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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  best vehicle Ive ever had - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By roger - December 24 - 6:23 pm

  Just gas it up an go, it will get you there. A set of tires,1 brake job and 2 headlights is my maintenance repairs in 10 years. It will need to be totaled before I sell this truck.

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  So far so good - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Juanito - December 22 - 12:16 am

  This is a very fun truck to own. It replaced a stolen F-150 which I liked very much, but this is actually more truck for the money. Gas mileage is what youd expect from a 261 hp V6 and the ride is good. I love the 6M transmission and it shifts like a car. I finally got a chance to fully use the 4wd low in Escalante National Monument in Utah and I can say this truck certainly has the ability to craw up steep slopes. Overall, I have been very pleased with the truck. My only complaint has been a consistent rattle on the drivers side rear door that I will have looked at under warranty. At 3500 miles, I can fully endorse this truck.

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  Great little truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By John Gaz - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck new,no major mechanical problems with truck at all! Only problem I have had is the speedometer has started to intermitanly stick at 40 miles per hour. This is the second nissian truck I have had and will continue to buy thier trucks. Reliablity is great for this size truck! One odd thing is the truck owners manual barely fits into the unusally small glove compartment?

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  3700 - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By NISSANOWNER - December 15 - 5:36 pm

  This truck is more like an suv with a truck bed however the four door back seat is very small no normal size adult can fit. The standard v6 is weak even up hill the look and the interior are the reson i bought this truck and the fact it has had no problems, but it just a little to slow and wussy in the long run it will still be a good running truck when i trade it in.

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  A solid package - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Scott McLaughlin - December 14 - 8:26 am

  A thoughtful redesign since my 2003 model Crew Cab 4x4. Interior space is vastly improved, particularly in the rear seat area. Adults can actually ride comfortably in this space. Both engine power and fuel economy are greatly improved, thanks to the all new 4.0 V6 and 5-speed A/T.

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  Best Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Gravestone - December 13 - 1:50 am

  I drive a lot and I do heavy towing with this truck. I just went up to Maine towing a 7X14 trailer with 5500 GVW and got 17 MPG. Thats what a good full size truck gets without towing a heavy trailer. The truck is very dependable great on and off road and very comfortable for a truck.

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  A Solid, Reliable Workhorse - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Buster - December 7 - 7:23 pm

  I bought this truck new. It now has 112,00 miles on it. The clutch, rear brakes, exhaust system and radiator hoses are all original, and based on the local dealer service department, are not in need of replacement. I have the 4cyl engine with 5 speed manual and get a consistent 25mpg; best mileage was 28mpg. This truck has never let me down, and with regular recommended service intervals, will probably outlast me!

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  Best Compact on the market - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Johnnyboy07 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I looked at all the compacts and even some full size trucks before buying my Frontier. Overall, the Frontier is the most practical for towing, hauling, and carrying passengers while still being able to fit in a parking space and not have to stop every 100 miles for gas. The long bed option is a must.

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  Great Truck Good Value - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ohio Frontier - December 6 - 7:43 pm

  I just bought a USED 2006 NISMO 4x4 38000 miles. On the drive home 21 MPG at about 70 MPH cruise control. Around town 15.6 MPG. I was concerned that the truck was going to be too stiff with the 4x4 and NISMO package. However it is very smooth to drive on pavement with low road noise and sturdy feel. Happy with my purchase everyone should look at this truck if you want a mid size. The Tacoma had a bad seating position for long trips and the domestic trucks just dont measure up. This is my first Nissan and so far so good.

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  Reserve judgement - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ernie - December 1 - 4:16 am

  After a year driving the Frontier I am happy with the overall performance of the truck. It feels safe and handles beautifully on the highway, as well on the occasional use over rough terrain. The performance has been perfect, but spoiled by annoying squeaks and rattles, that seem to be hard to eliminate. I had the truck back to the dealer four times, and still the problem recurs. No matter how good the vehicle, there is a sour note to driving it.