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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  Old Cricket - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Mr.Courier - January 31 - 7:50 am

  I do courier work in South Florida and put around 50,000 miles a year.The reason I named it Cricket is because since I bought it has a cricket noise on the front end , the only thing wrong from new.Cricket now has 238,000 miles and so far the only thing wrong was the battery once and the alternator once. If you are looking for quality this is it none better. Make sure you change the oil every 3000 miles and these babies are really INDESTRUCTIBLE

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  White knights first review - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By white knight - January 26 - 1:50 am

  I just purchased this truck within the past week so please keep this in mind when reviewing this score. This is an impressive truck with a quiet and smooth ride (could feel no vibration from the 4cylinder engine). this is a 4x2, with manual 5 speed tranny. Shifts smoothly. Great outward visibility. As soon as the artic conditions moderate here I plan to drive this vehicle a lot. Right now truck and I are hibernating. I will review this truck once a year.

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  Love it. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By rsrtampa - January 20 - 12:36 am

  I bought the Nissan basically because of the design. It is by far the best looking 4 door truck out there. I have grown to love it for other reasons. It has amazing power, its fun todrive and it is very convenient.

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  Hot Rod Nissan - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Jake - January 18 - 1:00 am

  Just like almost everyone else writing here, it was between the Tacoma and Frontier for me. Always wanted a Tacoma, until I drove the Frontier. More options for $2000 less than the Tacoma, more interior room, bigger engine, 4-wheel discs, and traction control. The engine revs like my dads G35, I had to get out and check under the hood to make sure it wasnt the same engine. Nope, just the same technology. The truck also rides much sportier than the Tacoma, again, makes me feel like I am driving that Infiniti again. I am getting between 17-18 MPG around town going from work and back, but I also dont hammer on it.

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  crashed 2005 bought 2006 - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By shelley mann - January 17 - 1:40 am

  this is my second frontier in 9 months both mid size. curently totaled 2005 frontier, rollover didnt hold up well, it was horrible i should have died, but im alive so i weighed the positive factors to the negative and chose another nissan FRONTIER 2006. its so smooth, so powerful, it FEELS safe to be behind the wheel.i drive mountain roads it handles better than a car, all i want to do is drive all day long. you would too. the only thing i would change is put in a roll over cage to better protect occupants lives. nissan did a wonder job, it still saved my life.

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  Cant Beat it for the Price - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Thebigv21 - January 13 - 5:10 am

  I bought this truck after comparing with the Tacoma. The Tacoma is 5 grand more money and the Nissan has the power. The truck has a real solid feel. The utility track system in the bed is a great idea and I am looking forward to the first time I have to tie something down. When the truck is idling, you can tell it is a powerhouse. I havent owned it that long to encounter any problems. I havent had any so far. Hopefully, I wont. Fuel economy could be better, but you cant have it both ways. I had a Matrix. 32mpg, but no power or size. This truck has some weight to it and is a real powerhouse

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  Love this truck! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By WilliamB - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I just got my v6 Desert Runner from a dealer. It was used, but this truck runs great! The v6 isnt as strong as its competition, Toyota Tacoma Prerunner v6, but it still packs a pretty good punch. For its size, the acceleration is pretty good. The ride is smoother than I thought. Overall, this is a very good vehicle. I recomend looking into one if you are searching for midsize trucks.

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  As advertised - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jd1026jd - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I believe this compact truck is the best I have driven. Our vacation this summer consisted of 2900 miles, from flat lands to climbing Pikes Peak. Had wife and daughter and packed with camping gear. Plenty of power, gas mileage averaged 17.6 mpg, from cruising 75mph on interstates to mountain driving. Plenty of get-up and go. VERY smooth ride, quiet, no road noise. Solid built little truck. Have had many positive comments on style and performance of the truck. Plenty of room in long bed, even with a Tonneau top. AC was great.

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  Tonys Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Tony - January 1 - 12:56 pm

  I love the sporty looks of the truck. I believe the back seat needs some adjustments to accomodate more leg room and less seat room. The truck as a whole is awesome. At first I thought with a long bed I would not need a bed- extender to put my bike in the back. After having to leave the tailgate down to accomodate it, I figure that it would have been a good investment.

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  fun with some issues - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By nissan owner - December 26 - 1:16 pm

  It has the power you would expect from a V6. The four wheel drive is great. Has good clearance. Has good strong wheels and big tires so it is capable of going of the beaten path if needed. The only problems so far are that we needed to change the alternator when I first got it and the front upper control arms needed the bushings replaced to fix negative camber on the both sides of the front. The most recent issue this truck has is it makes a grinding or scraping noise like metal on metal on the passengers side right before the transmission shifts up. When the tranny shifts the sound goes away. Hasnt effected the performance but sounds horrible. 1,2,3, on fan motor dont work,dont mind