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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  2012 Frontier King Cab with Sports App Pkg - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By ravenronnie - January 7 - 9:35 am

  Wanted a truck to pull with occasionally and carry small loads. The Sports Appearance Package is a big eye catcher and I have received lots of compliments on the wheels and overall looks. Pulls great, lots of power for getting on and off highways, mileage is ok at 19.5 with a mix of city and highway, and bluetooth works great. Backseats are not for anything more than a small child, better to use the area for storage. Handles really well, steering feels good and tight and I love the locking tailgate. Headlights and fog lights light the roads well and was very comfortable on an 8 hour road trip.

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  The wifes truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By 1200BANDIT - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a Murano but the "dealer" wouldnt deal. This truck was on the lot for over 6 months and was a deal. The wife loved it so at 14k less than a Murano, bought it. With 600 miles on the odom, we took it out west on a 4800 mile trip w/cycle and stuff in back. Under 65 averaged 18-20mpg. Over 65 lookout. Very comfortable on the two 800 mile days. Great on highway and had a ball with the quasi offroad trips. Lots of comments from many people. This is our 6th Nissan(3 Maximas, 2 Altimas). 520,000 miles and no complaints.

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  Fantastic Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By John Lee - January 3 - 6:53 am

  This truck has never let me down in the 6 years i have owned it. No mechanical problems and has been comfortable on long trips. The Nissan frontier is the best truck in its class and is fantastically reliable.

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  Solid - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By kdawg - January 2 - 3:23 am

  Ordered this 2dr Nismo after reading Edmunds 2006 review...rated Frontier as #1 and again in 2007. Super solid, crisp handling, fantastic acceleration, impossible to get stuck, comfortable ride...just one tough truck. This will be a keeper for a long,long time.

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  Silver NISMO - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By 66Roadster - December 31 - 10:50 am

  I have been driving my NISMO Crew Cab 2X4 for 3000 miles and it is a pure joy! The power is great, first class transmission, the suspension is nice and tight, the looks are right on, and quality is perfect. Nissan did a great job building a truck for all the "truck" reasons and not a cross- over or pretending to be a car. This thing is solid as a rock, has room for the family, can pull/drag anything, and run with sports cars. What else would anyone want in a truck?

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  my nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Ryan Collins - December 29 - 6:43 pm

  great all arround truck, what you would expect on gas and plenty of power to tow large trailers or simply overtake on the road. somewhat stiff ride but again its a truck. the tailgate is heavy is my only complant. the interior feels more spaceious than the dodge ram crewcab that i own.

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  Finally a Truck that I like - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By strinbender - December 29 - 9:56 am

  After driving,a Ford Ranger for several years and a Chevy Colorado for 1 year, this truck is a dream to drive. Much smoother and quieter than the other small trucks that I have driven in the past.This truck also has more power than I will ever use and at the same time has a good gas mpg rating for a truck. Back seat works great for extra passengers or folds flat for extra interior cargo space. So far it rates a 10.

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  Best Frontier yet! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Asantoni - December 28 - 1:46 am

  Having owned a 1998 Frontier, words cannot describe what an improvement over the old model the 2005 Frontier is. There is plenty of low end Torque from the V6 engine and its a pleasure to rev. 5 speed auto transmission is extremely smooth (same is in the Titan I believe) and it helps deliver respectable gas mileage. So far Im getting about 18 mpg in mixed driving and 21-22 mpg hwy. Handling is also a strong suit. Only complaints I have about the truck is the small nearly vertical rear seats and the General Grabber tires. These tires will break loose in even the slightest rain and just dont belong in a truck with this much power.

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  New Frontier better than Tacoma? - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By michael - December 26 - 2:30 am

  Driving my moms tacoma trd after my nismo frontier i noticed this: The frontier is noticeably faster/more powerful. The steering is easier in the tacoma. The frontier had more hip/knee room. Tacoma is quieter. Fronter is sportier. Tacoma sits a tad higher. Frontier has much better price. Tacoma has prettier interior. Frontier has better functionality of interior. Tacoma has nicer wheels. Frontier gets better mileage 19avg vs. 16avg. for tacoma. Tacoma has better bed. Frontier has nicer one piece fenders. Trucks are essentially equal.The difference is Frontier is sportier and for young people.Tacoma is more luxurious and for older people.oh yeah frontier has real chrome bumpers. like em both

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  Nissan SE 4 Door Crew 2WD Auto (Awesome) - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Tim Creech - December 24 - 8:46 pm

  This truck is fantastic. It really moves out. I just got out of a very good running Chevy S-10 4.3 V6. There is no comparison in size, comfort, build quality, or performance. I am all around very pleased. The ONLY draw back i have found is that for taller drivers (Im 63" tall) the seat sits up too high in the truck and is not adjustable downward. Once you get used to the higher seating, it is okay. I have really enjoyed driving the truck so far, withonly 1700 miles on it. The truck is FAST! It really likes to show its strength way up in the RPM range. I have the tow package, but have not had a chance to pull my trailer with it, yet. Much nicer than the 05 Tacoman in my opinion