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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  Great truck BUT not so good truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By oldrunner - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck in 2006 and really liked it until the timing chain guides failed. Found on the internet that this is a common problem. There is also a tech bulletin out on it. But Nissan would not cover the repair. $1400.00 later it is running well again. Check the internet before you buy, there is a wealth of reliability info there.

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  Overall I love this truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Seth - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this truck for nearly two years. I bought the truck with only 15,000 miles on it, and I now have 55,000 miles on it. The only repair I have had done to it was the timing chain tensioners/guides, but they were covered under warranty without question. In my opinion that was a poor design. However, everything else on the truck is perfect. I replaced the BF Goodrich tires with Michelin ltx ms tires because I do not drive off road. I hear people complain about gas mileage, but I get 17.5 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. In my opinion that is excellent for a truck with this much horsepower. The handling is excellent, I drive 50 miles daily on paved mountain roads and I love the handling.

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  king of the wild - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Great small truck. I would stick with a 6cy model. Nissan has bulit this truck to run forever.

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  Love it - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Paul T - May 6 - 3:46 am

  Great truck! If you are looking a new midsize you must put this truck on your list. lots of room and explosive power from the V6. Very quiet cab and if you love music you must get the Rockford package. One drive is all it will take to.

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  A great all around truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By G.V.Romano - May 5 - 2:30 pm

  I bought a leftover 06 and have driven it almost 50k miles in 2yrs. and 9 months. Nothing has ever gone wrong, zero problems. Id like a little better in town mileage but who wouldnt ? Im 61" and I can drive this truck for days at at time and am always comfortable unlike the Toyota I also looked at. This truck has taken me off road, hauling approx.400 lbs. up a logging road and it felt like it was empty. Ive used it for work and play and Ive never second guessed my buying choice. It handles very well, better than some cars Ive driven. The engine is stout and the transmission always knows what gear to be in. The steering very communicative and the truck feels nimble and responsive.

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  Nissan Frontier - cant find model I want. - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Roxanne Macias - May 5 - 12:51 am

  Hard to find the Pro4x in a full extra cab, especially in any color other than white/black/silver... So never found one. Looking in Southern Oregon now.

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  Started out amazing, but... - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fronteeer - May 4 - 3:53 pm

  Ive written a few favorable reviews about this truck, but its had a few major problems and Im afraid it might become a liability soon, since the b2b warrantys gone and the power train is close. Nissan replaced the entire HVAC unit because it only worked on hot and cold, and they couldnt fix it. I recently had a belt and tensioner changed to get rid of a loud squeak when idling cold. The fuel gauge went nuts and I had to have everything changed from the gauge back. Now theres a loud clunk coming from the drive train when I accelerate while turning, in both 4x2 and 4x4. Sometimes the steering wheel pulls so hard to one side after turning, I have to basically stop and let it go.

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  The Good, Bad and Ugly - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By JonR - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My 2nd Nissan Pickup-last was a 98- great-this one not quite as good. This one had good ride, dependability, great mileage. Owned 6 years, 42,000 miles- same tires mileage between 25 and 28 normal, and on trip to Yellowstone, 32+ amazing! Range 290- 330 miles cause gas gauge design always made truck look like it was running out! Full was 9 Oclock, 1/2 was 7 pm and empty was 6 PM. Very bad on confidence. Overall, truck performed ok but emission controls choked what could have been more horsepower. Problems were, Steering wheel squeaked from new, Oxy sensor failed, Parking brake cable fell off mount, Horn quit in snowy winter, rattle in headliner. All in all a good truck but some small issues

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  1998 Nissan Frontier King Cab SE - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By rainh2o - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Pros: Handsome looks. Famously reliable 4 cylinder engine. Nice ride for a truck, especially with good replacement tires. Cons: The automatic is low on horsepower and towing capacity. The fuel mileage is unimpressive. OEM tires create excessive road noise. Lots of irritating rattles at 40,000 miles.

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  My 2005 CC Nismo 4X2 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Wirenut - April 29 - 3:43 am

  I really enjoy driving this truck. I had a 2001 Nissan Frontier that really enjoyed but this truck has it beat by a mile.The 4.0 265 hp works well with 5 speed auto tranny.I can now pass another car with confidence. Plenty of power to go around.Even though it has a short bed the extender works good for me.Went on a 1500 mile trip and the truck did very well.Have not been off roading as of yet will see how that does later.Its like having a big truck without the size.