1998 Nissan Frontier Review
1998 Nissan Frontier Review

Used Frontier for sale
Nissan Frontier model years
Nissan Frontier types
- Extended Cab
- Regular Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fully revised compact pickup from Nissan has better ergonomics, more interior space, and more power than last year's model.
Cons
- Not available with a V6 engine.
What’s new
Nissan introduces an all-new truck for 1998. This model, named the Frontier, is larger than the model it replaces, and has improved interior ergonomics.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Nissan Frontier 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$192/mo
Frontier Base
vs
$230/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Nissan has been selling trucks in this country for almost 40 years. In 1998 they decided to redesign the pickup and for the first time ever give it a name. Without any further ado, we would like to introduce the 1998 Nissan Frontier compact pickup truck. What's that you say? You think that it looks a lot like the model it replaces? Well, you may be right, but we promise that there are some changes to this vehicle that you will notice and appreciate upon closer inspection.
Take the Frontier's increased size, for instance. Nissan's 1998 regular cab pickup truck is 9.7 inches longer than the model it replaces; the King Cab is 6.1 inches longer. This translates into greater passenger comfort and more usable interior space. Speaking of interiors, shoppers are sure to value the Frontier's more ergonomical layout. The dashboard is oriented toward the driver, with stereo and climate controls within easy reach. The seats in this truck are also improved, offering drivers and passengers good support that makes long trips easier to manage.
The Frontier also features a new bed design that has sturdy double wall construction. In addition, the Frontier's bed is one of the largest available in a compact pickup. Measuring 17.1 inches deep, the Frontier's pickup box can be partitioned horizontally and vertically, perfect for keeping loads separate and secure.
The truck's greatest demerit is its lack of a V6 engine. Powering the Frontier is the familiar inline-four that helped last year's Nissan Truck move down the road. Despite its lack of cylinders, this 2.4-liter unit makes a healthy 143 horsepower and 154 foot-pounds of torque, enough to give this compact a 3,500 pound towing capacity. Although the engine is a carryover, it does receive some refinements this year including lighter pistons and thinner rings. These help reduce the Frontier's emissions enough so that the vehicle qualifies as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) in California.
The Frontier is not the breakthrough truck that some of us had hoped for. Its styling is evolutionary and its powerplant uninspiring. Nevertheless, it is a much better truck than the one it replaces, offering owners greater comfort and more utility. Before you decide that this is the truck for you, however, bear in mind that Nissan is planning on introducing a V6 model next year that might suit your needs even more.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Nissan Frontier.
5 star(48%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
52 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Why no interment wipers?
bob, 05/15/2016
1998 Nissan Frontier XE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought this truck from a Nissan Service Tech. with 35,000 miles on it. Little did I know that he had put some Firestone recalled tires on it and I had a blowout at 60,00 miles. Tread was at 60%. Then clutch started acting up. I did the job myself after Nissan quoted $2200. When I dropped the tranny about 2 quarts of water poured out. Some genius on the assembly line completely sealed … the bell housing. All the clutch components were rusted. Don't buy from Nissan, buy from Phoenix Friction. Replaced the flywheel, rear main seal, clutch etc. If you have a Nissan manual tranny crawl under with a 1/4 drill bit and poke a hole in the 6:00 position in the bell housing. It should be clear. Other than that, the truck is by far the best 4 wheel drive vehicle I have driven. I go where others fear to go. Great hunting and off road vehicle.
Yes, the 4 cyl is underpowered but I am not in a hurry going up hills. The engineer at Nissan who positioned the PCV valve (requires taking off most of the front engine components to change it) should be horsewhipped.
Seems all the headliners during those years failed. I re-upholstered mine for about $50.00 plus added some middle supports which cured the sagging. I reduced the road noise by adding sound deadner in the doors and behind the headlines. 50% reduction in road noise.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Everything I needed!
Tortuga, 06/23/2009
1998 Nissan Frontier XE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought my Frontier in 2004 when I was 18. Been driving it almost daily ever since. I've done trips of well over 400 miles as well as put it through some rigorous Off-Road and Mud trails. The truck has gone everywhere I've pointed it. Ran into a few trees and rocks while wheeling, body damage was fixed with a little hammer work. I was rear ended in it, with barely a dent to the … rear bumper (the plastic step came loose.) The little toyota pickup that hit me, was destroyed. Power is perfectly fine, It's a pickup not a race car. I'm running 31 in. tires (compared to the stock size of about 17 in.) and it runs perfectly fine, with no life required. In all, great truck!
5 out of 5 stars
300,000 Miles and Counting
jlundin, 04/05/2013
1998 Nissan Frontier SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
This has been a daily commuter for many, many years and there has never been any major issues. I have replaced the clutch 2x and done the normal maintenance over the years. Never once has it failed me. It gets great gas mileage for a truck. Just recently I passed the 300,000 miles mark and it still made a 2,000 mile trip to Arizona and back. The only complaint I have is that it is a … gutless 4 cylinder. I have to put the pedal to the floor when turning onto a street and it still takes it time to accelerate.
4.25 out of 5 stars
A great little truck
timv11, 05/27/2010
1998 Nissan Frontier XE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I've had this truck for just over 2 years now. Bought it with 76,000 miles on it. I think I should have bought the extended cab but I really like the truck otherwise. I have had 720 lbs. of hay in the back and it ran just fine. It is more than enough truck for going to the hardware store or the dump. I use it as my commuter, around 70 miles a day. I would highly recommend this type … of truck to anyone.
1998 Frontier Highlights
Extended Cab
XE
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
---|---|
Cost to Drive | $192/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Engine Type | Gas |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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More about the 1998 Nissan Frontier
Used 1998 Nissan Frontier Overview
The Used 1998 Nissan Frontier is offered in the following submodels: Frontier Regular Cab, Frontier Extended Cab. Available styles include 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M), XE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M), SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M), SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M), XE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M), XE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M), and XE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M). Pre-owned Nissan Frontier models are available with a 2.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 143 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1998 Nissan Frontier comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1998 Nissan Frontier?
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Should I lease or buy a 1998 Nissan Frontier?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Nissan lease specials
Check out Nissan Frontier lease specials
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