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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  frontier pro4x/tocoma trd - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By norm - July 4 - 7:43 am

  I was looking at the Tacoma TRD and the Frontier PRO4X. I feel both trucks are great. Why I went for the Fronier is it felt more comfortable, had more power and felt like it, the automatic shifted better, and the options were more to my liking. The sprayed in bedliner is and the rail system is awsome, not slippery when wet like a composite, also like the radio and 6 CD player, sound great, and the blue tooth is a plus. Never like the looks of the new Tacomas I think the PRO4X color keyed front end looks awesome, but that is in the eyes of the beholder

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jmhaney - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like this truck and the way it preforms. Cab could be a little bigger.

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  NISSAN FRONTIER ROCKS!! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By GREG A - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Three car seats fit in the back seat and the akita fits in the bed. The optional bed extender is a must for large cargo loads. This is the perfect vehicle for a family guy who needs a truck.

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  so sad - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By jkuntz1056@aol.com - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My dessert runner is 18 months old with 17000 miles. I am 46 and do not drive off road or drive it hard. This week the bearings went out in the engine. Nissan is installing a new engine. They said it was nothing I did, it happens.

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  Great truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob Cleary - June 26 - 8:26 am

  I purchased this truck for over-the- road traveling. It has been a terrific truck for me. I have used it for some limited hauling. I am not a small guy. It is very comfortable for me. I would have liked 4 doors, and the cruise control "on" button is in a strange place. That is the only thing that has been an issue for me. The comfort, reliability, and the build of this truck is second to none. The styling is far superior to any of the competition. My truck looks more beefy, with more design, while the others look more boxy and cheap. I would recommend this truck to anyone. Who ever gets this truck next, even with 150000 miles will get a very nice looking truck, and one that is mechanically so

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  Little truck, lotta truck ! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By john d - June 23 - 1:06 am

  I use the truck primarily to tow a 3000 lb camper. The 3.3 L engine in the 2002 was rated at only 170 hp but this little truck seems to use all of them as it tows the camper plus another 500 lbs of camping gear as though it is not there. That is both with power and mileage. The camper and gear doubles the weight of the truck alone with no more than a 15-20 % increase in fuel consumption. For power Im comparing it to my old Ford full-size with a 351 V-8. Never any maintenance in nearly 8 years of use other than regular preventative maintenance. Cannot recommend this little truck too much!!

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  Great deals on 2011 Frontiers right now - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By eddie_mundy - June 19 - 7:59 pm

  After shopping around and considering everything from a hatchback diesel Golf to a small SUV/crossover, I decided on the Frontier as my primary vehicle for a mix of highway and city commuting. In the end, as for so many others, it came down to the Frontier vs. the Tacoma. Due to several rebates and discounts the 4x4 King Cab V6 with premium package ended up being cheaper than a 4 cylinder regular cab bare bones (not even power windows) Tacoma would have been. So far I love it! Paid $22,700 out the door bottom line price for the King Cab 4x4 V6 with premium package in Night Armor with Graphite interior.

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  Finally, an affordable good truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Chris Christian - June 17 - 8:16 pm

  I should have gotten the power window and door locks otherwise it handles well at all speeds and even does off road fairly well. Its a mild suprise for $ vs. truck, then again its a Nissan. I Havent had it that long, but I expect to wring 150,000 to 200,000 out with proper maintenance and low dollars. John Christian

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  still holding up! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By nissan driver - June 16 - 10:00 am

  tough little truck!. i have over 150,000 miles for a 2000 4dr. i had it since 0 miles . a main problem has always been the a/c system. i use it day and night go out of town alot and use it for lots of other things. a very shocking thing is when i had a head on collision the air bags did not deploy. but more shocking was the truck had no frame damage and it was repairable. fuel economy is not very well and the horse power is very poor. but handles like a car i love that stable control.the custom off road wheels really make the truck stand out. factory alarm is very poor quality. after k&n and custom exhaust it consums more gas and has about the same power.

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  damn good truck - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By fourthgentexan - June 15 - 12:12 pm

  Ive owned trucks for thirty years. As a professional salesman requiring a truck I drove Fords, Chevys and even the pitiful Dodge. I prefer Toyotas, but for value you cant beat the frontier. It was 5k cheaper than the comparably equipped Toyota Tacoma. The tires that come on the Frontier are crap. They lasted about 22k, and were outright scary on wet pavement. After putting Michelin ATX tires on the truck I feel its among the best vehicles Ive had. Through the recent Ice storm in North Texas I never slid or had a problem getting where I wanted to go.