Used 2006 Nissan Frontier Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
2006 Nissan Frontier
We purchased a Nissan because we believed in it's superior quality. We believed that we would have a truck that would easily last us 10 years. However, after just 4 years - and almost nearing to paying off this truck's loan - we experienced what other forums show is a common manufacturer defect. At high mileages, Frontiers may experience a break in its radiator, causing coolant to mix in with transmission liquid. Even though we have been excellent Nissan clients, bringing in our Nissan for regular servicing to ensure it lasts long...we've been hit by this defect. So, the non-reward for taking care of our truck is having recently paid approx. $6k..
LE Crew Cab Rocks!
Traded My 01 Tacoma. Had a great experience so I decided to buy another one. After testing driving both vehicles I found the Frontier was better equipped for my needs. The Frontier has a great ride. Stiff but very stable. I don't feel the bounciness on the highway as the Tacoma did on my test drive. The transmission shifts are quick and precise. Comfort is great. Albeit the Tacoma scored better with their back seat. Price was the biggest deciding factor. The SR5 Tacoma costs almost $1500 more than my LE Crew Cab. The LE has far more options. I think the Frontier is a great bargain for what you get.
- SE Crew CabMSRP: $8,900375 mi away
- SE Crew CabMSRP: $8,988427 mi away
- XE King CabMSRP: $10,999550 mi away
Avoid NISSAN!
In May of 2012 the radiator failed on this truck and we had it replaced at the cost of $1000.00. My son drove this truck for three months after the radiator repair and then the transmission failed. We had it towed to the dealership and were told that the repair cost was going to be $7,300.00. We did some research and called about six or seven transmission shops in town and found one that could do the repairs for $4,500.00. So we had the truck towed to a new shop. The shop owner is very familiar with the defect and knows exactly what to do to repair it.
Great truck, BUT...
I bought my '06 Frontier from an individual via Craigslist with 108k miles. I loved it for the 2 months I could drive it. Then, the tranny went out. Come to find out, this is common and Nissan never issued a recall. I found someone local who would install a re-manufactured tranny and new radiator (included all labor and fluids) for $4,000. I have been waiting for over 2 months to get my truck back because their "parts people" from Chicago had originally gotten the wrong parts number for the tranny and are now waiting for a solenoid so they can complete the rebuild... I am now in the position that (if I ever get the truck back) I have more in it than it's worth so I HAVE to drive it now...
Biggest Peice of JUNK
Stay way from these Crappy Peices of Junk. Every sensor on these will have to be replaced. Transmission goes out due to poor quality Radiator. Trans Fluid mixes with Radiator and Nissan refuses to do anything to Help. This was my first and last Nissan I will ever own. Gone back to Toyota should have never left Toyota. Luckily for me the Truck was involved in an Accident and got Totaled.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Truck Good Value
I just bought a USED 2006 NISMO 4x4 38000 miles. On the drive home 21 MPG at about 70 MPH cruise control. Around town 15.6 MPG. I was concerned that the truck was going to be too stiff with the 4x4 and NISMO package. However it is very smooth to drive on pavement with low road noise and sturdy feel. Happy with my purchase everyone should look at this truck if you want a mid size. The Tacoma had a bad seating position for long trips and the domestic trucks just don't measure up. This is my first Nissan and so far so good.
Forget Toyota
I really did love my Toyota, it saved my life from a 5 time DUI villain. The truck and I both sustained injuries but Toyota did not survive. I test drove both. In the end I went with Nissan for the following reasons. Nissan offers a king cab 4wd v-6 six speed for about the same price as a reg cab 4wd 4 banger Tacoma. Also the Nissan has alot more room inside. When I was hit, I cracked my head on the doorpost. I know several Tacoma owners who have identical scars. The reason is, the doorpost on a Tacoma is about 2 inches from your head.The Frontier is just much more truck, drives like a caddie, stronger v-6 than my 96 Firebird, and 6 speed gets 20 mpg. And somehow I found an honest dealer
shelley's frontiers
this is my third frontier, first one i traded 2004, my 2005 i totaled, rollover. it held up, condisdering 70 and rolled 3 times. the next day i bought a 2006 frontier. i love this truck it makes me feel safe when i drive. i would not buy anthing but a frontier le. its durable, cute, rugged, sporty and rides like a dream. its power amazes me it really gets up goes when you need the extra power. i can't say enough good things about this truck, if i continued it would be a book.
Great All-Around Truck
Have driven exclusively Nissan Cars and Trucks since 1987, as have my 2 sons. Never had any problems with them. This 4.0 6 speed has awesome power and load capacities. I was driving 25 miles to work on rural roads and getting 24 mpg at 60-70 mph. Now retired and drive in town, and still get 22 mpg. 2 hints for mileage, drive easily when you accelerate and use a good grade of gas. I was getting 20 mpg using a discount gas, but switched to shell and get steady 22+, using regular.
What I expected and more!
I have used my Frontier for long trips of 100 miles or more on at least 10 occassions since buying it as well as excursions on the beach and off-road. It has been comfortable all the way. I have traveled with three adults on trips of more than 200 miles with no complaints from the back seat passengers. I even used it to remove the remnants of a tree that I was unable to dig out. It is high enough to see over traffic but not uncomfortable when entering numbers on a keypad to a parking lot. The utili-track system is versatile and easy to use. The only aspect I have not used is the towing but in soft sand it was flawless in 4WD- L. The air conditioner control unit had to be replaced initially.
Great Functional Truck
Great mileage for mid-size truck, got 25mpg in mixed driving on the first tankful. Ride is quiet and smooth and has plenty of space all around. Not fancy but has all the basic features available as options.
Mixed Feelings
I have been the sole owner of my 06' SE Frontier since it rolled off the lot in July of 06'. The truck had a great V6 power & solid comfort and excellent affordability.My opinion changes after a serious accident with this truck. The key benefit was how well this truck absorbed a major collision. The truck immediatly lowered and reduced the impact i felt..preventing serious injury on my part. I love this truck for that.I have lost 100 miles to the tank of gas. Pre-Accident i was getting 350 miles per tank. Now i only get a meager 250. The power of my V6 has been reduced drastically.I have also replaced the battery 4 times with this truck. Only 100,000 miles on it.This truck had potential
Overall I love this truck
I have owned this truck for nearly two years. I bought the truck with only 15,000 miles on it, and I now have 55,000 miles on it. The only repair I have had done to it was the timing chain tensioners/guides, but they were covered under warranty without question. In my opinion that was a poor design. However, everything else on the truck is perfect. I replaced the BF Goodrich tires with Michelin ltx ms tires because I do not drive off road. I hear people complain about gas mileage, but I get 17.5 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. In my opinion that is excellent for a truck with this much horsepower. The handling is excellent, I drive 50 miles daily on paved mountain roads and I love the handling.
Piece of junk
I hate this truck, nothing but trouble. Every sensor went bad. Radiator went bad. Broke on inside one big mess Nissan would not fix. Transmission gone bad. Can't fine a new one. Will never buy another one. Should have stayed with Toyota
BUYER BEWARE
Purchased truck used and have had nothing but problems, replaced oil gauge sending unit (common problem) air pressure light needs to be reset (with paper clip, lol) on a regular basis. And now the transmission went out (common problem) this will cost over $6000 (most big rigs have cheaper transmissions), upon further investigation it looks like there is a common issue with timing chain guides. Nissan will not stand behind any of these issues. Note: I purchased this truck from an older gentleman that garaged it and performed regular maintenance.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
First Pickup
This is my first pickup and I must say that I am exceptionally pleased with all aspects of this truck. As a previous Nissan owner I have been familiar with the product but again, this was an outstanding value and product.
Best "Mid-Size" Truck
I traded a 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II for my 2006 NISMO Crew Cab 4x4. The Ranger was a decent truck but it got horrid gas mileage (avg about 14 with 80/20 city/highway). I love my NISMO so much more than the Ranger. It's a little bigger but it's more powerful, has a better ride, and handles way smoother. It also feels much more solid than the Ranger. I have to watch my driving because the truck wants to go fast! I can definitely feel sports car roots in the truck. The engine is smooth and refined and well matched to the 5- speed automatic. Fuel economy is around 16 in town and I get a solid 20 on the highway. The truck is a pleasure to drive.
great little big truack
I was amazed the 2006 was so much bigger and better made than my old 2004. Although the truck is bigger phyiscally it gets better gas mileage than the 2004. I love the shifter on the console better than on the column. Plus this model has cruise control the 2004 did not. Interior is about 4 inches wider and longer and very roomy. 2 jump seats with the rear doors make this vehicle great to carry extra people when needed. Nissan rethought the concept of how a truck should be.
Superb truck +1
This truck has been wonderful. There is plenty of room for our sons in the back seat even on 200+ mile trips to see family. The is superb power and even pulls the 6500 lb towing without a problem but make sure you have trailer brakes if going very far. This is by no means a "compact" truck with the ample room over the previous Frontiers. I am running Mobil 1 synthetic and Nissan says,even though they recommend standard crude in the owners manual, that this is okay for warranty. I work at Nissan with guys that oversee engine testing they say these 4.0 are just about bullet proof.
After 5500 miles...
I drove this new truck from Seattle to Anchorage, AK and overall really liked the performance and ride even at 80 on gravel and rocks. The mileage was good on the hiway, but now in town it's far less than it's rating of 15MPG, if the on board MPG gauge is to be believed. Faults: Oil is a major pain to change especially due skid plate, dipstick is flimsy and hard to insert, visors are loose, rear headrests obstruct vision, cant open door from back. Wiper needs variable control- needs interval between 1 & 5 sec. Windshield seems to have coating, (anti glare?) that is now full of scratches and wont clean up. No aftermarket rims for snowtires available, Nissan steel wheels are $275 ea! OUCH
Thumbs Up to Nissan
First time Nissan owner. Love this truck. Roomy interior is user friendly. Tows like a champ. You get instance power when petal to the metal. Sharp looking truck all the way around.
A truck for all seasons
I looked at all of the trucks in this size and the only truck that was close was toyota. Snow storm in Illinois proved the frontier will blaze you a trail when others are in the ditch. Only problem with this truck is going too fast and not even knowing it. I have a little less than 10,000 on my 2006 and have had no problems with this truck. I cannot say the same with the dodge, gmc, or ford
My second Nissan truck
This is my second Nissan truck. My first was a 87 1/2 Hardbody and it served me well. It was a basic XE 2wd 5sp. I sold it with 70k miles to a friend who kept it for close to 200k miles. This '06 is lights years ahead of my 87 in every respect. I plan on keeping this '06 for 15 years. I was able to keep my '95 GMC Sonoma 4x4 for 11 years so I the Nissan being a better build vehicle should be able to meet that goal. My '95 was getting 18-19 in mostly city driving and my '06 is doing that with no problem. Considering the '06 is a bigger, heaver truck with more hp(155 for '05 vs 265 for '06)IMHO is pretty impressive in my book. Ride quality is impressive for the '06 compared to my '95.
Nismo quality
I drive my Nismo pick up every day and just returned from a 2200 mile road trip with my wife and a Pomeranian. No back pains or discomfort. The powerful V6 ran 70s and 80s in all the southern states with a load in the bed. No heating probelems in Atlanta traffic jams. I had always driven Dodge Dakotas but I'm Nissan now!
Very Happy
I bought a 2006 Nismo CC 4x4, fully loaded. It was used, with 10,000 miles. I had read before that people claim it drives like a sports car, and it really does. It is a blast to drive. I have also been very pleasantly surprised with how smooth the ride is, even on the worst freeways (and even with the Nismo package). It has lots of room in the back seat, and a roof that rises so that taller people can sit in the back seat without hitting their head. Transmission is smooth, power plentiful. Rockford fosgate sound system is terrific. This truck is tough, it looks great, and it drives nice. What more could one ask for? Fuel economy is not bad for a truck.
in love
fell in love with this truck the 1st time i saw it finally bought it and it makes my day everyday i drive it
Great truck
I have owned this vehicle for 3 years and have 64K miles. I have only done normal maintenance and the first set of brake pads. Absolutely no issues at all. Plenty of power, great off road and long distance truck.
Best mid-sized crew cab of all
Ottawa, Canada - Bought my Majestic Blue Frontier just before Xmas. I test drove all the competitors (Dodge, GM, Toyota and Honda) and at the end of the day the Nissan beat out the Toyota. The others did not compare. The clincher was overall price vs. options. This is not a truck for those looking for a Cadillac ride with truck utility. That being said, this is a very functional vehicle that can take anything thrown at it and then some. It has power to spare and will fit well with the hard core truck user or the urban tinkerer/craftsman/sportsman. City driving is harder on the mileage (14.9litres/ 100km) but the highway numbers are much better. The ride on the highway is exceptional
!!!!!!!!!!WOW!!!!!!!!
I have the xe 4 cyl in an automatic, I swapped the tires and rims and this truck can do anything! Very very happy with my purchase... Just change the oil and go! Tuff truck! No problems and it just turned 43,000 miles. I bought it used, great gas mileage for a truck... Can tow, haul anything I throw at it! Just love it!
In front----Frontier
This truck has all things a truck should be, power,room for 5,looks, and NO problems. Quiet and smooth on less than perfect roads. Avg.20 mpg. Easy to park and get out of tuff parking spots. Sits high enough to allow you to see ahead of avg. autos on road today. I belive it may be one of the safer trucks on the road.
Gas or no gas???......that is the recall !!
Well, I bought a 2006 with 66,500 miles. Test drive started out great but after about 10 miles the gas gauge appeared to be empty an the check engine light came on. I quickly pulled into a gas station and put in $10$. To my surprise the gas gauge indicator showed 3/4 full. On returning the truck the owner he mentioned he had that issue for approximately 3 years. Had heard there might be a recall. Well The next day verified the error code was diagnosed. Found the recall on the internet an contacted local Nissan dealer. Well talk about a run around.....I was informed my truck did not have this recall even though the recall outlined was exactly the problem. I had the recall fixed ($500 out of pocket).....then was informed by the service manager to replace my radiator because the coolant and transmission fluid could leak an cause transmission failure. Bought a new radiator an in the process of replacing. In the very near future my family will out of the Nissan business.....wife drives one now....but it want last long in our driveway. An to think I was about to consider buying the new Nissian Titan Diesel.
- Reliability
- Value
XE 4 cylinder Great Choice
I really enjoy my XE Frontier. The 4 cylinder engine is quiet and runs smooth. The 5 speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and is great on gas mileage. The seats are very comfortable. The new body style looks great. I am very pleased with my Nissan Frontier.They did a fine job from design to assembly.
Rides sporty & hauls great
LE with sunroof, automatic. Every option except limited slip,which with all the low end torque will squeal off the line too easily.My other car is a 350Z roadster. Bought with 50k and now at 85.000 miles. Using synthetic oil. Zero repairs and same tires.Will need brakes soon.Hit from behind while stopped by a Honda suv at 30 mph. Honda destroyed. Need a bumper and tailgate.
The Last Nissan I'll ever buy!!!
My engine light came on at 93K miles. I took it to the dealer they said they had to replace the catalytic convertor that cost me about 1K dollars. Within a week Im driving down the road and loose power. I cant go any faster than 20 or so mph and my engine light never even comes on. I should have marked my cat because it sounds like to me they never replaced it. How can a new cat fowl out that quick? Even if I was burning pure oil it would take longer than that to get blocked.
Performance on sale
I am a previous Frontier owner (I got a 2001 crew cab as well) and Nissan did its homework with this one. A lot more power, more room and more fun to drive. I am getting 24+ miles per galon on regular unleaded. I tried Tacomas and Ridgelines and they are not even close. I got V8 power in a V6 package at a V4 price.
Best midsize pickup, period
I love this truck! The six-speed transmission feels good and the engine gets wound up quick. A K&N kit gave the V6 a deeper note that sounds awesome. The exterior looks like a functional truck, not some toy. There's just the right amount of chrome. The wheels look good. The seats are comfortable and the ride is smooth enough for long highway rides, even with the stiffer Nismo suspension. Dash layout is intuitive, although they could have done with a few less buttons on the radio. Overall, it's just a really nice-looking, well-powered, functional midsize truck. You can't beat it.
No Doubt About It
I was torn between the Tacoma and the Frontier. After driving the Frontier I knew it was the truck for me. I had one in the late 90's and it was the best vehicle I ever had. The new Frontier is leaps and bounds better. It is bigger more powerful and fun to drive. And Carmax was the BEST buying experience I ever had.
I love it
I really enjoy driving it. I got plenty of torque at low RPM, great low gear ratio in 1st and economical yet still with lots of power 6th. Don't get me wrong there's a lot that I would like improved but for the price it's a solid, fun to ride pickup(it's too new to say how reliable it is...) Before I got it I testdrove Tundra and in my opinion the only thing going for toyota might be the build quality. Toyota sways more when cornering, engine is weak at low RPMs and siting is somehow...weird. That's just my opinion of course.
2.5 L gutless wonder
The most BASIC/cheapest xe, 4 cyl. Engine and trans are not a good match. Power and torque below 2500 rpm is terrible. Gas mileage with gas here in Hawaii is only 21 mpg. But again our fuel is 10% ethanol so straight gas would give you about 10% better average, so that would be about 23 mpg. It is a very heavy truck so the 4 cyl. Has to work hard and the mileage shows. The gear ratios are wrong, you have to wind it out or when you upshift it bogs down badly. A six speed would be more appropriate. Drives well, good brakes, BASIC interior, great reliability, good value for the buck. My friends with the same truck but 6 cyl. Love the power they got on tap but 6 cyl. Mileage is only 18 mpg.
If purchasing new truck check out Nissan
Had a 2004 Dakota and was going to purchase a 2006 Dakota until on a whim I decided to test drive a Nissan. Never looked back. The Dakota Has more room, however the Nissan is quick and nimble, corners real well and gets better gas milage, and the Nissan V-6 has more horsepower than the Dodge 4.7 liter V-8 I owned a Nissan hardbody I purchased new in 1997 and it was a nice truck but it dosen't even begin to compare with my new Nissan.
Did I buy a lemon?
I love my truck but at only 2,500 miles I have towed it once and am on my way to the delearship again this morning. Be aware that many Frontiers appear to have faulty steering columns as mine did (reason for towing) and there may also be some brake issues--my brake warning light is now on and I'm back to the dealer. Overall, I do love my truck but I am afraid that I bought a lemon. I should not be having these kinds of problems before the first oil change!!
One Tough Nissan
Traded in my 2003 Tacoma for Frontier Nismo. What a difference. The ride and drive have to be experienced. Very quiet running at highway speeds. So far, quality seems to be first rate. All the whistles and bells I wanted in a truck that isn't like every other truck on the road. Power to spare! Gas mileage not great, but close to estimate. I think Nissan got it right this time.
Priced right in class
In comnparing to Tacoma, seating more comfortable, priced about $2K less. Spray in bedliner. MPG 19.3, great acceleration, roomy enough
It's just OK
Nice looks, powerful engine, roomy interior.6,000 miles and can't get comfortable behind the wheel. Gas mileage is dissapointing. Idles roughly when stopped at a light. Dealer can't find anything wrong, I say I shouldn't get a seat massage at every light!
My second Nissan Pickup
I owned a 1995 Nissan, 4 wheel drive for over 10 years, so there was no question what my new truck was going to be. The quality, dependability, and comfort couldn't have been better. Being 5 foot 2 inches, the step sides are a great help. The visibility and control of the vehicle is the best I have driven. From experience, I know that they work hard and have been able to handle anything I have asked. The 4 wheel drive is a must where I live, and having no more hubs to lock is an added bonus. This truck has just about everything that anyone could want as a work horse, plus comfort and style! The only difficulty is adjusting to the interior differences from my truck of 10 years.
Great Truck 2006 CREW 4.0 2 WD
I drive about 13k miles a year, bought used last year from original owner. It had 50,000 miles when I got it, it has now 67,000. Just put new front brakes on last month. Put new tires on yesterday. Original BF Goodrich long trails had 67k miles. I mainly use to commute to work, we do live in Fla and own a 3,500 lb boat that I pull a lot on the weekends. Pulls with no problem. Good truck if you don't mind the smaller cab and not much of a back seat. Overall, I have not had one problem. Just make sure cab has enough room for you. I was used to driving a Tundra.
Repair Nightmare
I enjoyed the truck for the first 6 months and then the run on repairs started, first was new rackinpion system, then came the new steering column, then new tie rods, and now finally over $500 to find and repair the leak causing the Service Engine Light to stay on. This was the 5th Nissan I've owned (2nd Frontier) and will be my last. I've talked to several mechanics both Nissan and private and all have expressed the downward trend of Nissan's reliability.
'06 NISMO lover
I have had my NISMO CC for 2.5 months,and now have 10,000+ miles on the odometer. I do not go off roading but my job does require me to make regular use of the NISMO's ground clearance as well as occasional use of the 4x4. This truck has performed flawlessly. To be blunt, I love this truck! People complain about the fuel mileage. I find it fair for a vehicle of it's weight and performance specs. My job entails highway and city driving and I average 15 to 16 MPG. Recently I took the NISMO on a 1600 mile round trip. Going out(VERY windy) I averaged only 18 MPG at 70 MPH+. The return trip with better weather and slightly higher speeds returned 20.2 MPG. This truck rates a 9.5 on a scale of 10!!
tylertown
Drives great love the truck. Will climb one hell of a hill, pulls great and i drive it 400 miles a week.
work truck
the engine puts out excellent power, i routinely carry about 600 pounds of equipment and i don't even notice it, gas mileage is decent, around 17 in the city and 20 on the highway(driving around 80 mph) between las vegas and visalia california. going up the mountains it drops out of overdrive but no big deal.