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 - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By shazdaddy - July 20 - 10:00 am

  had to downsize rom dodge ram..miss the horsepower but overall very happy with truck...fells bigger than it is

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  Better buy the Tacoma - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By srl99 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Dumped all auto tranny fluid at 1507 miles due to wedge left in cooler line at factory. Nissans response? Refill the tranny - you should have bought an extended warranty. Guess they dont know about service after the sale. I SHOULDVE bought the Tacoma and you should too!

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  My Frontier...its great!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Terry - July 13 - 12:50 am

  The interior was the main selling point over any other truck in this class. I still feel like Im in a sedan, and the Rockford Sound System...simply rocks!!!!

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  Hwycruiser - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Rock4life - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a small truck with enough power to pull my boat and have get up and go like a car. The 6-disc cd indash is nice but lacks on wattage. The hwys around here are a little rough so the ride can be bumpy. The tires are an odd ball size and firestone is the only one that makes that size on the Supercharged model. I can say that this truck loves the hwy speed. The worst thing about this truck is the gas mileage, IT SUCKS! I drive about 26 miles each way to work, mostly hwy and I average 14mpg. I am considering going back to a full size truck, if I am going to drive a vehicle with 18mpg or less it might as well be a full size with a V8...

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  I love this truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert - July 6 - 11:36 pm

  I just purchased the truck and have only been driving it for about two weeks. I love this truck. I have always liked Nissan Frontiers, found them to be very reliable. This truck is a winner. I do wish the arm rest was longer though and it got better gas mileage, but overall Im very satisfied.

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  Exceeds my expectations - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By ShiverMeTimbers - July 6 - 9:20 pm

  Ive owned my LE 05 CC for just over 4 months now (first truck ever) and couldnt be happier. The truck sells itself, even impressing some dyed-in-the-wool american brand only types. I think this truck might last as long as my old volvo (200k+ miles). As for the reviewers complaining about the ride, you really need to ride in a sport sedan like my wifes Maxima SE!! If you want a car that floats along the road, you need to buy a Lincoln.

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  7 Year Update - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By kd7oqc - July 3 - 10:53 pm

  This is an update of my post 3/21/02. Ive kept up on the maintenance. Nothing has broken, unless I have bent or smashed it. ABS doesnt work when you are going backwards down a snow covered hill. K&N air filter helped mileage. Still getting 18.5 average and 20+ on trips. Still no squeaks or rattles, though it sees a fair amount of logging roads. The regulator on the left rear window went out Feb 06 / 88,500 miles. Extended warranty covered it, otherwise it would have been $300. Quoted just under $900, to change the timing belt, seals, water pump, belts and hoses at 105k. It doesnt need hoses or a water pump, but since they are tearing into it, I wont have to worry for another 100k miles.

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  Frontier XE (4 Cyn/ 2.5) 5 Speed - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By The Jesser - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride for a truck. The Stabizer bar makes it handle better. ABS feature is excellent, it has helped me avoid a couple of accidents! Hansome both in and out! Its the same reliable engine I expect from Nissan. Also, the XE has a reasonable price and has all the BASIC features one needs. Its great for hauling all kinds of heavier or bulky items, yet great for daily commutes. Although the 4 cylinder could use more power/torque, most of the time I do not need 6 cylinder power/fuel consumption on a daily basis--especially with gas prices increasing every moment! Overall: Thumbs Up!

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  Amazed - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By ambulatsolum - July 2 - 2:26 pm

  Set out to purchase a Tacoma, have owned them in the past. The Pro4x, though, blew me away. The interior of this vehicle is incredibly high quality and supremely comfortable. The paint is terrific, body panel gaps consistent. The ride on broken Northern pavement is great - no see-sawing - handles bad roads with aplomb. It is a blast to drive, handles well, easier to manage in tight confines that a full-size. Live in a rural area; has handled flooded roads and off-road conditions well. Burns regular grade fuel. Great truck!

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  2006 Nissan Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By aolaniesene - June 30 - 10:18 am

  We purchased a Nissan because we believed in its superior quality. We believed that we would have a truck that would easily last us 10 years. However, after just 4 years - and almost nearing to paying off this trucks loan - we experienced what other forums show is a common manufacturer defect. At high mileages, Frontiers may experience a break in its radiator, causing coolant to mix in with transmission liquid. Even though we have been excellent Nissan clients, bringing in our Nissan for regular servicing to ensure it lasts long...weve been hit by this defect. So, the non-reward for taking care of our truck is having recently paid approx. $6k..