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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  Perfect Compact Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Swole37 - August 15 - 2:06 am

  I use my frontier for work and play. I drive anywhere from 20 to 100 miles a day for work. I am an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I drive my fronier off road a good bit. I pull a trailer sometimes with either one or two four wheel ATVs. Sometimes I load one ATV in the bed when I dont pull a trailer. The truck pulls great. My frontier has never broken down and left me stranded. The only problem that I have ever had if a freon leak in the air conditioning system. I ride comforably with my wife and two small children. Sometimes I put two adults in the back seat. It is a little cramped for them, but bearable.

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  not yet sold - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By workinmanstruck - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Not yet sold on this vehicle. I have a 2002 V6 4x4 XE king cab. Gas milage good at 20-21 mph everywhere. Having problem with clunky brakes, fade in pedal, long stops and heavy pulling to left. Loud wurring noise,like that of a power steering pump is getting on my nerves. Fit and finish not the greatest. At 7k miles (8 weeks old )it is starting to get squeeky. Motor is loosening up and acceleration is improving. Love the look, price was right. Will be making first trip to dealer for service, well see how that goes.

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  2005 Frontier Crew Cab - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By sberry - August 9 - 6:46 am

  The most leg room in the back of the crew cab Ive ever experienced. Good design, tight and stought. The engine belt did squeak which was embarrassing until dealer replaced, the brakes still squeak when applied while backing up. Turning radius too wide and I dont like gearing due to fact that when automatic kicks into passing, rpms reve up to high in comparison to acceleration. Have not towed anything. 1 recall on tow hitch electrical. As good as to better that any truck Ive ever owned.

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  "The Machine" - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Ricardo - August 3 - 8:33 am

  Excellent truck! This is my first pick up truck and I love it. I use it to work every day and to go off road on the weekend with my kids for an ATV run. Towing power is excellent, so far no problems.

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  A Jaunty Truck - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By igopogo - August 3 - 1:25 am

  Purchased new, currently at 16 months and 13,000 miles. The size of the KC truck is ideal for my purposes; roomy enough to accommodate two people (good sized) with luggage inside. Its dimensions are not too big to handle today’s traffic and parking situations, but are large enough to provide a comfortable ride. I wish it were quieter but will try to improve this area with future tire selection. I prefer the Frontier’s more upright chair-like seating position over the Tacoma (the only other truck I considered).

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  First Impression - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By JJS - July 30 - 1:10 pm

  I am quite pleased with this truck. I was open minded towards purchasing any brand and type of truck. I chose the Frontier for several reasons: Good build quality; metal where you normally see plastic and good fit. Smoothest shifting Ive ever seen, especially into and out of 4WD. Name brand tires. Power; (V6) plenty of it with decent fuel economy. Not too big, not too small; perfect size for someone who doesnt live in their truck. Drives very well; confident handling and feel. Overall great truck I think. Assembled in USA. Dont be fooled, you cant have someone in the back for any long period of time in King Cab but Im ok with that. Oil filter a little hard to get to.

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  Crew cab mid-size frontier truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Susana and Jorge - July 27 - 11:43 pm

  Mechanical Performance 4.0 V6 Engine 265 hp perfect. 5 speed automatic transmission and suspension perfect. Frontier nissan 4x2 crew cab 2005 Its The Best! why? Because the Engine Immobilizer works better than Toyota tacoma double cab 2005.

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  Typical Nissan Truck... - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By theironchefchris - July 24 - 3:56 pm

  After a year, the truck has impressed the hell outta me. I went with it over the Tacoma which I like a lot as well but the Nissan was black, so I had to get it. The truck is what it is; a tough tank of a truck, nothing you dont need, simple, great design, and super powerful. The price is right and it holds its value well. Im hoping to keep this thing for a long long time at least until we can get one with a diesel! The paint is a bit weak and does chip behind the doors near the fender flares, but hey its a truck. Also, mine didnt have keyless entry and i got it from eBay for 7 bucks, so stop complaining people! I use it daily and love this truck, excited to drive it everyday

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  Family Wagon With Looks - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Dave - July 24 - 3:00 pm

  The 4 doors are great for a family and the benefits of a pickup bed. Traded a 1994 Ranger for this truck. Gas mileage is the same but the power of the Nissan 4.0 is better than the Ford 3.8 dog. Getting 19 mpg - it is a truck.

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  Very nice truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By army95bravo - July 23 - 3:13 am

  I purchased my 2008 Frontier used with 32,000 miles on it(one owner). The truck is great, turning radius sucks and I wish they included fog lights as standard equipment on the Frontier. Ive had Toyotas and Nissans and both are very reliable trucks. But this time it was all about price. I love this Frontier, the way it rides, the looks of it!