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:
Showing 651 through 660 of 1,385.00-
Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By RoissyW4N44 - April 27 - 12:13 pmOk,so maybe its a bit early,I just bought it a week ago,but so far it seems absolutely phenominal.The NISMO model is a bit tougher on the bumps,but then it is a 4x4 after all.If you are in the market for a midsize pickup I would look no further.After exhaustive research,not one of the others is as well equiped,or has as many great features.The Frontier is the only truck in its class with STANDARD four wheel disk brakes.Compared to the more popular Toyota Tacoma,this is the better truck.I think my only two complaints would have to be:no long box option,and gas milage seems a bit lower than expected.
-
Full Size Strength in a Mid Size - 2008 Nissan Frontier
By Mac - April 26 - 7:23 amThis truck is as fun to drive today as the day I bought it. It has plenty of power, amazing handling, great 4x4 features and capability, and it very comfortable. Reliability has been great so far, and the interior and exterior hold up well to the elements. Its a great looking truck, and I frequently get compliments on it.
-
Great for the money - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By Monty - April 25 - 2:00 amI have a desert runner with v6 manual trans. This is my second Nissan truck. The first one was an 1988 HD long bed v6 that had 225000 miles. That truck held up so well I had to buy another. I love my new one, its so smooth and drives great. Everyone complains about the gas mileage but mine is no different than my old truck. I think the gearing is to low,the engine runs at 3000 RPM at 70 MPH, but it has 4x4 gearing.
-
Very Nice 4 cylnder Midsize Truck! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By Jesse - April 24 - 3:26 pmThis is 3rd Nissan Truck and its an improvement! My first truck that I buy w/ an automatic transmission. Pluses: Mid-size truck feel, handsome exterior, smooth shifting automatic transmission, big cargo bed, firmer truck ride, lots of interior storage, durable cloth seats, power package/keyless entry, back doors that swing open to allow the the occasional passengers. Folding side mirrors, side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and bigger fuel tank. Lots more cargo room than my last Frontier! Reputation for reliability and better resale value than most domestic trucks. Todays vehicles have lots of interior plastics, and Nissan uses quality plastics.
-
Not bad for the price. - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By KofPguy - April 22 - 9:46 pmOverall its a decent truck but have been questioning its durability from day one. The drivetrain is clunky and loose and when in 2WD the gearbox has an annoying rattle which the dealer says is "normal for these trucks." The lack of true power would make one expect better gas mileage but both power and gas milegae suck. It does look great and I have enjoyed taking it off-road. And it came at a great price. However, my final thought on this truck after owning it a few months is, "You get what you pay for."
-
Will not u turn! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By Ratchet - April 21 - 3:46 pmTruck has a very WIDE turning radius. I am always up on the curb or blocking the road. Not good for tight turns anywhere!
-
Nissan aced this truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By Dwight - April 9 - 8:16 pmI have owned Fords for over 12 years Great trucks but it was time for a change. The big thing was the fuel mpg for what i need a truck for a V8 is too much motor. If you need a kid hauler and you shop at Costco or Home Depot then you need to go test drive a Nismo crewcab. Mpg on highway has been 22.7 in town is 17 to 18. Good sound system every time I am out someone says NICE TRUCK.. I am so sold on this truck tons of power and fun to drive. Gooo drive one put your foot into it.
-
Love my Fronty - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By brutus_skx - April 9 - 6:29 amI love this truck! I traded in my 2006 Xterra since I needed a open truck bed but wanted to keep the same platform vehicle. This truck is GREAT! Leather is nice and the RF stereo sounds awesome. Good towing for the size; ok gas mileage. 16 city; 19/20 highway (70mph) 18/19 mpg (80/85mph). This truck is very capable off road; click in the 4x4 and with the rear locker you can go all over. 4lo has some real pull power. Hit the hardball and have a nice smooth ride home. Overall a great truck; way to go Nissan!
-
not so good - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By Brian - April 8 - 2:56 pmIf you like good looks, reasonably good fit and finish and a truck that starts every morning, then buy this truck. If you crave power and you dont like to deal with things like fixing brakes at 8,000 miles or replacing a good number of suspension components at 24,000 miles when youve never even taken it off road or outside the city limits of Saint Louis, then DO NOT buy this truck. The gas mileage is HIDEOUS considering the type of vehicle. Its not a full size truck yet gets the mpg of my 2001 F150 4x4 crewcab Lariat. Window sticker says 16/20. Right...more like 13/16. Also, the suspension creaks and the cruise wont hold on the slightest incline. Just too many annoying problems.
-
Under-rated, well-priced - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By wmetcalf - April 8 - 10:00 amAmazing what $15,000 will buy these days! My wife loves it! Comfort and quietness of a sedan. Decent mileage (26-27 hwy). No problem cruising and passing in excess of legal speed limits. Excellent handling, great visibility. Great highway truck. Plenty of interior storage, cup holders, aux. lights. Little 4-banger dies out at anything under 2500 rpm though, making it less than ideal for a lot of stop- and-go.
