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Nissan’s compact truck has been around since 1997, but why don’t we hear about or see it more?
For a truck that’s been around for two decades, what does the Nissan Frontier have that other compact trucks don’t? Since 1997, Nissan has produced the Frontier to meet the needs of a small to medium size truck market. Let’s find out what’s kept the Frontier moving forward while others have left the compact truck market over the years.
Exploring a New Frontier
In the late 1990s, Nissan was ready to make a name for itself in the compact truck market. Previously, the company had produced the Nissan Hardbody truck, but with its declining sales in North America, they needed another design to keep drivers interested. That’s where the Frontier, or Narvara as it’s known everywhere else in the world, came in.
Initially, the Frontier was manufactured with 3 body styles: Single Cab, King Cab, and Crew Cab. Two years after it made its debut, Nissan knew the Frontier needed a little extra oomph. They landed with a design for the Desert Runner, a 4×4 drivetrain version with bigger tires and more ground clearance and later it would come with a V6 engine.
After the 2000 Chicago Auto Show, Nissan debuted another facelift for the Frontier to appeal to younger buyers. The truck would remain relatively unchanged until 2004 when the Single Cab model was discontinued.
Upping the Ante
2005 would be a big year for the Frontier as Nissan shifted from compact to midsize truck alongside rival Toyota’s Tacoma. Built on an all-new F-Alpha platform, the Frontier more closely resembled Nissan’s full-size truck, the Titan. The towing capacity was extended to 6500 lbs., rear and four-wheel drivetrains were available, traction/hill descent control were optional. These changes led to the Frontier’s overall success in the U.S.
From 2009 onward, the Frontier would feature new technology and comfort to meet industry standards in North America and abroad every year.
The Frontier Paves the Way
The Frontier didn’t just contribute to Nissan’s success. In 2016, the Frontier platform would be essential in developing the Mercedes Benz X-Class and Renault Alaskan, two concept trucks that would be sold abroad in Europe and South America.
Not only has the Frontier been a staple pickup across the globe, but it has also set new standards for safety in the truck industry. In 2011, the Frontier was Edmund’s Top Recommended Compact Truck and received the National Highway Safety Administration’s 5-Star rating. The Insurance Institute for High Safety named the Frontier a Top Safety Pick in their annual safety testing.
How Has the Frontier Lasted This Long?
The Frontier has been in production across the globe for over two decades. It’s provided truck drivers with a decently priced, utility vehicle that doesn’t guzzle gas as quickly as a full-sized pickup. With 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, the Frontier is not only a work truck but a daily driver. Many who have driven a Frontier for over a decade have been astounded by how well their vehicle runs with (hundreds of) thousands of miles racked up on the odometer. These long-lasting trucks offer even those who cannot afford a full-sized truck the chance to have utility and reliability all in one.
Just look at what people have to say, today, about their used Frontiers:
I’m still driving my ’06 Nissan Frontier.
Great truck.And it was paid off in 18 months.
I HATE paying interest.
— Tim (@TimBiden) October 3, 2019
Shout-out to Kerry who just upgraded from his 2001 Frontier that he bought from JC in 2001 to a brand-new #NissanFrontier! This is what it’s all about–building customer relationships that lasts decades. We’re so happy for you Kerry enjoy it!
Find yours: https://t.co/GTdCWTUThZ pic.twitter.com/yABYN6sWw3
— Pat Peck Nissan (@NissanGulfport) October 2, 2019
Pickup trucks are awesome. I miss my Nissan Frontier.
— J.D. Tuccille (@JD_Tuccille) September 30, 2019
A Used Frontier is Still Our Jam
The Nissan Frontier is still one of the best midsize trucks in the used vehicle market. Nissan continues to manufacture these trucks every year for good reason. It’s durability, capability, and a great price tag make the Frontier a prime choice for drivers who want a truck, but don’t want to empty their wallet. What more can you ask for?
Do you own a Nissan Frontier? Tell us what you love (or hate) about it in the comments below!
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I have a 2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab I bought new. It currently has 69,000 miles on it and goes back to the dealer for routine maintenance only. It had never needed a repair. This is a great truck and I plan to drive it for several more years.
Thanks for sharing, Barry! This is great!
Simply love Nissan trucks! My 1989 hardbody 4×4 was great! My1993 hardbody was even better I swear it was getting close to 30mpgs . I put over 150.000 miles and sold it to Chevy, because I was board and dumb I later found out afterwards when the Chevy 2004s10 4×4 turned out to JUNK!!! ! Then I went back what was the best truck for me .
The 2005 Nissan SL crew cab, what a Truck , went through snow and mud with ease ! Gas mileage was great till they switched to that gabage corn gas Ethanol!! Its why the mileage isn’t good on any vehicle! Anyway I’m looking forward to purchasing the 2020 Nissan Frontier!
Nissan has also made a great truck and car !
Thank you Nissan of America!
Brad Sabo.
NJ
Thanks for sharing!
I have a 2012 frontier that I bought new.Now has 106,000 miles on it and never had a problem with it. Would like to get a new one but they don’t seem to have all the latest safety features that other trucks have! (Blind spot monitoring,etc).
Safety is very important, thanks for sharing Ray!
I bought my truck 1999 when the crew cab was introduced as 2000. After 160k miles and lot of battle scars, she is still going strong. 18 miles mpg, I cannot complain. I love my truck. I now drive 2019 Frontier CC and my daughter is driving old faithful.
That’s great! I bet she loves it!
i bought a 2007 nissan truck and drove it for 10 years putting 317000 miles, and sold it to a friend who still drives it in Mexico, great truck , looking fosward to the new model .Hope to buy it as soon as arrive.
They make some great trucks! What color was yours?
,2019 frontier love the simple but functional design. I have owned 4 full size trucks and was looking for something to meet my needs.
They are great, aren’t they!? How long have you had yours?
A year ago I sold my 05 Nismo with 237,000 miles for $6500! I bought the exact truck again, electric blue 05 Nismo with 100k, did the 110k service items and off I go.
Thanks for sharing!
I bought a 2016 crew cab and I loved it. I have a winnebago minnie trailer that my frontier pulled with ease. Unfortunately someone pulled out on front of me and I totalled my frontier. The side airbags saved me from major injury and now I am shopping for my next frontier. Hands down best truck ever
Sorry to hear that, but we are glad to know you are okay!
rented a frontier to haul stuff from Ok to Ut last year. Was so impressed by it, I saved up to by a new 2019 4×4
That’s great, thanks for sharing Chuck!
Great truck, but hard to find a standard transmission. Most have automatic trans.
We love the truck too!
Take a look at these Manual Transmission Frontiers: https://bit.ly/3dLrMLd
We bought a 2000 regular cab 4 cylinder 5 speed in August of 99 for $10k. Drove it 4 years and about 100k miles. No problems whatsoever. Traded the Y2K for an 04 Kingcab 4 cylinder 5 speed in October of 2004. 2004 price was $10k. Dealer gave me $7.5k trade in. Drove the 04 until April 08. Put 180k miles on it and sold it for $3.8k. Had to put a.n a/c compressor on that one. Bought a new 2019 last September with ……….4 cylinder 5 speed for $15k otd.
So, the Frontier has been around for 20 years and I’ve owned one for 20 years. I guess you could say I’m a Frontier man.
That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing!