2012 Nissan Frontier Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2012 Nissan Frontier and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2012 Frontier featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2012 Nissan Frontier and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2012 Frontier 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2012 Frontier.
Vehicle
SL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I've put 8,000 miles on this truck so far, including hundreds on gravel and dirt through a Wyoming winter, and I have no regrets. No warranty issues of any kind. The V6 has plenty of power and the steering and handling are excellent on and off pavement. I considered the Tacoma since I like the looks slightly better, but Toyota has had some serious quality/recall issues with the Tacoma over the last 10 years. That, and the fact that toyata wants a few thousand more for an equally equipped truck leaned me toward Nissan. The Frontier is indeed a rugged, no-nonsense truck. I expect to drive it for many years. BTW, JD Powers just ranked it the top midsize pickup for 2012.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2012 Nissan Frontier
Edmunds Value
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Available Nissan Frontier 2012 Submodel Types: Crew Cab, King Cab, Extended Cab
Available Trims: SV, S, PRO-4X, SE, LE, SL, XE, XE-V6, Desert Runner, Nismo, SE-V6, LE-V6, SC-V6, SE-V6 Desert Runner, SVE-V6, Standard, XE V6
Exterior Colors: Glacier White, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Gun Metallic, Lava Red, Night Armor, Arctic Blue Metallic, Cayenne Red, Avalanche, Radiant Silver, Metallic Blue, Storm Gray, Super Black Clearcoat, Red Brick, Red Brawn, Red Alert, Graphite Blue, Navy Blue, Radiant Silver Metallic Clearcoat, Storm Gray Metallic Clearcoat, Aztec Red Clearcoat, Forged Copper, Granite Metallic Clearcoat, Majestic Blue, Sand Dune Metallic Clearcoat , Silver Ice Metallic , Alpine Green Metallic, Aztec Red, Canteen Metallic Clearcoat, Charcoal Mist, Cloud White, Electric Blue Metallic Clearcoat, Gold Rush Metallic , Granite Metallic, Just Blue Metallic, Molten Lava Pearl Clearcoat , Sand Dune Metallic , Silver Ice Metallic Clearcoat, Solar Yellow Clearcoat, Super Black
Interior Colors: Steel cloth, Graphite cloth, Beige cloth, Graphite/White cloth, Graphite/White leather, Gray, Steel leather, Graphite/Red cloth, Beige leather, Charcoal, Desert cloth, Charcoal cloth, Steel, Graphite, Graphite w/White Stitching leather
Popular Features: Rear Bench Seats, Tire Pressure Warning, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Inputs, 6000lb Towing Capacity, AWD/4WD, USB Inputs, Crew Cab, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Trip Computer, 6ft Bed, Alarm, Extended Cab, Towing Hitch, Auto Climate Control, Heated seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Back-up camera, Parking sensors, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Navigation, Power Driver Seat, Sunroof/Moonroof, Leather Seats, Post-collision safety system, Upgraded Stereo, 5000lb Towing Capacity
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: four wheel drive, rear wheel drive
