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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  styling, power, roomy...i like it - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By wes - March 5 - 4:06 am

  this is the first truck ive owned, and its beat all my expectations...priced better than toyotas, roomier and more powerful too. nissan doesnt have the reputation of quality like toyota, but in my opinion, nissan is just as good if not better. time will tell, but resale values are improving on nissans because of it. great truck.

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  Buy one if you can find one! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Frontier freak - March 4 - 9:50 am

  I owned a 04 Frontier and traded in for the 05 2.5L/5-speed - well worth it. Bigger everything and still reliable, expect for some body squeaks. The truck never had any mentionable problems but routine main. & a battery (not counting two wrecks which it took like a champ) and its still running and hauling 1,000 lbs. well. I think the interior design and ergonomics are great for a king cab, and the bold exterior design sets it apart from the wimpier Tacoma and domestics. Would like to see a more stroked 4 (or inline 5?) base model - the 2.5 L does great for the weight of this sturdy truck, but acceleration and torque are issues. I hope to get the 4.0 next time.

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  Rear End Problem - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By 203 - February 23 - 12:43 pm

  After 43,000 miles the rear-end destroyed itself. Over the course of 43,000 miles it was used to haul a 1000 pound load 10-12 times. Other than that, it was used only for light weight items. The 4 cylinder version severely suffers from acceleration underperformace problems but the fuel milage is good. Dont expect the dealership to suggest that a repair may be covered under warranty. They may act like that the truck doesnt have a warranty.

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  Daily commuters delight - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By daily commuter - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck in 2001. my registration date was 9-11. This truck got 94,000 on original tires. 105,000 on brakes. 160,000 and counting on the clutch. I just took off the seat covers and the seats are like brand new. Im giving the truck to my son and I believe he will continue to enjoy it. I just got the front wheel alignment done for the first time last week. Mostly freeway miles but I have taken it in the mountains and to the ocean. I got 24 miles to the gallon but I had to cruise at 63 miles an hour to do it. If you put 89 octane in it you will get the 27 miles a gallon they claim. And you get to go 65 miles an hour. I will miss this vehicle.

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  Replaced clutch at 35,000 miles - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Rolland weeks - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought my son a Frontier. Replacing the clutch at 35,000 miles this week. This is not what I expected at 35,00 miles. My toyota pickup clutch was replaced at 260,000 miles. I guess you get what you pay for.

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  My Nissan Stinks!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By kram1972 - February 20 - 10:30 am

  I bought my truck new off of the lot. Ran great for about 55k mi then hell broke loose. blower resistor blew ($150), then blower blew ($500), then at 45k mi a ujoints went and another at 59.5k mi. a week later PW on driverside blew, then last week with 64.5k mi i was informed that the motor needs to be replaced but guess what, 6yr-60k mile warranty is over and they wont touch it. oh, the timing chain is stretched to maximum limit and needs to be replaced and amazingly my oil pressure gauge hasnt moved since I bought the truck but i was 2 quarts low when I just had it serviced by Nissan. NEVER NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN!!!!

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  Third world country vehicle - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By deneng - February 16 - 12:30 am

  When i saw this vehicle in the philippines i said to myself if this ever comes to the states i gotta get me one. When it came i said ok i paid the 14500 asking price and drove it off the lot. Has 89000 and the timing belt replaced. Gas milage 10 to 25 mpg. 10 miles with 4500# boat and 25 when driving like a green freak. Still with original clutch. Its hard to decide if this or my integra are better vehicles. Both are far better then expected.

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  My first nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By BOBRAT - February 13 - 7:30 pm

  My first foreign vehicle. Always been a chevy man. Worked for gm for over 23 years. I love this truck. The 265 hoarses are great. I may never go off-road, but i know if i have to, i can. And i cant wait for a serious snow storm!!!!!

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  go nissian - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By fvl - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second nissian I had a 2001 crew cab traded it at 60,000 and got a 2003 holds value well, I had not one problem with either nissian. Could not say that for the s10 pickups I used to own.

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  NISMO Believer - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By GR - February 6 - 12:26 am

  Love this truck. Solidly built with great performance. This engine is sweet - climbs the steepest hills in 5th gear like a champ!! Test drove the Tacoma but liked this better. The cabin is more spacious and laid out more sensibly. The sightlines and front window much better than the Toyota. 4 WD works great on ice and snow. Nice and stable. Getting just over 18 mpg with mixed driving. Glad the salesman talked me into the Rockford-Fosgate 6 changer CD. This stereo is a MUST for your truck.