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:

• 

  Nice Truck at a Nice Price - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jerry Hardison - August 12 - 5:20 am

  Excellent rebuild of an old body style. Not even the same truck compared to the old hardbody design. The 4.0 Ltr motor has some very real power as the larger and heavier truck requires. Interior design and comfort is terrific and the exterior design is hard to distinguish between the Titan at a distance (nice look). Time will tell if it will perform as well as the old style. (The bed squeeks have to get that checked out) Wheres the keyless entry or alarm?

• 

  Fun Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By WK - August 10 - 4:23 am

  Looked at the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, and Honda Ridgeline before buying my Frontier Crew Cab LE V6. Frontier is better than all; its very close to the Tacoma but the Toyotas need for premium gas turned me away. The Frontier is not perfect; the seat fabric could be better, the turning radius is poor, and the console is too low/far back. The worst negative is the bump steer when driving at highway speeds; its a little distracting until you get used to it (keep two hands on the wheel and its not so bad). However, the acceleration is awesome (I added a K&N filter and gained a couple more HP). Gas mileage is what I expected (avg 18 mpg - hey its a truck not a hybrid).

• 

  Id do it again! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By critch - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The truck has run without issue for 3 years. No maintenance other than wear and tear. Nissan has been great covering any recall issues and has gone above and beyond by replacing a window motor ($400) free with the window regulator recall. Kudos to Nissan. Ive 4 wheeled in snow, mud, and sand, and its performed very well. Ive gained a high level of confidence in the 4 wheel drive capabilities of this vehicle. SuperCharger makes it fun to drive but the downside is fuel consumption. Getting expensive these days.

• 

  Frontier Review - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Tom - July 27 - 3:43 am

  Bought the truck new and paid much less than sticker. Love the truck but not worth the sticker. Only real complaint is the turning radius is like driving an 18 wheeler. Dont like the plastic bed liners - should of put the NISMO paint in liners as standard. The plastic on the tail gate scratches easy. Acceleration is slow but plenty of V6 power when it kicks in.

• 

  Good used vehicle - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By syclone - July 22 - 11:43 pm

  No problems so far except for an automatic transmission overdrive switch.

• 

  Exceptional Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Tracker 3 - July 22 - 8:46 am

  I bought a 2006 Nissan CC LE model and I love it. The stiffness of the frame and steering is a joy you can feel the quality. The interior is spacious and quality is apparent. Out of all the other brands out there that I test drove this truck was the tops. However I did not drive the Tacoma because I did not like the looks or the added price compared to the Nissan. I did not find the audio or leather packages as necessary so I went without it. The truck is excellent and drives like a dream. The 265 HP V6 really puts you back into your seat when you unleash all the ponies on the highway. It is a very comfortable truck to drive.

• 

  Frontier - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By GW in NL - July 18 - 2:40 am

  I recently traded my car and stepped up to becoming a truck owner. I had planned on getting a Toyota Tacoma forever, and came very close, but before purchasing I decided to shop around alittle, and I am glad that I did. Once I took the Frontier off the parking lot for a test drive, I knew it was a done deal. The smoothness of the ride and powertrain blew the Tacoma away, not to mention a larger truck for less money (especially the dump)and more POWER. The dealership was very friendly and threw in a few extra accessories (unlike Toyota). It was a no brainer. Its a truck that handles like a car or SUV, I love it.

• 

  Overall, Im Impressed - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By jkwstone - July 15 - 6:03 pm

  Like a lot of people I looked at the Frontier and Tacoma. When it came down to it, the price steered me towards the Frontier. The size is right, good power, comfort, capability, looks. Ive been getting 18-19 mpg mixed driving, not bad for a capable 4x4 pickup.

• 

  Great truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By nd - July 12 - 12:33 am

  Ive had the truck for a couple of years now and have had a few issues with it but all in all has been a good truck. I have put more than my fair share of abuse on it such as offroading and heavy towing and its done allright. Havent had any real Major problems. Another suggested improvement is the front bumper is very flimsy Ive had to replace it twice from offroading in snow.

• 

  Horrible Truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Larry McEnnis - July 7 - 1:33 am

  Possibly the worse vehicle Ive every owned? All of the companies that write reviews for this truck want to praise it, then why didnt I get the same truck they rave about? The front suspension is horrible. It will not drive straight on the pavement, it wonders from side to side, and heaven forbid if you hit a pothole as it will throw the truck sideways. And talk about bump steer, Ive never experianced a truck whose steering wheel yanks to the side when you hit a bump. The steering will flat wear you out if you take it on a dirt road. It will want to pull the wheel side to side with every bump. I have owned trucks for 40 years and this is the worse. I cant wait to sell it.