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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  Fits my needs perfectly - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By LET-CA - January 24 - 7:53 pm

  I test drove the 6-cylinder versions and the fun-factor was right off the top of the charts. I really didnt need 261 HP though, and the poor mileage that went with it so I opted for the 4-cylinder XE with all the power options. Its not nearly as powerful as the 6, but the 4 cylinder is more than adequate for my needs. Im averaging just over 21 mpg and its improving a little with each tankful as the engine breads in. Id recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market; good build quality, wonderful ride, and fun to drive. Count me as a happy customer.

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  Good Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By RANDALL BOWEN - January 22 - 1:40 pm

  Very impressive truck. It rides quiet and comfortable, handles well, has more power than I expected, good gas mileage, looks cool and gets a lot of compliments from other people.

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  Nissan Crew-Cab Long Bed - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Art Hawkins - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck. Not as much fun as the short bed Crew-Cab, but hauls a bunch. Excellent workmanship and reliability. However, Gas milage is below my expectations at 18 highway/16 city with 6 cyl auto, no supercharger. The Nissan trucks NEVER let you down.

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  NISSAN NISMO ROCKS THE ROAD - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By 19DEVILDOG70S - January 17 - 11:13 am

  If you plan to drive your Nissan Nismo off road as it is intended as it is a 4x4 and Nismo is the off road version of the Frontier then before you go off road make sure you go to a 4x4 shop and have thick plastic cut out and put in the area by the back wheel well that sticks out!they have clear plastic there already for that purpose but it is not thick enough nor is it big enough! My Nismo has the rear locker and in 2 years I have never been stuck with the truck yet and this last winter just about wore my 3"x30tow rope out by pulling everone else out from the record snow that we received! bought new tires and went with the General Grabber AT2 which will get you way more traction!

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  AMAZING - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By James Alofs - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Much better, and cheaper than the Tacoma.

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  Toyota Killer - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bill Walters - January 15 - 2:06 pm

  I shopped Toyota and many other products from the American "Big Three" and settled on the 05 Frontier XE. This workhorse has style, class, dependability, a comfy ride amd all appointments in the right place. It outperforms the Toyota Tacomas in every aspect and is priced under Toyotas ( fixed pricing ). Econony is great at 24-25 MPG and the Frontier does not have that "sissy" look that Toyotas do. The ride is like driving a nice SUV. Pay load is good for a mid size truck too. Fifth gear could use a little more "beef" but a small bother compared to the overall performance of the Frontier. I would recommend it to any one. Ill get 200,000 or more miles of great service from this vehicle.

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  It does exactly what I need it to do. - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By thepatriot - January 12 - 7:50 am

  I purchased this truck new about a year and a half ago. I have driven it nearly 17,000 miles in that time. There are a few complaints, but mostly good comments to make. This truck does exactly what I need it to do. The engine is powerful enough to accommodate standard needs, and still gets decent, for its class, MPG. The 4WD system and HDC all work smoothly, and the brakes certainly get the job done. The one negative I have overall is the transmission. Its not horrible, but on long trips through mountain passes you will notice it can be a bit of a gear hunter unless you try and tame it down by taking OD off. If you do that, it is much smoother, but revs higher and it will reduce your MPG.

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  What a TRUCK!! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By MrK33 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one truck that you dont want to skip. It has a decent 143 hp 4cyl engine that gets great economy, especially with todays gas prices. Between my first 2 tanks of gas, Ive gotten 25.2 mpg in mixed driving. Thats BETTER than EPA highway, and the engine isnt even totally broken in yet! The seating is really comfortable, and you feel as though youre driving a larger vehicle, only its very easy to park. The HVAC controls are clean and intuitively laid out. In fact, the cleanliness of the whole dashboard is great. If you want a real truck, but dont want to get something unreliable (American made), or expensive, check out the Frontier!

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By John - January 8 - 8:50 pm

  Just purchased another Nissan truck and I must say the Frontier is a heck of a truck. Have a 95 Nissan truck already and it has more than 356,000 miles with no mechanical issues. It doesnt look like it is going to ever wear out. Wanted to update to something newer and got a great deal. Everything works perfectly and I really like the brawny appearance. I expect this one to last me 15 years or more.

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  Great Pickup - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By William - January 8 - 4:53 am

  The 2005 Nissan Frontier is one fun truck to drive, its feels like I am driving a fullsize pickup. The pickup on the truck is very quick. It moves with some great speed. It is very comfortable to drive in, and it handles great in snow. Its interior is very nice, and the spray-in bedliner is a money savor. Also, the four wheel disk breaks have great stopping power. The Frontier is easy to get in and out of and its visibility is very good.