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Nissan Frontier Review

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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 engines in a rugged yet livable package. There have been two long-running Frontier generations so 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 four-door crew-cab body styles. Trim levels include the economical S, the midgrade 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 rear-wheel-drive 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 come with 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. Payload ranges from 880 to 1,500 pounds, and towing capacity is between 3,760 and 6,710 pounds, depending on how the truck is configured.

The Frontier S is a basic work truck with steel wheels and few creature comforts (not even a stereo, though you can get one as an option). A Work Truck package includes a spray-in bedliner and durable rubber floor mats. The SV and Desert Runner are both better equipped for use as a daily driver, with power accessories, cruise control and a Bluetooth-compatible sound system. The Frontier SL and Pro-4X get leather upholstery and navigation.

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. Most of the Frontier's competitors have been redesigned or updated in recent years, but the Frontier hasn't changed much, and its age is showing. Still, the Frontier remains a useful truck for buyers who need 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 including 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 V6 engine with 170 hp 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; the same applied to 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. It 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.

Read the most recent 2018 Nissan Frontier review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Nissan Frontier page.

Our expert team of auto researchers have reviewed the Nissan Frontier and compiled a list of inventory for you to shop local listings, and lease a Nissan Frontier .

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