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 Beast - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - March 20 - 9:46 am

  Great all around truck with great towing power and torque. I added a k&n intake. E3 spark plugs. And drilled and slotted ebc rotors with ceramic pads. I have to say for some small bolt on mods. The truck performs like a sports car and pushes over 300 hp. With the truck breathing and sparking so well I have been getting 21 mpg city and 27 highway. I also use the high octane fuel the owners manual suggests. Nothing under 91 octane. You can use 87 in a pinch but if the folks who designed the engine ask for the good stuff. Its for a reason. Use it!

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  Im lovin it - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By rsbible - March 18 - 9:06 am

  In my opinion the Nissan Frontier is the sharpest midsize truck on the market right now. The Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon are right there but the Nissan gets them with it’s aggressive stance and rugged good looks. I’ve only had the truck a couple of weeks but so far I love it! I went to the dealership with the intentions of buying the 5-speed automatic but the 6-speed manual was just too much fun to drive. this trucks comfort and convenience are great. I haven’t really been “off road” yet but it was a real treat to drive in the big snow storm we had this week! I kept looking for errands to run so I could get out in the snow and slush! I think my wife was on to me. In short…this is a SOLID midsize truck.

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  What a disappointment - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By tjniemann - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a 2000 to a 2002 Frontier. Shouldnt have. Same front end squeaks from the poor front bumper design: 2 trips to dealer. Mismatched decals and condensation in the bedlamp: 2 trips to dealer. Continual loss of coolant: Three trips to dealer, the last of which they decided to tear it apart and replace head gaskets. Thinking seriously about getting my old one back, if for some strange reason its still there...

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  Nice truck, but... - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Grant Chance - March 11 - 10:50 pm

  Bought truck in Jan 07, & have irritating clanging/rattling sound that occurs at medium rpm around 30 mph. Sounds like a heat shield. Took to Niisan dealer & was told it was the catalytic converter, that there was nothing they could do. This is unnaceptable for a 23k truck! Very comfortable, good power, OK mileage for a truck. Base radio is a joke! Heavy tailgate. Headlights are slightly dim.

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  I test drove it and walked away - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By David Jewell - March 11 - 9:30 am

  This is a nice mid sized truck, however the brake pedal is very sponge and goes down almost to the floor. We checked with the service manager and said the brakes are designed that way. Also I felt the controls were confusing, remembering I did not have a chance to really study them. Ill keep my Silverado.

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  Biggest mistake of my life - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By E - March 8 - 6:50 pm

  I had high hopes for this truck when I got it. It was my first brand new vehicle. From the very first day I had problems with it. Ranging from a broken steering column to bad tires leaky windshield, brake problems and the list goes on. I have lost countless hours of work going to get it fixed for a bunch of different reasons. My truck currently has 29,000 miles and doesnt work. Ive gone through 3 different batteries. The truck turns off while driving or it wont turn on at all. I was getting charged over $1000 to replace abs module but it looks like that isnt the problem or it may be a problem but it seems that it is another problem why it wont turn on.

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  Nissan wont back their product - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mikey - March 4 - 12:00 am

  I bought the truck used with 15K and it now has 53K. For relatively few miles there has been some real issues! -Constant squeaks in the suspension will never be corrected. -I had the common fuel sending unit go out at 49K miles. It should have been covered under the 60K 5 yr warranty but they denied the coverage and I am currently fighting with them -The paint quality is terrible. With little research I was able to find I am not the only one that has paint just randomly start bubbling and peeling with no chip or scratch even starting it! Nissan consumer affairs is totally unprofessional and untimely to be in coherts with. Very disappointing they cant stand behind their product.

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  Super Yellow Truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By street2nerz - March 3 - 5:53 am

  Overall, this is THE BEST truck I have ever owned! Absolutely NO mechanical issues AT since new. About the only thing I wish were different are the Front seats, they have no lumbar support. and the addition of a footrest would have been great. Other than that, this is a great truck. I particularly like the styling over the newer nismos as well. Its just better! Oh, one last item, the brakes are good, but easily could have been much better, when are the manufactures gonna get wise about slapping some bremboson their sport trucks! WHEN!!..Id easily pay the difference. I am not easy on my vehicles but this one has really done a great job. Break in your engine and change the oil often!

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  Love-it, if you can afford fuel - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan Myers - February 27 - 5:46 am

  This truck can go anywhere, and do just about anything. I keep it nice and clean and get so many compliments on its beefy, in your face look. I like the fact that I can work on it myself easily, even though I have had no major problems just the normal wear items. The rear bumper is hard to keep from chips even though I have factory oversized mud flaps. Love the color med. blue with dark gray trim. The worst is the mileage 13.5 around town, and 15.4 on a trip, for a small truck?? I have buddies with full sized trucks who do better. But I still like the truck.

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  me - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By jim - February 27 - 3:46 am

  drive about 55-60 miles a day. it gets right in to the flow of trafic very well. i get about 270 to 300 miles by 1/2 a tank.