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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  The critics who know trucks love the Frontier - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By evaheidi@aol.com - March 4 - 2:13 pm

  A near perfect truck that LOOKS like a truck. Not trying to look like SUV or mini-van like most others. Its a reliable nice driving vehicle that I would definitely buy again. It does what it is designed to do and does it well.

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  Great Truck for a small Family - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By frontiernc - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Medium Sized Truck. Great for small jobs to medium jobs for around the house. Can get up to 2 cube yards of mulch. Good in Traffic, good for long trips. Some bugs with the truck at First, Rear Main Seal(fixed), Wiper Motors(fixed), couple of rattles(fixed). Get 16-20 MPG. 4WD great in Snow. Tire Wear Great. Routine maintenance Costs are middle of road with Nissan. 4 door option is good for Groceries. Very Simple but Functional interior design.Solid outside Design, best Paint job, no chips in front. No so great Dealerships with Nissan if you have a problem.

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  Reliable truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Tom tulenko - March 3 - 9:12 am

  Very reliable truck. I have 120k miles on the truck and the only serious malfunction Ive had is the a.c. compressor failed prematurely. I have also replaced the knock sensor and have done a preventative timing belt change. Starts every time and does everything your ask from a small truck including towing without incident. Truck isnt particularly fast and it gets 17 mpg mixed driving but its a truck so thats ok. Bought this instead of a Tacoma and Ive had no regrets.

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  I love it - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By RMichael - March 2 - 9:23 am

  I really enjoy driving it. I got plenty of torque at low RPM, great low gear ratio in 1st and economical yet still with lots of power 6th. Dont get me wrong theres a lot that I would like improved but for the price its a solid, fun to ride pickup(its too new to say how reliable it is...) Before I got it I testdrove Tundra and in my opinion the only thing going for toyota might be the build quality. Toyota sways more when cornering, engine is weak at low RPMs and siting is somehow...weird. Thats just my opinion of course.

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  Reliability requirement met - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Lou - February 28 - 4:43 pm

  I drive a lot of miles (25,000/year) so a reliable vehicle is my primary concern - followed by 4X4 as I live in a rural area. So far both are met in this vehicle. At present I have 10,000 miles (5 months) so have had a chance to knock it about a bit. The ride is a bit harsh, but not unexpected. Interior is a bit plain, though functional. I have developed one small buzz in the dash in this point. No other issues to date with build/function. The sound quality of the radio does improve over time. Wish it had an ipod jack standard. Despite the many miles there are so far no chips nor blemishes in the paint. Seats need less front cushion or more rear cushion. Overall: Good truck

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  Nissan Quality - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Gary - February 20 - 7:20 am

  I purchased this truck based on the reliability of my older Nissan 4X4 pickup which I purchased new in 1984 and which still runs well. This 08 vehicle is solidly built and engineered to accommodate the demands of a truck which is used for work both on the highway and off-road. Shifting is exceptionally smooth and power from the V-6 is plentiful. Excellent handling on mountainous terrain and in winter weather. Interior features are accessible and comfortable for +6ft. passengers. Rear Jump seats not designed for long-haul comfort but space is useful for stowing items needing protection from the weather. Fuel economy has been 21 mpg highway driving. Utilitrack system a big plus.

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  Best Truck Ever Built - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By big332 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has really built an excellent truck. It does everything I need it to do. The ride is great, the looks are awesome, and the engine is the quietest Ive heard.

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  Great truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By cardinalcoach9282 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck!!

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  Lovin It - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - February 5 - 9:26 pm

  Bought my Crew Cab in May, 05. Almost 11,000 miles now & still love it. Everything I wanted in a small pickup. Couldnt touch the Toyota (Price) and am now glad I didnt. Rides like a car on the highway. Roomy & confortable. Love that 4.0 liter V6. Strong and smooth. Pulls along in 6th gear at 75 mph around 2100 rpm. This is my 20 year vehicle.

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  Another Prior Tacoma Owner - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By mc929 - February 4 - 11:10 pm

  I owned a 2008 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 TRD Crew Cab and feel that the Frontier overall is notably better than the Tacoma. My Tacoma was a six speed manual and the best fuel economy I observed was eighteen. I have consistently got better than nineteen out of the Frontier and have gotten as good as twenty one mpg around town. I think the ride quality on the Nissan is vastly better and the cabin is notably quieter than the Tacoma. I think the power from the Nissan is better as well. However, turning radius as well as ground clearance and approach and departure angles I believe were much better on the Tacoma. Build quality on the Frontier also seems to be top notch. Reliability a non issue.