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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  Nice truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By cowasockee - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Frontier used, and so far I have been very happy with it. Only problems have been a few rattles that I believe are fixable, poor gas mileage, and my motorcycle (Ducati Monster) will not fit in the bed with the tail gate closed(misses it by a few inches). The only other problem is my wife steals my truck all the time.

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  Forget Toyota - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By AMP - July 18 - 12:03 pm

  I really did love my Toyota, it saved my life from a 5 time DUI villain. The truck and I both sustained injuries but Toyota did not survive. I test drove both. In the end I went with Nissan for the following reasons. Nissan offers a king cab 4wd v-6 six speed for about the same price as a reg cab 4wd 4 banger Tacoma. Also the Nissan has alot more room inside. When I was hit, I cracked my head on the doorpost. I know several Tacoma owners who have identical scars. The reason is, the doorpost on a Tacoma is about 2 inches from your head.The Frontier is just much more truck, drives like a caddie, stronger v-6 than my 96 Firebird, and 6 speed gets 20 mpg. And somehow I found an honest dealer

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  Not the most powerful but very reliable - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Lucky23 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Positives: pretty good handling for compact truck, intuitive controls, extremely reliable Negatives: Power!!! (however it does have decent low end torque)

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  Loving This Truck! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By CarolinaUte - July 14 - 2:23 am

  This is my first Nissan and so far this is the best new car (err truck) experience Ive ever had. I sold my 2003 Toyota Tacoma and after a lot of research and test drives between the 06 Tacoma and Frontier , I decided on the Nissan. I have NO regrets! The workmanship is top notch, unlike my Tacoma that rattled behind the glove box. No rattling in this truck! The power and looks are great, I have had comments at the gas station when I filled up on how great it looks. Its off-road handling is exceptional. Nissan did a great job offering some nice features in the 4x4 model (slip control, downhill assist breaking, etc.). The only thing I would wish for is better gas mileage.

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  Its good but....it could be better - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By ROLLER - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no problems thus far with this vehicle. My only problem and maybe Im being picky is the gas mileage and the speed limiter. The truck shuts down when you hit about 100mph. And yes I do have a heavy foot.

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  Love it! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Chris S - July 10 - 5:46 am

  Was evaluating the Tacoma vs. Frontier. Liked both, but Nissan offered more luxury features at a better price, and the drive on the Frontier felt a bit smoother and acceleration was more responsive. So far I am very happy with my decision. I love the styling and handling of the truck, and enjoy the versatility (this is my first truck). Gas mileage is about 18 mpg. Not great with the rising prices, but better than I expected. No doubt I made the right choice. This is a great truck!

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  2006 NISSAN SE4.0 - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By jerry - July 9 - 4:43 am

  So far so good, ride a little rough in town, power is great. Seating is firm but support is good. Very good gas mileage,16-18 in town and not broke in yet. Have not made any long trips but hoping for 22-23mpg.

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  Nissan strikes again - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By RezMan - July 9 - 3:16 am

  Bought a Hardbody new in 87...best purchase I ever made. Bought the Frontier last weekend; great truck. Looking forward to a lot of miles with this one, too. Avalanche color with Steel cloth interior. Alloys. 6 bed. Nice ride. Smooth, quick motor. Seamless cruise engagement. More rear leg-room than the 98 F-150 cab-and-a- half LWB I traded in. Ive read comments about the large turning radius, but its more maneuverable that the Ford. Shopped for seven weeks before settling on this one...definitely worth the wait.

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  Best-In-Class, No Doubt - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By OffRoadinFrontier - July 6 - 5:43 am

  Traded in my Nissan Armada (fell apart on me!) for a 4x4 Nismo CC with all options. The ride is excellent, the fun- factor is higher than any other truck test-drove (of course, I stayed away from the 45k+ "sport" trucks). Ground clearance is excellent for us newbie off-roaders. VDC is excellent, will never get another vehicle without it.

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  Wouldnt trade it for anything else - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fronteeer - June 30 - 3:16 pm

  Im so glad I bought this truck. Im the kind of guy who trades vehicles every few years, but the Frontier will have to be pried from my cold, dead hands. During the second year I was concerned about its quality because of a few manufacturing defects that showed up, but Nissan handled them with impeccable professionalism and I havent had any problems since. It is the first year of this new model, so some issues are to be expected. That aside, the reliability and capability of this truck has been nothing short of outstanding. I have an old Honda that I drive when Im not towing or hauling, so the fuel economy isnt a major issue for me. When I need the power, its there, no compromises.