performance difficulties with my manual transmission. Plastic bumpers have a tendency to fade after awhile.

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  Best Vehicle Purchase Ever - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Skriker - June 1 - 12:46 am

  I purchased my Nissan Frontier crew cab 4wd in Feb of 2000. I still have the truck with just shy of 80k miles on it and it is still going strong. It has not required any major or even minor mechanical work aside from the usual things like new brake pads, filters and tires. All in all this is the absolute best vehicle I have ever purchased for reliability and functionality. This is the first time for me as a car owner where I am certain that when my current Frontier eventually fails I will happily buy another one just like it. :)

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  Good truck with some flaws - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By 07 Fronty - May 17 - 5:56 pm

  I love this truck, its very capable off-road and hauls it all around town and on the freeway. I have just under 7k on it and I get the occasional squeak/noise from under the dash, paint chips semi-easily and does GREAT on the freeway, but badly around town. Gas pedal takes a bit to rev. Interior shows scratches like mad. Otherwise, love the looks, features, power.