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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  The right midsize truck for the job. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By A. Martin - May 10 - 6:20 pm

  The 265HP engine is very responsive. The truck handles as well as many passenger cars. Excellent for Hwy and city driving. Fuel economy is avg, but much better than my wife’s 2002 SC Xterra, and it runs on 87 octane well. The 5 speed automatic transmission shifts very smooth and does so when I would want to. (I have always been a manual guy until now.) The exterior is very nice with less “plastic” than on some new trucks and previous frontiers. The spray on bed liner is first rate with a great rail system for securing cargo. The interior is made of very high quality materials and the fit and finish is grade “A”. If you don’t like plastic you may not like it as much as I do.

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  Like it OK so far. - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By JD - May 7 - 5:50 am

  Looked at both the Frontier and the Dakota. Chose the Frontier (storm grey color, steel grey int) due to proven reliability, also the interior materials looked much better than the Dakota. Frontier has a quiet car-like ride to it, outstanding getup and go when you need it. A/C is good and cold, getting 20-21 mpg so far on hwy. The bed extension works really well when slid up near the cab to keep stuff from sliding all over the bed. With 2 boys, cup holders throughout the truck come in real handy. Would have gotten LE Crew cab, wanted Blue exterior (cant get on SE), but would have had to have roof rack (standard on LE crew), which I thought looked ugly on truck.

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  not the best - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By canam77 - May 5 - 8:30 am

  Other than the non repairable alignment issues. And the bad welds on the frame it hasnt been that bad of a truck...

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  Sweet - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By JHH - April 30 - 6:06 pm

  I bought my 2000 Nissan Frontier with 60,000 miles on it. It runs like new and is reliable. It looks great and is really fun to drive.

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  Frontier XE - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By jeff - April 29 - 11:00 pm

  I have owned an 03,an 05 and an 07. All 3 were XEs. My 07 is a 4 cyl, 5 speed manual. This truck is by far the best ever. Rides like a real truck (full frame), pulls hills just fine.The 5 speed manual is perfect for this. anyone who has taken a trip with me complements the ride. Nissan has raised the bar. A 23mph average truck that can haul 1500 lbs up hills. You will not go wrong purchasing the truck.

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  Happy Nissan Owner - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Miasbuddy - April 28 - 6:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Nissan and Ill never again buy anything other brand. My truck is sturdy and safe. Handles very well in all types of road & weather conditions. Has plenty of power and I can hold my own on the Interstate with the 18 wheelers. Drivers seat is very comfortable for my bad back. Ive had no expenses outside of routine maintenance with any of the 3 Nissans. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the Frontier to anyone looking for a reliable pick up truck.

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  Nissan Frontier - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By jh4451 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy the Nissan Frontier so far. The style of the exterior is what sold me. I also like the extend a bed feature. The interior controls are not easy to see with the shift lever in the way. But so far, that is the only minor concern I would have with the vehicle.

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  Love my Frontier! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By AL - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I love my Nissan Frontier. I got a basic "truck" with no frills. Im enjoying the excellent gas mileage and good road manners. This is my 4th Nissan... there will be many more in my future.

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  Dont buy a Frontier - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Tom LaBathe - April 16 - 11:36 pm

  After only 7 months and 11,000 miles the paint is peeling off of the rocker panels. Klines service department said it was caused by sand in the street and fix the problem.

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  Best yet - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By wayne - April 15 - 10:43 pm

  This is my forth pick up truck and second crew cab in 12 years. I had a B2200, Sonoma, Canyon and now the Frontier. While they were all good vehicles this one is by far the best. I did a lot of research and a lot of test drives before making the decision. The Toyota and the Dodge were both good but not quite good enough. I found the Frontier had more get up and go. Gas mileage is pretty standard. We have 20k and 9 months under our belt.The interiors were also very close. I am not sure what Auto reviewers have against hard plastic interior finishes but in the real world they work very well. This is probably the best all round vehicle for anyone balancing work and family.