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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  Excellent truck at a great price - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Bruno - September 17 - 10:10 pm

  I was torn between a Toyota Tacoma and the Frontier, and with the Frontier I got the same features for about $1000 less. Having owned a Frontier in the early 90s, Im happy to say the ride of the new Frontier is much smoother, very car-like, as opposed to the older truck whose ride was very stiff. Sit inside the XE and you will be surprised it is the lowest trim level. You ride high up like an SUV, and both interior and exterior are stylish. Only negative Id mention is that the 4-cylinder engine has a whiny sound. However, its got excellent acceleration, I was very surprised.

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  Worth the wait! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Diversity 1 - September 15 - 8:16 am

  This is a truly great truck! It handles very well and the gas mileage is decent. The interior is well thought out and the exterior is rugged, yet futuristic. The engine power is outstanding! You can do almost anything with this vehicle, it is very versatile. Nissan hit a homerun with this one! It is not a cross-over wannabe minivan!

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  "Unfortunately my Wife LOVES it!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Tim - September 14 - 11:43 pm

  I wanted to put some miles and seasons on my new 4x4 before I gave my review. I love it more now than when I 1st bout it. I used to own a Chevy S10 4x4 that I had to put in reverse to engage the 4x4--a real pain!!! With this 4x4on the fly, I cant wait for it to snow. Its got great ground clearance and cuts through deep snow like butter! My wife uses any excuse to drive it, I cant get her out of it. I love the spray-in bedliner with the util-trac rails. With the bed extender i go from a 5 to 6bed. Interior is very comfortable and a smooth ride. 265hp acceleration very powerful. test drove dodge durango as well. NO comparison. Gas mileage @16- 20. Could use heated outside anti-fog mirrors

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  2002 Nissan Frontier Saved my Life - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By doris - September 12 - 6:40 pm

  This truck has been a delight to drive. In only 4 short months, I grew to LOVE it and the ability it provided to haul things around. However, last weekend, I ran off the road in the rain and crashed head-on into a large tree. My truck gave its life for me! The police officer said I probably would have been killed, or certainly seriously injured, were it not for the air bag and seat belt. My air bag, seat belt, and the structural integrity of the truck saved my life. I had only a few bruises. The truck was totaled, but I was so impressed by its performance while I owned it and in this worst of circumstances, that Im buying another one!

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  Happy Owner - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By jimbo4474 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Frontier when it was one- year old and already had over 30,000 miles on it. I was a little concerned about this, but it has been completely reliable over the past three years. It is extremely comfortable and quite powerful for a 4 cyl. engine. I am hoping to buy a SUV next, and am seriously looking at the Xterra and Pathfinder since I have had such a good time with my Frontier.

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  best truck ever - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Mikey_Missles_41102 - September 8 - 3:56 pm

  this is by far the best truck ive ever owned. no more american made for me!!!

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  Pros - Cons - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By bighert3rd - September 7 - 5:00 pm

  Overall its a good solid truck thats fun to drive. It has a very smooth ride almost like being in a car. If youre looking for a midsize truck this is definitely the one you want!

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  Crew cab - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By organic - September 1 - 10:00 am

  My crewcab has over 140000 miles on it and it still looks and drives like new. It had provides fuel mileage of 19 mpg since it was new and this never varies. It tows heavy trailers well and is okay on snow and ice. I would advise tires with a smaller contact patch in the winter snow. The service manual is way overpriced and one of the plugs is a bear to change.

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  Heathers Review - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Heather Theodore - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful truck to get. Its great with power and good on gas knwoing the gas prices these days. They are fun to drive!!!

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  awesome truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By tommy - August 30 - 7:33 pm

  Have owned 5 trucks and by far this is the best nissan has built. I have the le crew cab and there is ample room for myself,wife and grandkids . This is a bigger truck all around with more room lots more horse power and fun to drive. Had a 2004 xe crew cab I thought was good but this 2005 le crew cab is awesome. I have leather package and ets. Test drove a toyota tocoma before buying the frontier/although toyota is a fine truck in my opinion the nissan crew cab is much better.