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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  Nissan frontier fun - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By RichardjohnsonII - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Great new truck, have had it for a month. Looking forward to a great ride

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  Competent Vehicle - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By MJ - April 24 - 9:23 pm

  Purchased new December 1999. Currently has 93,000+ miles. K&N air filter increased the gas mileage by about 1.5 mpg. 18.5 mpg city / 20.5 highway. Recall on the exhaust manifold in the first year. Left rear window started dragging 2005. ($250-) Replaced Front brake pads at 45k and 90k miles. Surprisingly competent off road, and in the snow. Original tires lasted 72k miles. Rear bumper $400, taillight $115. Truck doesnt feel 6 years old. No squeaks or rattles. I drive it on rough logging roads regularly. Ill probably keep it for another 5 or 6 years and consider another Nissan. It has a surprising amount of articulation in the suspension and is really fun off road. Leer Canopy is great.

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  My first Pick-up - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Frontier Frank - April 23 - 5:13 pm

  Bought brand-new. Went into dealership to purchase another type of vehicle could not make a deal and asked if they had any of the new super-charged pick-ups. Drove it, bought it and 9 years later have no regrets. Its the most fun vehicle to drive and the workmanship and paint of the vehicle have been outstanding. Turned out the dealer I bought it from was the best I have ever dealt with.

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  Forget Toyota, get a Frontier! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By johnnycorn - April 22 - 8:23 am

  This was the my first ever Nissan. I looked at Toyota, Ford, Suzuki, and Dodge. The dealer became the difference. I had a great experience. Having said that, I love my truck. I have the 4 banger with a 5 speed auto. The millage I get so far is better then the EPA at 19 city and 23 highway. It handles well but takes U turns wide. The auto has a hard time picking a gear in mountain driving. San Jose rains a lot and it handles very well in wet and windy conditions. I love everything about this truck! I would stongly recommend it and honestly after looking at the Toyota, I see little reason to buy one when the Frontier is a better truck in my opinion. Also check out the Suzuki Equator.

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  Great car, Great Price, Make us feel Safe! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Abel - April 18 - 4:03 pm

  Ditto to what most have said about power, comfort and even the mileage isnt bad. Learn to drive with the flow and accelerate when necessary (not 20 feet from a red like most drivers!) and you can easily get 16-17 on street and I can get 24-25 on highway with cruise control from San Diego to LA.

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  nissan frontier - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By dfmcarlson - April 12 - 8:19 pm

  My dads 2000 nissan frontier 4x4 4 cyl manual has been the most reliable truck, he bought it new it has 260,000 miles everything in the truck is still all original has never been touched, same water pump,same thermostat,same clutch and pressure plate you name it its still all there. except for a cracked exhaust manifold i just replace a couple days ago. its been beat up bad its been threw water up to the hood waters coming in the truck but does not burn any oil at all for almost 300,000 miles no truck could ever last and have been beat up as this one has.

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  Great Pickup - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By alex_5626 - April 9 - 2:00 pm

  This truck runs great. No engine problems or design flaws. It would however be nice if it had four doors instead of two. Also the engine could use a little more guts, putting out 160 horsepower and 200 ft/lbs of torque. Other then that, great truck. It uses 90% of its horsepower at 1800 rpm and less, so passing on the highway can take time. This truck will make you happy.

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  Fabulous truck! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Julie - April 9 - 4:30 am

  I bought this truck this week for my birthday...my husband and I have been wanting truck for years, but refused to pay the inflated prices that came along with the "cool factor" of owning a truck. We love nature, and wanted a compact, comfortable truck to take us to the national forests to explore the gravel/service roads where our sedan shouldnt go, as well as handle all kinds of weather, and gardening chores. The Frontier is just wonderful...not to big, very comfortable. I can zip in and out of downtown with no problem; a fabulous sound system. Okay, the armrest could be longer, but the lumbar support is terrific. Forget the Tacoma, its not even close. Theres only one Frontier.

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  Problem Vehicle - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By 77 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is not a well built truck. I had 27 trips to the dealer for major repairs such as brakes, the ABS system failed twice, and I still have problems. Dealer support is almost non- exsistent, and contacting Nissan directly was useless.

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  Youve gotta know! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Dad w/3 kids - April 1 - 12:03 pm

  Coming out of a Nissan minivan I wanted to stay high up, w/room for 3 younger kids.With 86k miles not one problem. What a great experience and no money out of pocket. Being a car salesman myself and now going to a Nissan SUV. I do recommend for a used vehicle buyer. The back seat is smaller but overall handles very well.