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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  my frontier - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By aprado - December 31 - 2:00 am

  at first i like the old hardbody design and then i needed a new one specially the crewcab having one child and a lot of people asking for help if they needed to move something, it turned out i wasnt wrong of chosing my frontier crewcab but sure would be better if it was timing chain instead of timing belt like the new pathfinder.thats all i did replace my timing belt and its new again.

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  Tight Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By SS - December 28 - 7:06 pm

  This is my first Nissan vehicle. It is replacing a 2003 Dakota V8. In spite of a smaller engine than the old Dak, the Frontier is quicker, especially at highway speed, and manages 2-2.5 mpg better. Ride quality (noise,comfort) is on par. While the Nissan seats are significantly firmer, I find them more comfortable. In spite of cheaper pricing for both the 05 Dak and 05 Colorado that I also considered, the Fronty won out. Nissan just seemed to take an extra step in adding little touches here-and-there. The build quality just feels better.

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  The best mid size truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ADAM - December 22 - 5:40 am

  This truck has everything, you cant ask for more..the most v6 power than any other midsize truck, even topping out the V8 in the dodge dakota and being less cheaper in price...moreover i prefer the tacomas old look design over their new 2005 look and their base prices are more than the frontiers which is beyond me considering their truck does not offer anything more than the frontier does, in fact nissans V6 engine out performs their top v6 engine by almost 30 horsepower...

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  Its ok. - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By ADOBO - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I was very excited to get the new Crew Cab design knowing the Nissan reputation. This one, unfortunately, proved me wrong. After I bought this vehicle, the "Nissan reputation" I relied on went down the drain. The vehicle had gone to the shop 8 times the first month after I purchased it. To top this off, the Nissan Corporation gave me the run-around. I was on the verge of filing under the Illinois Lemon Law. This may be the last Nissan Ill buy.

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  First mid-size pickup. - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By rdpope - December 10 - 9:51 am

  I have recently purchased the 2011 4X4 SV crew cab with the long bed. I have been quite impressed with the added safety features, good HP and handeling of this vechile. I traded an 06 Sierra for this vechile, and yes it is a tighter fit for me — 6’3″ 215 lbs–, but it’s not bad. Not sure I would want to ride in the back for very long; but it’s perfect for my 7 and 9 y.o boys. My father ownes a Chevy Colorado; I have say the Nissan far outpaces the Chevy both in interior design, comfort and ride. I looked at both the Frontier and the Tacoma. I just could not justify the higher price of the Tacoma. The Frontier has better HP, more room in the crew cab’s rear seat, and again has more standard sa

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  Great truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Frank - December 6 - 6:30 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 3 years and have 64K miles. I have only done normal maintenance and the first set of brake pads. Absolutely no issues at all. Plenty of power, great off road and long distance truck.

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  In Love even after 200,000-Xlint - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By ER - December 2 - 8:53 am

  Wow. First of the yellow ones off the line in 1999, Bought with 6k mi for $17,000. Now have 200k. First 100k, this trucks ride was rock solid without ANY unscheduled repair - amazing. My American trucks prior never did this. Even at 150k, this truck rode like a car - nice. Now the poor thing is a clunker-cant fix suspension. But it starts every morning, most reliable. Our S420 Mercedes was completely falling apart (interior especially) after 100k, long sold. Frontier hangs on-no broken interior parts even though parts are thin. 6 yrs of 2 kids in back have left no broken features. People ask if the yellow paint is new every time I wash (rare) and I havent waxed in years. Amazing performance

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  I would buy it again - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jim - November 30 - 5:10 pm

  This is a work truck for me and I spend a lot of time on the road. The seats are comfortable and the layout of the interior is very clean. It has plenty of power, starts and runs smooth. I have been getting around 18.3MPG in town and 22MPG Highway. The only problem I have had was a rattle noise from the engine. I took the truck in, there was a TSB for the noise, they ordered the part and the truck was fixed.

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  Wow nissan frontier 06 - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe Busbee - November 27 - 8:40 pm

  Best truck you can buy for the money. Reliable, stout, tuff looking, overall awesome truck.

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  Dont buy brand new - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By ths916m3 - November 23 - 7:23 am

  This truck is overall a great compromise of practicality and fun. The S/C is good, and pulls very well when needed, could easily burn the rear tires if you wanted. Gets attention around town with its aggressive appearance and good looks, even though its mainly cosmetic. Long bed is just what it is, but on a crew cab its that much better. Space is tight for 4 6+ footers, but if you want space buy a Titan. Performance, fuel economy, and comfort can be remedied with some aftermarket items. In conclusion, if you want a great truck to go off roading with the wife and 3 kids with your motorcycle in the bed, this is the truck for you.