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:

• 

  Good Value - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Truck - March 15 - 12:10 pm

  Just bought my 08 Nissan King Cab w/4.0L V6 and only have 100 miles on it. So far I love the vehicle although its too early to tell about the gas mileage which is rated 14 city/19 hwy. which is pretty poor. However, the price when compared to the Tacoma with the same features is much lower for the Nissan even though the quality is right up there with Toyota.

• 

  Great Truck With Great Fuel Economy Too! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Bubba - March 14 - 6:56 am

  I test drove the Tacoma before trying out the Frontier. I had no intention of purchasing a four banger, but after giving both the Tacoma and Frontier 4 cyls a shot, I wasnt let down at all. I like both trucks, but I picked up the Frontier for a couple of thousand less than a comparable Tacoma. Currently averaging 22+ MPG with mixed city/hiway driving and a lot of up and down RPM fluctuation while it is still in the break-in period.

• 

  Good overall except!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By rvcbiomed - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have run into is the suspension being ponderous. Still working with Nissan to figure out if this a one vehicle problem or are all crew cabs experiencing this problem.

• 

  Great Starter Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By George - March 12 - 9:56 am

  Purchased this truck brand new and have little to no problems with it to date. Over all this a good reliable truck. No complaints.

• 

  Not worth the money - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jk - March 6 - 6:03 am

  This is the worst truck I have ever owned the gas mileage is really bad 8 miles to the gallon I have had it in the shop 10 times for leaks transmission trouble power window trouble and engine trouble

• 

  Ill keep her till she quits. - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By FrankB - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck used with 500 miles with everything but leather. Its my main vehicle and my family car. Ive got 60k miles on it and havent had any problems. Ive taken it off the road a couple times and seems to do a decent job at it for a two wheel drive. Seems to go where you want it to in the slippery stuff. Tires like to spin on wet pavement by the way or maybe Ive just got a heavier foot. Havent spent much time in the back seats myself but had some heavier inlaws back there for a twelve hour trip with out to many complaints. Ive also had it about as full as you can get it cargo wise and dosent seem to effect the ride, acceleration or handling much.Go with the l. bed version.

• 

  The Final Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By bemak1951 - March 3 - 9:53 am

  Overall this has been an excellent truck. My primary use is to carry clients to show real estate in the mountains of North Carolina. 4 wheel drive is a necessity in the winter and to get in and out of undeveloped areas. Has good visibility and is comfortable. Reliability has been excellent.

• 

  Big Improvement in the Frontier for 05 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Todd - March 3 - 4:50 am

  Just purchased a 4WD Crew Cab. This is a great new truck for Nissan. I compared it to the Tacoma and the Canyon. It is a lot of truck for the money. It was an easy decision. The V6 is powerful. The ride is better than previous years and the exterior is sharp and masculine. Finally looks like a guys truck.

• 

  Frontier Crew Cab 4wd 6spd - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By simple7 - March 1 - 6:36 am

  This is a great truck! I was all set to buy the toyota but hesitated at the price and unwillingness of the dealership to make a deal. After directly comparing both trucks side by side at the dealershp and driving them back to back, I thought the Nissan was a better truck, and a better price. I have hauled huge loads, taken long road trips and even rallycrossed the truck and it never lets me down. Its just a great utility vehicle and just happens to be fun to drive as well.

• 

  Average - Miss my Ford - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By igcc - February 27 - 11:00 am

  Not impressed with build quality... Drive train is great, interior rattles n shakes. Have had numerous small issues with gas gage and rattles. Dealer service is absolutely the worst. Tried multiple dealers and all provided the worst service I have ever seen. Mechanics were poorly trained, and management had a "go away" attitude. This is not the Nissan I have loved in the past. I sold an F150 to get better gas mileage in the city, and I miss it.