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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  Not like they used to be - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By xcars - November 19 - 7:43 am

  After owning this truck for a couple of days we knew we made a mistake. This truck gave a horrible ride on the back roads. It actually made us sick. Gas mileage was horrible. Also, we couldnt wait to get rid of it so after 2 mos. We traded it in for a Dodge. They gave us a good deal thank god we have also heard these trucks are costly for repairs, a lot of people we know who had Nissan frontiers didnt keep them very long for this reason, if you buy make sure to get a 3 day money back guarantee, I will say we got all our money back and plus on trade. Good luck.

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  5 Months and still loving it - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Zach J - November 7 - 5:46 pm

  I wrote a review called 3 Months and still love it. I have now driven my truck in both summer and winter (live in the Northeast). I have also gotten over my initial new car happy feeling, but believe me: Im still very happy with my truck. I took fuel economy down one notch because in four wheel drive I know its depressingly low. All vehicles are low in 4WD though, so dont skip this truck because of that. The power is still great, handles like a dream, and there has been ZERO snowpiles or unplowed roads that I could not get through. I live in a city built on a hill where they dont know how to plow, and I still havent had a single problem in the snow.

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  2011 Frontier 4x4 with 50,000 miles - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By deerguy - November 5 - 8:39 pm

  I bought my 2011 Frontier in June of 2011 and traded my F150 in on it. The truck is driven for work on the highway a lot but also in the field from time to time. I just went over 50,000 miles on this truck and have had only 1 minor fault with it this past winter. Once I did the recommended service on the transmission (Auto) that cleared up as well. I find my truck very comfortable and easy to drive on the highway. I also use the 4x4 from time to time in the woods or afield. I have had no issues at all with that. The only complaints that I would have is the reduced bed size & the gas mileage could be a little better. I could have purchased the longer bed though.

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  My Ticket to Ride - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By BangTango - November 3 - 10:00 am

  So far the best truck investment that Ive talked the wife into yet. This is the perfect truck for me and the family. Im 63" and fit comfortably in the cab with a 5 year old behind me who also has room. Love the exterior of this truck even in the 2wd version it sits high like the 4wd on a good set of oversized tires. Bed extender is a must on the short bed. When equipped with the power package for the extra grand you get the all the things that matter and none of the junk that Toyota tries to pack in with it for extra $$. Just an all around great truck for th money spent.

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  Tough Competent Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - November 2 - 9:50 pm

  First pick-up I ever owned and compared to my current cars, Porsche Boxster and Infiniti G35, this took a little while to get used to driving. Needed to haul the typical stuff around for the house, the dog and 2 dirtbikes. The 6 cyclinder and automatic are an excellent combination. Very quick acceleration for a truck. Gas milage is around 20 on the highway. Was excellent in the heavy snow this winter. Just click it into 4hi and rip right through the snow. Pretty tall truck (good ground clearance). My wife wasnt to keen on a truck, but she admits it is easy to drive and park.

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  Best of The Compacts... By Far - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By sgtrock - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck after looking and test driving all the others except the Chevy. The others just did not measure up to the Frontier in most areas, especially in the 4WD ride quality. The XE Crew Cab, by far, was smoothest riding and the quietest running down the highway. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma sounded "Tinny" when shutting the doors , where as the Frontiers doors shut with a solid "thud". The 3.3 V6 engine is a very close second to the Toyota 3.4 V6. (Only because I like DOHC engines) The transmission is one of the best shifting out there.

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  2 year update - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By c192ps - October 26 - 1:13 pm

  the stock tires are only good for southern Cal. I purchase a set of BFG AT and they made a world deference off road. It will climb now with all most no wheel spin, where as before the stock tires just couldnt find traction. The only down side to using real off road tire is I lost about 2 mpg. No real problems with the truck, I even have hauled one cubic yard of gravel with it, just got to go slow.

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  2001 Nissan Frontier - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Pegasuss - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Nissan put some heart into this truck and given the same circumstances as when I bought it, I would buy it again. I do have a serious complaint about the gas mileage of this vehicle. Despite a number of different things I have tried, I rarely if ever get over 19 miles per gallon. Performance, Reliability, and features are what I LOVE about this truck. It is truly "my baby."

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  Great New Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By jd - October 23 - 7:33 am

  My son bought an 06 Frontier, and I liked it so much that I wanted one. Traded in an 03 V8 Dakota for my new Nissan. I liked the Dodge, but I like the Nissan better. Its just the right size, and is comfortable on the road, and really quiet. Radio and speakers are pretty darn good for the stock system. AC and climate controls are good, I think the interior needs a bit of "upscaling" (too much boring plastic), and the turning radius is far too big for this size truck. My mileage has varied from 18 to 23, but better than my previous Dodge. But the pluses far outweigh the negatives, and I have no regrets purchasing the Frontier. I recommend you drive and compare. Youll like it...

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  2005 Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By 2005 Frontier - October 23 - 5:56 am

  Love the durability and handling of this truck. Tows my trailer without any problems or lack of horse-power. Bed is more like a full size pickup and the interior feels like a full size truck. A big improvement over the previous generation of mini pickups.