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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  Some problems with this truck, normal? - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By sandiego - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck new in 98 and here are some problems Im having: Bushing in stabilizer bar been replaced twice; radio light is dying; A/C is very noisy and horsepower is lost when on; clutch is dying at 56k; horrible gas mileage; well see if this truck makes it to the 100k w/o spending too much in repairs! this truck is fun to drive though, and very nice ergonomics. So-so resale value.

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  The 2005 Nissan Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Emily - April 9 - 12:33 pm

  This is the best truck I think I will ever own. My boyfriend has a 2000 Nissan Frontier, and all of our friends have variouse year model Frontiers and we all love them. We will keep these trucks after we get newer Nissans as a second vehicle for whatever purpose it may be needed for. We will own nothing other than a Nissan.

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  2003 Nissan Frontier - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Kelly - April 6 - 12:50 am

  I love my Nissan. Could have better turning ratio. Seats could be more comfortable and rear doors could be made easier to get out of. Other than that all else is excellent.

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  the frontier and me. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By mahoot - April 2 - 1:03 pm

  very easy to get in and out of. cloth seating area seems to stay clean. left foot rest and steering wheel surface feels comfortable when behind wheel.

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  Happy with my new Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Coleman Ergle - March 31 - 8:53 pm

  This truck is just fun . I love to drive the highway in this truck . i love the ride and it has alot of power when you need it. This is a strong , safe and good looking truck.

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  Be very careful! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bad Truck - March 30 - 7:53 pm

  This truck is a huge headache. Ive had an enormous amount of trouble with it. Most of my problems were cosmetic related including a roof leak that Nissan cant seem to fix. Had the seal replaced three times and the windshield replaced once and it still leaks. Along with that the brake master cyl went out at 500 miles, bumper has been replaced twice, belt tensioner has been replaced three times, Window control module needs to be replaced, the timing belt system had to be replaced due to a technical service bulletin (only covered if the vehicle is under warranty). Do yourself a favor and buy a Toyota or Honda. I made the mistake of buying a Nissan because it was less money, bad move!

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  Fun Little Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Offroadin Guy - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had my truck about 2 years and love it. 62,000 miles. It has the 4 cyl., 5 spd. manual, which is a little weak, but has enough pep to be fun to drive. Have had no major problems. Only problems have been small stuff like buttons on stereo popping off, and handle to drivers seat adjustment coming off. Also, the drivers side window has just started to give me problems. Very reliable truck. The 4WD has gotten me into some really cool areas, but it does not have the clearance of say the Toyota. There are no cheap fixes for this. But great for just piddling around in. Hope I never have to sell mine.

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  4 by 4 - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert Lentz - March 29 - 1:55 am

  Great truck. The truck rides and drive more like a car than a truck. The seats are very comfortable, easily adjustable and they are covered in leather. The engine is very responsive but a little thirsty for gasoline. Instruments, radio and navigation screens easily readable. Overall it is a very nice truck.

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  Not bad for a 4DR - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By indyman - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck to upgrade from a 93 civic 2dr. I needed a family car, but also some thing I could load up with Home Depot goodies. This is a great truck and I have no real complaints about it. I decided to buy this truck after reading all the reviews on this web site, and I suggest if you are reading this review to decided as well, I suggest you buy it. You wont be dissapointed.

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  2016 Nisson Frontier - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Gary Wittenborn - March 20 - 9:13 pm

  Ive only owned this truck a month but love it so far. So I cant tell much yet about fuel economy or maintenance cost. Purchase cost was no bargain but after-all, it is next years model and they dont budge much on price. It has a comfortable and quiet ride. I am 62 tall and weigh 270 but have ample room in the drivers seat. Cabin over-all is comfortable. It has a very comfortable and quiet ride. This is my first Nisson after owning six Hondas so it has a lot to live up to. I never did a single repair on any of my Hondas. I wish it had keyless entry and start but this was not a deal-breaker. The white back-up lights are quite dim and dont help your vision at night but I will either replace them or add-on lights that will be brighter. Also not a deal-breaker. So far I would recommend a Frontier to others.