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 Rich Soto - May 30 - 12:00 am

  Starts up nice. Drives like a full size truck. Step on the gas and she goes nice for a v6. Shifts smooth and stops on a dime. Turning radius is great. Has a little bit of wind noise around door somewhere. I will figure it out sooner or later. Had to trade a manual transmission vehicle for this cause I could not use right shoulder to well and this truck has everthing easy to reach. Pulls a 2 place quad trailer very well. I forget its back there. That is how well it pulls and rides back there. Hope I dont have to get rid of this truck for any health reasons. This truck could last me forever. Bought it with 54 thousand miles, clean as a whistle. Got a full 60k service done at dealer. Top shape!

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  2008 Frontier SE 4WD Short Box V-6 - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan Thomas - May 25 - 1:43 am

  Nice size,Nice exterior.Rides nice.

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  Big improvement! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - May 24 - 12:10 pm

  I traded a 98 Frontier with more than 130,000 miles on it. Dead reliable and relatively economical, but ride was harsh and interior uncomfortable for long trips. Nissan learned their lesson with the new Frontier. Very comfortable, roomier, and the increased torque make this heavier vehicle peppier than its predecessor. I got the plain jane of the line, but am very satisfied with the package. Toyota wouldnt try to find a 4 cylinder Tacoma, but the Nissan dealer was happy to and cut a great deal. Average 22 mpg around town; 24 on the road. Nice job, Nissan!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By vuch - May 22 - 4:16 am

  I have a Crew Cab SE. This is a great truck to drive. Plenty of power, good interior space. I think it is the best looking mid-size truck on the market. The Utili-track and factory spray in bedliner are great also. I have a noise in the engine that is on a technical service bulletin hopefully it will be fixed the next time I bring the truck in. If you are in the market for a truck take the Frontier out for a test drive...you wont be disapointed.

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  Very Happy - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By PacificCoast - May 20 - 4:33 pm

  I bought a 2006 Nismo CC 4x4, fully loaded. It was used, with 10,000 miles. I had read before that people claim it drives like a sports car, and it really does. It is a blast to drive. I have also been very pleasantly surprised with how smooth the ride is, even on the worst freeways (and even with the Nismo package). It has lots of room in the back seat, and a roof that rises so that taller people can sit in the back seat without hitting their head. Transmission is smooth, power plentiful. Rockford fosgate sound system is terrific. This truck is tough, it looks great, and it drives nice. What more could one ask for? Fuel economy is not bad for a truck.

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  Great to Drive - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By FRONTIER LOVER - May 20 - 5:26 am

  I traded my 2000 Frontier for the 2005 model. After reading the Edmunds Reviews along with my experience with the 2000 there was no other choice. I looked at the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma, the Dodge Ram Series and those that GM had to offer, which confirmed my thoughts about the 2005 Frontier. I like the overall rugged looks of the exterior, the well laid out interior, its performance and roadability. I try to find reasons to get it out on the road and enjoy the drive. Best choice I ever made.

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  proud owner - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Natale - May 20 - 3:53 am

  The Nissan Frotier i hought was gonna be this bulky car i wouldnt be able to park on a busy city street but in reality it is so easy to drive, the smoothness of the ride is remarkable, going 0-60mph in 7.5 secs and on to 80 fairly quick for a truck. The off road capability is amazing,even though lacking the nismo performance on the Le it handles it own while enjoying the comforts of the leather seats.i brought it to the beach and didnt even need to air down or reverse to shift gears,i just drove in and on to the sand no problems no hesitation.Nissan outdid it self with the styling by creating a big tuff looking truck to match up with american trucks while maintaing its stylish import routes

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  Great but... - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bill Mac - May 15 - 8:56 am

  Fantastic truck. I have two complaints: 1) Fosgate stereo has great sound but unless you use the satelite hookup (very expensive) you have 2 AM radio bands and only 1 FM - no sense there. The other is the weight of the tailgate. If not fully latched and falls while driving it may bend the sheet metal in the lower corners of the tailgate - has happened to me twice. Needs to be lighter or have a counterweight to keep gate from "banging" down.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By JW63 - May 14 - 5:00 pm

  After owning my desert runner s/c for almost 8 yrs I feel qualified to to write this review. The performance of this truck is always a kick. My friend at work has a hemi Dodge and he cant catch me! The interior looks great, and not out of date yet. The leather seats have held up remarkably well and are comfortable on short hauls or long trips. The back seat area was fine up until my daughter turned 7, then it got tight. I have read a few reviews saying they had problems with front end alignments and short tire life.. Mine has never been touched and I got 49,000 miles out of the original firestones. The fuel mileage is mediocre, but I would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Lamaeque Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Louis - May 10 - 8:53 pm

  This is my first Frontier and I love it. I was used to Toyotas (Good Trucks) but I have to say that the Frontier beats them all.