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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  solid performance - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By holeintherock - February 26 - 7:03 am

  solid pleasing performance, have had in some serious off road situations and it has tackled them with confidence, ride is a little stiff on highway but that was expected with this truck as equipped, good ground clearance, would like to see an upgrade in OE tires, but they have done well,i could do without the roof rack that came with the truck, the only off road issue has been the side step rails that I have scraped a couple of times

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  05 Frontier Crew Cab SE 2WD V6 Auto - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Rob - February 15 - 11:06 am

  After 18 months and 21000 miles, I can honestly say I love this vehicle! Powerful engine, smooth ride, just dosent feel like a truck. I have driven my truck on several long trips and it cruises effortlessly at 80-85 mph, very quiet and comfortable. Ive owned Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas and a VW, and can say that so far, this is my favorite. Im very impressed with the build quality of this truck too, especially the engine/transmission and fit and finish. I would definitely recommend that anyone looking at a mid-size truck to do yourself a favor and check out the Frontier!

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  I got the power!!!! Nissan Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By diko617 - February 12 - 3:03 am

  Im really impressed with the redesigned nissan frontier. I test drive the Toyota, Honda and Dodge, nothing compares to the engine power of the Nissan Frontier. Its beyond comparisson to other mid-size pick up truck. A worthy investment! Its definetly the most powerful mid size pick up truck!

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  14500 lbs pulled like a champ - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By brad - February 10 - 10:33 pm

  i got my nismo in 8/05 i have not been easy with it i work on a tobbaco farm and i use it every day driving through the fields at high speed that i would not dare to take a ford or dodge because you would tear the hell out of it. now power all i have to say i weighed in at the scalls at 14,500 lbs and pulled it better than any half ton truck. it is a awsome 4 welling machine i have only got stuck twice and that was becouse i sunk stright down to the chasy u could only see about 3 inches of the tires. it i s a great truck and well worth the money.

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  LOVE this truck! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By toelint - February 9 - 11:08 pm

  I ABSOLUTELY love this truck! I have the 08 4.0L V6 4x4 Frontier and think its a great truck for its size. I bought it "new" (it had 1 owner before me who bought it from the dealership new, didnt make a payment on it, and had it repossessed 6months after buying it...the truck hit 2k miles on my test drive), and have put 28k miles on it in just the last year and a half. It drives like a car, but can act like a truck. I use it off roads and its reliable, handles well, and climbs obstacles. On the road, its quiet, acceleration picks up really quickly, and steering is perfect. Not super tight, but definitely not loose. Turn radius is great and 4WD doesnt compromise it at all.

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  Piece of Junk - Never again - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By toyman15 - February 4 - 1:26 pm

  I thought Id save a few thousand by buying a NISSAN over a TOYOTA, and thought the Nissan would be reliable like the Toyota. No way. First 30k miles the fuel sender went. $400. Then the windshield washer tank sprung a leak. Now, at 80K miles the transmission went, cause the trans cooler in the radiator cracked, allowing a transfer of fluids between cooling system & trans. $4500. Not to mention missed work, time wasted, etc.

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  2002 SE-V6 Desert Runner -King Cab - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Caff10 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I just think it is awsome I just live it because I just feel so comfromable in it and the sound system is great and handles very well and is sitting high which I loveand it came standard with steps ,bed liner, bed extender.

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  A truck for all seasons - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By LLS - January 31 - 9:40 pm

  I looked at all of the trucks in this size and the only truck that was close was toyota. Snow storm in Illinois proved the frontier will blaze you a trail when others are in the ditch. Only problem with this truck is going too fast and not even knowing it. I have a little less than 10,000 on my 2006 and have had no problems with this truck. I cannot say the same with the dodge, gmc, or ford

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  I love my Pioneer but improve/armrest - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jack S. - January 27 - 7:16 pm

  I love the ride and the overall build. Really a great truck for the money. Fun to drive.

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  Manual midsizes, a lonely club - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By chriscmore - January 26 - 5:37 am

  I chose the Frontier over the Tacoma, because the Frontier is 5% smaller but with a larger bed, and a larger engine with better economy. Its also noticeably a few years fresher in design. I got the now-discontinued PRO-4X with 6sp manual, which had to be shipped from Oregon to Nebraska. The 6sp is a lot of fun, but the reverse gear is hard to find and should have been to the left like German autos. The tailgate extender is nice because its easy to remove. The bed divider is functional but a bit obnoxious in that its not an easy one-side affair to move or get out of the way. Love the step rails and tie anchors. The cruise control didnt work and I have an oil leak to have serviced.