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 times and good fun! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By grizzlyrizzly - December 24 - 2:00 am

  It was between the frontier and the tacoma and when it came down to money, power, and interior room there was no comparison. The extended bed liner and the 4wd drive makes it unstopable. It has gotten me out of many sticky situations. Test drive and you will see too....

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  Best in Price - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By sb4106 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Nissan pickup in the last 18 years. So far it is starting out like the other two, no problems. I still own my 93 and plan to give it to my son when he turns 16. What can I say? I wouldnt have bought three in a row if they werent a great little truck. I have nothing against Toyota, except that they cost about $2k more when compared to Nissan.

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  DON"T BUY!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By rustyvell - December 24 - 2:00 am

  A/C breaks down every 5-6 months. No power in the 4 cycl. eng. Service at dealerships No Help!

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  My CC 05 Frontier LE - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Ric Clavel - December 20 - 12:40 am

  Although Ive only had this truck for 6 weeks (just over 1,000 miles), I am very pleased with the performance, quality, and the way its equipped. the size is just right for my taste and use. So far, a great truck.

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  Almost a good truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Watercolors - December 19 - 10:00 am

  It’s been reliable & very utilitarian. The bed extender works well. Front seat comfort is good,back seat is OK. The handling is numb and the fuel economy is poor but it’s a four wheel drive truck. What is a problem is the paint and the carpets. The Aluminum colored bumper paint is falling off on the edges and on the roof rack. These are areas where its had little contact with anything. Also the carpet is discoloring. The trucks not been abused. Im going to take it to Nissan and see what they say but I dont have high hopes. On my previous Nissan truck there were similar problems and they walked away from them. I swore I wouldnt buy another but I did.

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  its got what i need - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By amlikethewind - December 19 - 2:00 am

  paid 7900 - 43k miles, great condition. its our third vehicle behind a passat (speed) and explorer (road trips. drives great for a truck - i can take turns hard and its got enough acceleration to pass the idiots yapping on their cell phones. this is a strong 4 cyl engine, and i got 26 mpg on the first tank. im the meanest person i know - kicked a lot of tires and yelled at a lot of sales people. this truck had the best combo of comfort, price, and reliability i could find. also, the dealer was quite reasonable to deal with - i would recommend them (http://www.jaymitsubishi.com/en_US/)

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  Second Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Dayve - December 17 - 3:00 pm

  So far so good, about 16.1 MPG, but that is driving the speed limit, and trying to get good mileage. I wish they had left the gas tank on the passenger side, few cars have it there, never a line as the pump. Good build quality, really nice seats for cloth, like all the cup holders, and the small storage area under the back seat. Seats are comfortable, wish Nissan offered leather and auto seats with the Nismo.

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  Nissan Has Nailed It! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By racuda - December 13 - 10:36 am

  This is my third Nissan truck in 12 years. It is light years ahead of the other two, like the difference between a Pinto and a Porche. The raw power is the first thing I noticed. Its a good thing I got the limited slip differential - it is necessary to keep the wheels from spinning at full throttle. Of course, this comes at a cost - Im only getting 18.5 MPG on the highway. The reason I picked Nissan over Toyota is because I wanted power leather seats (heated), and a sunroof. Also the Nissan uses regular gas compared to the premium that Toyota recommends. I recommend getting the rubber all-weather floor mats. They are much easier to maintain that the carpeted ones.

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  2004 Nissan Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Max Bolin - December 10 - 3:58 am

  Overall, this truck is amazing. Ive had mine for 3 years now and love it. The only real downfall is the gas mileage. It isnt very good because of the V6, but besides that I love it.

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  Big 3 are in Big trouble... - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Omar - December 6 - 4:46 pm

  Ive been thinking about this truck since it came out about a year ago. I just got a 2006 Nismo Crew Cab 4x4, and the words that come to mind are: It rocks!!! I live in Puerto Rico, and the roads here are HORRIBLE. I used to have a 2004 Altima 3.5, and as much as I loved that car, it could not handle the daily punishment of driving in PR. The Frontier is a different story. This truck was built for places like this. I never thought that bad roads, hills and potholes could be so much fun!! It drives almost like a car, but can go places I would never have dared to take my Altima. The Rockford Fosgate system is excellent. I am looking forward to thousands of miles of joy in this baby.