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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  xe - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By cawiles - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had excellent service from this truck and would have no qualms about purchasing another. Thus far I have encountered only one defect which related to emissions controlat around 9,000 miles. It did not affect the performance of the vehicle. The problem was identified and repaired quickly. The truck is slow at takeoff unless I put my foot down heavily. This truck has an excellent turning radius, which comes in very handy in tight parking situations. which I forget about. The interior of the truck is laid out very well for my tastes, with plenty of space and easy ingress and egress.

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  great looks - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Davey35774 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Love the looks on this very relaible truck. It is fun to drive and handles well on different environments.

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  Good Truck, Can be Improved - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Jay114 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  My fourth Nissan since 1986. This one is nice to look at....fenders, light assembly, roof rack....but drinks gas bad. Sticker said "16 to 20" but I only get 13.5 mostly highway miles. Also I am a little disappointed in the power/acceleration. I must say though that adding a load to the bed or towing does not affect the performance...I think its torqued a little too low. Overall I enjoy the truck.

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  Fantastic truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By osiris32080 - March 29 - 7:22 pm

  I was all about getting a Toyota Tacoma, drove several and liked the raised suspension, but the ride itself wasnt that strong. After I tested a Frontier, I was sold. Off-the-line pickup in this V6 reminds you of a V8. Have yet to tow anything, but have used the bed for hauling heavy furniture and havent noticed a change in the way it drives. There seems to be a strong dislike of the interior, but in my opinion, its a truck, and Im not expecting anything fancy. Very fun to drive, and even though I live in a big city, its not too hard to get around. Like previous reviews, the turning radius leaves much to be desired, but overall, I love this truck.

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  4-banger Fronty - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By JW - March 26 - 8:03 am

  I recently bought a Frontier XE, mostly for light hauling and commuting. Really nice vehicle for the money. Basically got it for the same price as Colorado, but felt it outclassed the Chevy in ride and engine refinement. Even the base model looks good (unlike the Taco, which looks silly to me with the 4x2 base wheels). A lot of hard plastic inside, but this is PU truck - so what. Ive only had the truck for a few hundred miles so I guess you would expect reliabilty to be good.

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  Nismo quality - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By captbanyan - March 26 - 5:20 am

  I drive my Nismo pick up every day and just returned from a 2200 mile road trip with my wife and a Pomeranian. No back pains or discomfort. The powerful V6 ran 70s and 80s in all the southern states with a load in the bed. No heating probelems in Atlanta traffic jams. I had always driven Dodge Dakotas but Im Nissan now!

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  2005 Nissan Frontier XE - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - March 13 - 5:30 am

  This is a very nice truck to own. Very sharp looking truck. All my friends like the look of it and how it rides. Only problems I notice are: (1) your legs come close to hitting the lower dash; (2) truck horn is very wimpy and truck should have two horn buttons at each edge of steering wheel, not just one in center that is hard to use; (3) dont plan on getting any custom wheels for it because the 6 X 114.3 lug pattern is not standard size - there are very few makers of custom rims that will fit on the truck, very few custom rims will fit; (4) interior should have two dome lights, one near front of cab and other near the back of cab.

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  another failed nissian - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Brenda - March 13 - 12:10 am

  just got it a month ago today..and already having problems w/ it. we returned a murano because of all the problems w/ that. and once again back to the shop. powersteering is completely gone and the steering wheel is making a clicking noise at not even 2000 miles.

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  Most reliable vehicle we have ever owned - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By amd6577 - March 10 - 5:27 pm

  Bought this 2001 Frontier XE brand new in fall 2000. It has never been our primary vehicle, but has been driven almost daily since weve had it, and has made its fair share of several-hour trips. I cannot adequately describe how reliable and drama-free this truck has been. Our plan is to keep it forever!

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  Cant live w/o a truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By flashbang - March 8 - 2:00 am

  stop by to pick up my tags for the 03 Altima I just bought last week. My 94 Ford Ranger 4x4 ( 170k miles) was killing me on gas. They had just got in this Sand Dune color Frontier. After a quick test drive I couldnt stand it anymore I had driven a truck for 8 yrs and had to have another. The ride is awesome and the long bed absorbs most of the road bounce. My wife loves the truck more than me I think. Anyway I was able to use my companies VPP (vehicle purchase program) agreement with Nissan to knock off $3800.