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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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Grace - September 19 - 3:43 am

  This is a really great truck. The 6 cyl gets great gas mileage-20mpg with a mix of city and highway. It has lots of storage compartments under the rear seat and you have to love the sprayed bed. The turning radius takes some getting used to. It has all the basic features one would need on a truck, plus more. We were fortunate to get model without the tacky roof rack although I wouldnt mind the running boards (Im 52).

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  Strictly Utilitarian - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By devilsadvocate - September 17 - 10:53 am

  Nissan created the Frontier XE with reliability and function in mind. It eliminated all components that are prone to fail: power windows, locks and seats and created a truck made specifically to endure a very harsh work environment. I used it as a commuter and motorcycle hauler. For these activities it performed very well. Of the 40,000 miles I logged on this truck it spent not one hour in the shop aside routine maintenance. The larger Frontiers are designed for comfort and performance but the XE is as rugged as it gets. The interior is composed of durable plastics and rubber. The bench seat restricts the already small cab but is overall comfortable.

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  AWESOME small truck!! - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By chris3215 - September 14 - 1:57 pm

  This is my very first light weight truck and I will tell you I love the way it handles and I drive manual so the 6 speed if great, fast pick up in speed, great to take out on the trail. This truck out shines all the GMC light weight and Chevys light weight is how well made it is nothing cheap on the Frontier. Looking very forward to many years with this truck. Well worth what I paid.

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  Almost perfect! Almost - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By g100 - September 3 - 8:18 am

  This truck has everything! I am coming from a 2003 Tacoma wich I love better than the new Frontier and the New Tacoma. The frontier has things that Toyota should be ashamed that they dont. Power seats, heated seats, heated mirrors. Rear Defroster! Who do they think is out in the weather, the little sedan or the 4X4 guys. This ommitance does not make sence. The ONLY problem with this truck is is wanders on the highway and even on back roads. You have to drive this truck and not take your eyes off the road. This truck is top SL version with 18 tires. I have tryed removing some air from tires but still not perfect.

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  Nissan the next GM - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By cop74 - September 1 - 9:19 am

  Buyer beware, Nissan is using poor quality parts, expect expensive repairs at 40,000 miles, sound familiar, putting cheap parts in cars how did that work out for GM. Do not waste your hard earned money on poor quality.

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  I love my Nissan Truck... - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Rosemary Tavis - August 30 - 9:00 pm

  I love my truck... It is fun to drive and it sure does have power... The seats could be more comfortable though. I wanted leather and 4wd but could not afford the payment. Any way I look forward to driving my truck every day. It lools so cool too.

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  Great vehicle so far - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bob2468 - August 27 - 7:51 pm

  I compared Frontier & Tacoma - other than interior design the Frontier is way ahead... exterior, ride, driver comfort, performance, road noise, value. My past vehicles were 4 cylinder compact cars, so this was a big change. Love it so far! Getting about 21mpg in mostly city driving using a/c - better than I expected (easy on the gas, manual transmission). Back seats are just fine for the kids. Cant speak to reliability yet. Black/Beige, SV package OEM step rails, extender, fogs Truxedo bed cover

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  Gas guzzler - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By caravantrader - August 26 - 2:00 am

  i am extremely disappointed on how thirsty this truck is. right now i average around 13.5mpg. i previously owned a V8 4wd tundra that had a better fuel mileage than this truck. on trips i would be averaging 15mpg and that is driving conservatively. i am surprised that a truck this small would eat more gas than a bigger v8 truck. (it took me 3 fillups to get back from san francisco to los angeles.) the rockford fosgate sound system is not impressive either. i ended up adding another amp, and replaced the weak subwoofer with better aftermarket items.

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  Still my favorite vehicle - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fronteeer - August 18 - 1:40 am

  After about a year and a half of owning this truck, I love it even more than when it was new, because Ive had a chance to haul and tow with it, Ive routinely driven it in deep snow, taken it off-road, and loaded and unloaded an ATV and a motorcycle several times. After 47,000 Km (~29,200 mi) Ive really come to appreciate the incredible balance Nissan has struck between car-like handling and performance, and truck-like utility. This is my daily commuter, and I cant say enough about the comfort, handling, versatility, and that incredible engine. Im glad I bought a mid-size. I get great MPG and I can pull a 30ft. camping trailer with an ATV in the back and three passengers with luggage.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By David D - August 17 - 11:10 pm

  Ive had the truck about one month and so far, I love it. Mine has just about every available option and is really comfortable and attractive. I havent taken it off-road yet, but the highway ride is outstanding. I compared it to the Tacoma, but ended up going with the Frontier for its better ride and more available options. The Frontier also feels more powerful to me, although supposedly the Tacoma is faster. Both are good trucks, I just thought I got more for the money with the Nissan. Bottom line is that I strongly recommend this truck.