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 - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By BStone - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Looked only at several used Tacomas until we stumbled on this bright red truck. During the test drive we were both surprised at the comfort of the ride - far less bouncy than the Tacoma - much quieter - and the seats are superb - The engine has plenty of power both at the low end and at highway speeds. The high glass line adds to openess and the tuck is noticeably wider inside than the Tacoma. This truck had 35K miles on it and the interior looked new. Gas mileage after 1000 miles has averaged 15.7 - mostly work commute so far but would expect 18 or so on highway - Have been using mid level octane and seems fine - nice truck!

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  Some good some bad - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By D.Schloer - April 1 - 10:00 am

  After 2-years and 35K, Ive generally had good luck with it, but Ive also had issues. Several parts of the vehicle came loose; such as the steering wheel, rear bumper, driver window, lft rear window, center pillar trim, and seat material. All somewhat minor; except for the clicking/grinding in the front suspension...waiting for something to fall apart. Ive also had probs with the cruise..still not resolved. Getting approx. 16-21 mpg,for cty-hwy,respectively depending on how heavy my foot is. It is really fun to drive and hasnt left me walking, so Im not totally disgusted w/Nissan yet. BTW-My service visits have not been good experiences.

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  excellent truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By pistols - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My 03 nissan xe crew cab has been excellent. the v-6 with the 5spd mt is fun to drive. the ride is truck like as it should be. great commuter truck and weekend project truck. i get at least 1 compliment a week on it and have to say its great. right size, right feel, right look.

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  well it is a truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By a truck - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Have not had any problems so far,This is a truck,so it drives like a truck and gets gas milage like a truck.I would buy another one.

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  Nissans go..go...go and go............. - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By odachimaster - March 25 - 6:16 am

  I have owned Nissan mini-trucks since 1984 purely by accident Toyota at the time were to stuck-up so I compared the 2 trucks and Nissan had the better truck on paper and since they were willing to deal I had that truck 12 years 188k and never changed a clutch this is my third one I have 51k on this one and I put new tires on it not to long ago.(I got 88k on 1st set of truck tires) I have had nothing wrong with this truck other then what I or my son have done to it.(Bent back bumper, My sons Battle Bot hurled a 10lb. Alum. box 100 into my truck blowing out my window and leaving a nasty gash all fixed) So, I say if you want something dependable you cannot go wrong with Nissan.

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  Swiss army knife of trucks - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Tripp 24 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been great to own. The power is above average. I use it to tow a trailor with race car. It attracts attention whereever I go. Its bright yellow with ski rack. The crew cab is nice. decent room for short drives. and the extra bed length is much appreciated. Reliabity has been great. 1 year of ownership and no problems.

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  just what i needed - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By mk8 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  from the moment that i laid eyes on it, i knew that it was a match made in heaven. i grabbed the wheel through it in gear and was pleased with the results. its definitely a head turner.

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  frontier my second - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Carlton m - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My first frontier was a supercharge,I loved the leather seats and the six disc cd changer that I did not get with the sports package.I love the truck style and some features I wish that it had more standard luxury features,but I do like our truck alot.2004 with the sports package.

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  Nissan XE 6 Cyl Crew Cab - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By marine2743 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Nissan Pick-up. My first was a 93 Nissan Hardbody extended cab truck. I was extremely happy with my first one that I went out and bought my second Nissan product. The XE Crew Cab I own now is a great drive. I have owned it for about a year now and have no regrets. The price was also in my budget.

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  Killer Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Hucker Jon - March 17 - 11:53 pm

  Did my homework on this truck. I was considering the Tacoma but when it came down to it, the Frontier was a much better value than the Toyota. You get more bang for your buck, more available options, and a better selection of exterior paint. I got the storm gray with charcoal cloth interior. This truck is a beauty, much better looking than the Tacoma! The Utili-track channel system and factory applied bedliner are much nicer and sturdier than the Tacomas as well. Toyota has cheap plastic tiedown cleats while Nissans are aluminum and has five channels in bed. The powertrain is real smooth and powerful and the interior is smart and comfy. Great truck for adventure sports guys!