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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  2 Dr SE Desert Runner XCab - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By mattsmith20 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Good overall truck for the money. Mechanically superb. Styling is unique.

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  Impulsive purchase - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Catie - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased day after I totalled my Sentra, I wanted capability to carry furniture & big boxes & sit higher up off the ground (my 97 sentra was so low). Big differences between the two vehicles are gas mileage & interior space, obviously, but I thought Id have another 2 or 3 mpg rather than the 25 or 26 hwy. A good truck for city driving; not real comfortable for long trips, and I can only carry one other person which is a bummer. Makes an occasional noise like a lid is rattling under the hood, maybe heating manifold cover. Hoping nothing but good things from Nissan. Bought used at 44k miles. Nice, smooth shifting & handling at high rpm.

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  Best Truck Ever! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Cyclemut - August 21 - 11:03 am

  Originally thought of purchasing a Colorado, until I drove both. Wish the Frontier had the Orange color of the Colorado, but am very happy with what I got (Black). Green lights are fun again, mountain trips are a pleasure again, the ride is awesome, the power is great, and after the engine started to break in, the mileage got better! Dont know what youre looking for. But if its for a truck you could pass down to your kid, the 05 Frontier is it. Have the dealer add the remotes for keyless entry (doesnt come with remotes from the factory), as theyre pricey ($158 each). Test drove the Tacoma and the Colorado. Love the power of the Frontier and ruggedness of the body. Wont look back!

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  2002 Nissan Frontier review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By MattyO - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2002 XE V6 4X4 extended cab. For the most part truck has been a good vehicle. The only major complaints that I have with the vehicle is that it is a bit under powered. The gas mileage is not the greatest averaging about 17-18 mpg. Lastly, at about 5000 miles the vehicle developed a few really annoying squeaks and rattles. Other than those few items the truck has been great so far.

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  2000 Crew Cab Frontier - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By DWhite - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I absolutley love my Crew Cab Frontier. I have had it for over two years now and it is still running strong. I use it to pull my horse trailer and still get double digit gas mileage. Pulled a loaded UHaul across country this past March and got double digit gas mileage,too. It is a pathfinder with a truck bed. It is sharp looking, fun to drive, good on gas, just a great truck! I really like the Nissan products, this is my third. It satisfies my need to pull my horses and yet can be utilized year round without costing a lot on gas. Highly recommend!

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  Nismo the goat - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Gonzo - August 12 - 6:00 am

  I love this truck, my daughter calls it the goat. The gas mileage at 60 is 24 mpg and it rides very nice.I cant complain if anything its way over built. Power to spare and very roomy, great ergonomics.

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  who needs a better truck ?! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By L. Konrad - August 5 - 10:06 am

  Bought it used -it had 40k,Ive driven it another 50 thou and not even the slightest issue. All right,the interior could look a little better (98 Pathfinder) but that aint a biggie. All Ive had to do is change the oil in it. Sprayed long box is great. Ive towed bobcats, trailers and motorboat with it - like a breeze. Bridgestone tires are perfect and Ive never regretted that its "only" a 4x2...just need to know how to drive it(with a litlle feel on ice&snow). 5spd Manual tranny is wonderful as well. I just simply love it all and keep it forever.My wife and 2 kids like it too, awesome value. still almost like new ...

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  Doors swing hard, bad console - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By wudzwomn - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I read these before purchasing. Nissan must not read, still same issues from YEARS ago. The console is too low, no resting your arm on. And the doors swing hard, wide. Easy to door ding others if dont watch it. Otherwise I love my new truck so far. Only 3,000 miles. The bed extender rocks. No fog lights is weird. Cab is roomy. I traded my Toyota Tacoma. Got almost as much truck at much better price.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By win - July 31 - 10:23 pm

  i test drove all the others dealers and i could not find one truck i like driving and all the nissan trucks as well. i all most walk out of the dealer and went home, but i walk the last dealer and found this little compact truck o4 and test drove it and i loved to drive it. it drove like a car. it has nice looks, the bed is just wright for me small, it handles just like a nissan, breaking is fast, it could be a little faster at low speeds, but when you are at 60 and above i found out that this little truck will get up and go (looking down 85mph), and having the ac on in the summer and high 90s i get better gas 325 miles to the tank not bad for 16 gals.

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  More cons then pros - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By p2cpu - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been reliable in the sense that it has not broken down. But I have had many problems with the front end (loose torsion bar, sway bar end links breaking loose 3 times). Now my steering needs an alignment. I took it to Foothill Nissan to have my automatic transmission serviced and they overfilled it, causing it to leak all over the undercarriage. My driver side window has always rattled. The windows fog up easily (unlike other trucks I have had). Heat always comes out of the vent, even when you have it on cold. The front fenders dent easily. It is a really great looking truck, but I think they need to work on the quality.