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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  Prod date 11/04 compared to a 03/05 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By TERRI - June 25 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased prod date 11/04 on 1/05, numerous problems [eng rattle, hard pull right, r/r dr pnl incorrect, clunk in drivetrain accell/decel, shudder 3-4 shift trans, brk pedal squeak, washer nozzles misaligned, rolls too far in park, hood & sunvisors vibrate, r/f rear seat trim panel broke off, r/f a pillar rattle, a/c knobs loose, prk brake out of adjustment, frt windows grind up/down] dealer said normal- not!!! Traded back in for same model later prod date 03/05-different characterist truck-no problems. Love the truck-awesome power 4.0L, ride, handling great, bigger than my 01 nis frontier 2wd cc xe; electric blue screams buy me! Love the red dash lights & fact sprayed bed liner!

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  First Impressions - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - June 24 - 11:53 pm

  Ive only owned the vehicle for less than a week now, so this review is not intended to be anything more than the title states. Im only 58" and feel that the seats are made to fit my size perfectly, so taller drivers may have issues with comfort. Im generally very pleased with everything about this truck and pretty well initially convinced that I made the right purchase. Only time will tell if this is a lasting impression.

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  Great truck for a lot of gas - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Darby19d - June 24 - 9:23 pm

  My Frontier is a great truck: fun to drive, comfortable, reliable, does everything I ask it to without complaining. But my only complaint is that it sucks gas like no one elses business. I average about 15-16 MPG. Granted, I live in the city, which isnt optimal for fuel efficiency, but it still hurts the pocket book. It still gets below average gas milage on the freeway (about 16-17 MPG), but its still better than in the city. My recommendation, if you do a lot of freeway driving or dont live in the city, its a great truck to drive. If you live in the city, you better be rich.

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  Practical Hauler for Common People - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By rainylake - June 24 - 2:00 am

  The Frontier is not a contractor grade truck, but it does the jobs that most average households need to get done. Pulls a small boat fine, 4wd on beach or mud is great, carries 4 adults fairly easy. Hiway ride is noisy but safe. The engine revs high to maintain speed and MPG should be better for such a light truck. The best thing about this truck is that it is easy to operate and inexpensive to own. No problems of any kind and it feels like it will run forever. Interior is comfortable.

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  2007 SE 4x4 CC LB - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By cfm628 - June 18 - 10:53 pm

  I checked out the Tacoma and the Ridgeline prior to purchasing the Frontier. I didnt like the Tacoma ride and the cost. The Ridgeline was very nice, but not "trucky" enough for me. The ride and feel are so much better than the 2005 Ranger I traded. I have owned two other Nissans and this is the best yet.

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  It works for me. - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - June 18 - 3:06 pm

  Had this truck one month, (900 miles). I like it better every time I drive it. The seats take some getting used to. The ride is a little bumpy in town, but great on the highway. I dont care much for the tool box/basket behind the drivers seat, or the jump seats. The main issue is fuel mileage. So far I am getting 16 mpg, combined driving. I gave up a Ford Ranger I had for 12 years that performed very well. This truck has more power and is very quiet on the highway. So far not a single issue to report.

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  Very Nice truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jay - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  Bought this truck after selling my 02 Frontier. I live on a small island where gas costs nearly $4.00 a gallon, so I didnt really need a 6 cylinder. I drove this truck and had to have it. Nice tight suspension, more than enough power, unbelievably quiet for a truck, plenty of room in the back seat, great tie down tracks for my windsurfing equipment, boat gear, surfboard etc., just wash it out when done with the bed liner. Im thinking Ill keep this one for a long time. Nice work Nissan! Jay

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  Long Timer - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By John Reed - June 13 - 1:06 pm

  The 2000 Nissan Frontier SE Crew Cab 4X4 is the best truck I have ever had. Millage get this at 210,000 miles its only had the 5 speed manual transmission and clutch replaced. Other than routine maintenance the ususal spark plugs, wires, O2 Sensors, oil and coolant changes its is the performer. The truck averages 17.5 mpg and it is a vehicle that have been dependable for over 8 years.

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  Tundra Trader - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By tundra trader - June 13 - 11:36 am

  I traded in my 2006 Tundra sr5 4x4 doublecab for the Frontier. it outshines the toyota by miles. parking, cornering in tight situations, gas mileage, you name it. Its too bad more people dont test drive these trucks cause they rock.

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  Best Purchase - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By big R - June 13 - 5:46 am

  I have nothing bad to say about this truck.I was concerned about the gas mileage, but just have been pleasantly suprised.The numbers come in way above the door estimate. Im getting @22 mpg driving to and from work and just got back from a road trip where I got @ 26 mpg on the highway.