I have the 2011 SV 4 WD and it is a phenomenal truck for the money. It performs extremely well when on the interstate, a good balance between power, comfort and fuel economy. It snowed one time since I purchased the truck and it performed flawlessly even with all season tires. I purchased it used before the pandemic and it was by far the least expensive truck in the market. Since the vehicle was at 93K miles I opted to do a back yard refresh of the shocks and brakes. Very easy to work on for the DIY person and that lack of labor expense means you can splurge on quality parts. I have to say Rock Auto and Rough Country were my go to for upgrades. I liked the Frontier so much, I purchased the 2012 Xterra as well.
It's amazing how old this platform is. And I agree, it still looks okay. Plus, you can get a million miles out of a Frontier if you treat it right. Solid.
I have a 09 , 4.0 did a little twikeing ,bumped HP to 300+ runs like a V8 put some add ones to the body and I get compliments on this truck all the time, good truck for the money.
I see a lot comments talking about just get a Tacoma. The Nissan Frontier is at least $5,000 less than its competitors. For the price this is a good truck, I don't get the hate.
Finally someone sees why I got a 2019 Frontier. I don't care in the least that it is kind of a Nissan time capsule to the mid 2000s. It does everything I ever wanted it to do. Reliable, utilitarian vehicle cheaper than everything else. I love my Arctic Blue Metallic so much...
@@KNBL_wx dude nice! I also have a 2019 Frontier SL in artic blue and I love the color! The 2019 is the best model in my opinion- it is the last iteration of a truck body/ & engine since 06, basically meaning almost every kink has been worked out and we have 15 years worth of parts.
I'm old school and love absolutely basic features. But this truck takes that to an extreme. I've never seen such a basic truck. But on a positive note, it has box frame, 4 wheel disks, and doesn't have rust issues like the Tacoma.
Ive had this truck a year now, its been a fabulous vehicle, maybe the best I've owned. Great driving, comfortable on trips, pretty much does everything well except save you money at gas pump. Thats to be expected though as NO mod sized PU does as well as an econobox. Ive no issues with the transmission, pedal lag or anything really. Glad I moved on this when I did as the 22's are bloated with too many gadgets that will fail long term, nice trucks that they are. I got this as I wanted a vehicle that will go 15-20 and think I found it.
Do you still have it and how is it holding up? Maintenance and such? How many miles? I got a ‘21’ …. I like it too but don’t drive it around town much. 👍
That delayed downshift and mushy brake pedal have always been an issue with Frontiers. You get consistent braking once you get used to the pedal. I have a 2010 Pro-4X and will be getting another once I'm ready for a new truck. Which probably won't be for another 50K miles. At 136K with no problems so far. Has been a little mountain goat for me when going off road.
I just bought a 2020 in February. I'm using it to deliver mail. The feel of the transmission takes some getting used to. I also have a 2011 that I still drive.
The new 2021 frontier is more than likely gonna be bigger than this one. I can see why they decided to put the new engine into the old body. I prefer the size of this body. I hope I can change out the CD player sound system though lol. Why can’t they just upgrade the inside? I use usb drives to listen to music now. The body style is sweet. It’s a shame they will change it. Not sure if I should get a 2020 though. Anyone have any thoughts about this new transmission and engine? The engine looks the same as the previous one. Scotty Kilmer now says the new Tacomas are made in Mexico. So I’m gonna forget about a Tacoma. I have heard good things about these frontiers. I’m interested in one.
Hey I am subscribed and enjoy your reviews. Have you heard when the new Frontier is going to be released? Also have you heard if Nissan is ever going to redo the Pathfinder and I have heard rumors they are bringing back the Xterra?
Odd question: does the small cargo box under the back seat on the driver's side (king cab, not the four door) able to be taken out? I have some subs in a car I'm planning to trade in for a frontier next week.
The 4.0L frontier was probably the most reliable or just a close 2nd midsize truck. The Colorado’s are having problems so are the ridgelines and rangers... so every that says get a better midsize, well you’re going to be at the dealer more then the Nissan.
the frontier is for people who want a truck that just works and last for a long time... well yes? but maybe because the price is lower and still costs alot for some people. lol.
My wife got a 2020 Pro 4 X. Overall she likes it but there are a few quirks. Plastic interior scratches really really easy. When you open the glove box and try to hold it with your thumb so it doesn’t fly open your thumbnail puts a nick in the plastic. We couldn’t figure out what was happening there for the longest time. The new transmission shifts quirky at low speed and is something we have yet to get used to. The turning radius is terrible. When you make a phone call the person on the other end can’t hear you especially if you’re speaking from the passenger seat. I also really wish the truck sat up another 2 inches it would look a lot better instead of that car like look. Also the tailgate needs to be on the key fob for locking and unlocking, having to use a key is ridiculous. The new push button start in the truck is in the Center console and needs to be on the dash where the emergency flasher button is. When I drive her truck and push the Flasher button to start the truck. I don’t want to make the truck sound bad but these are simple things that should have been taken care of before now. Also you have to use a key to open the tailgate and when it’s cold it freezes. The tailgate also freezes shot and you can’t get it open, real pain when you’re at the grocery store and you come out and can’t get the tailgate down with a Tonnele cover on it.
Got a ‘20 P4X, Seems to hunt for gears, downshift is awful, can feel 3.2.1 in stops, feels like a basketball hitting the cab. Engine is noisy and squeals when ac compressor kicks on. Not loving it, traded a 12 Xterra Pro4x, ride quality is great but transmission is making me nervous. I have 700 miles on it now.
Depends on the transmission. A quality auto should never need to be replaced, just fluid changes. A manual will still need to be maintained over time. My last Subaru MT needed a lot of maintenance to keep it running and it left me stranded a few times as well due to broken clutch plates.
@Katrina Balanchuk : To my knowledge, the VQ40 had a rocky start (not awful) but there were a few problems. They were quickly resolved and I'm sure any of the kinks the motor had were taken care of long before I purchased my wonderful 2019 Arctic Blue SV 4x4 CC LWB last year.
Yeah, I have the 4.0 in my pathfinder plenty of power, but it gets meh mpgs. I have 177,000 on mine. Kind of ticky here and there and it’s not the most refined engine, but I love it. 🙂
I spent days trying to find that info. It's a JATCO 9 speed. At first I wanted to shun it. But it's the CVT's that were an issue. JATCO's automatics seem pretty reliable.
@@DriversOnly A story in Car&Driver implies that the 2022 Frontier will be the major restyle/update, though it could debut in 2021 as an early 2022 model.
I have a 2017 frontier the new engine has Direct Injection which has a known problem that the valves carbon up. I will never buy a DI engine only If you look at the history of Direction Injection in other cars and motors...they carbon up the valves bad..why should I expect a different result here. But may be Nissan knows these problems will come up after warrenty period is over. And the Tacoma is too small on the interior and is a nightmare to change the oil. So I guess down the road I’ll have to see who will make a good midsize truck
@@HooDRidEWhiteY This (the previous comment) is not entirely true. Many manufacturers, FORD included, are using a mix of port and direct injection. FORD started doing this in 2018-2019, I think, and I don't know which engines exactly use this. Toyota also is incorporating port and direct injection on its engines, so it is very possible that Nissan has or will, too.
Even poorly designed DI engines like the VW can be cleaned on occasion to restore long term performance. Nissan has had DI for a while and hasn't had issues with them. Worst case scenario, you pay $500 to clean valve stems at 100k miles. Now that this engine has been out a few years we would have heard some high mileage complaints... but we haven't. Solid powertrain.
zmhd1987 I know what I’m bout to say sounds crazy but for me I think I’d probably wait for the 2022 or 2023 year before buying, and see. By than people will have owned this engine for a while at that point and see what owners are saying about it before buying. For me if the positive outweigh the bad buy it, if the bad is neck and neck with the positive don’t buy cause it’s kind of a roll of the dice situation and if the bad outweighs the positive of course don’t buy. Only time will tell how this new engine and transmission hold up. Just my take on it
My 2004 Frontier has now died for good. Gotta get a new vehicle I have no choice. Considering the 2020 because there's not many other vehicles available right now, and everything else is super-expensive.
CommanderCronus Go for it dude, just be sure to go on a decent test drive so if there is any kinks you’ll be able to notice it before you buy it. Go for it dude
Dalton Crane I totally agree and if still unsure about the new engine for 2020 CommanderCronus, there still good deals going on for a 2019. Just a thought.
That interior is beyond old. The second row is unusable. You can do better with virtually any other mid-size truck. If you price anything low enough, the pest control companies buy enough so that numbers look good. A Honda Ridgeline is never bough by pest control and painters who are looking for cheap transportation. Stay away from this Frontier until Nissan put some 21st century technology in this ox cart.
Can’t wait for the 2021 been waiting since 2006 I’m almost 30 now
I have the 2011 SV 4 WD and it is a phenomenal truck for the money. It performs extremely well when on the interstate, a good balance between power, comfort and fuel economy. It snowed one time since I purchased the truck and it performed flawlessly even with all season tires. I purchased it used before the pandemic and it was by far the least expensive truck in the market. Since the vehicle was at 93K miles I opted to do a back yard refresh of the shocks and brakes. Very easy to work on for the DIY person and that lack of labor expense means you can splurge on quality parts. I have to say Rock Auto and Rough Country were my go to for upgrades. I liked the Frontier so much, I purchased the 2012 Xterra as well.
This truck is a lot more comfortable than any Subaru and Toyota’s for sure
New Engine and Transmission, and no added BS. I like it!
It's amazing how old this platform is. And I agree, it still looks okay. Plus, you can get a million miles out of a Frontier if you treat it right. Solid.
I have a 09 , 4.0 did a little twikeing ,bumped HP to 300+ runs like a V8 put some add ones to the body and I get compliments on this truck all the time, good truck for the money.
I see a lot comments talking about just get a Tacoma. The Nissan Frontier is at least $5,000 less than its competitors. For the price this is a good truck, I don't get the hate.
Agreed!
Especially when the Tacoma has a terrible transmission and feels underpowered compared to competitors.
Finally someone sees why I got a 2019 Frontier. I don't care in the least that it is kind of a Nissan time capsule to the mid 2000s. It does everything I ever wanted it to do. Reliable, utilitarian vehicle cheaper than everything else. I love my Arctic Blue Metallic so much...
the 3rd gen Tacoma is overrated imo and I have an 05 double cab lol
@@KNBL_wx dude nice! I also have a 2019 Frontier SL in artic blue and I love the color! The 2019 is the best model in my opinion- it is the last iteration of a truck body/ & engine since 06, basically meaning almost every kink has been worked out and we have 15 years worth of parts.
I'm old school and love absolutely basic features. But this truck takes that to an extreme. I've never seen such a basic truck. But on a positive note, it has box frame, 4 wheel disks, and doesn't have rust issues like the Tacoma.
I know the body style and the interior is outdated, but I love the simplicity of these trucks except for that fugly steering wheel.
Got a 2020 midnight edition. It’s a truck, a great truck, love it
Nice..great looking truck.
I, too, bought a 2020 Midnight Edition SV Crew 4WD. We also have a 2016 SV Crew 4WD. Love them both.
I just got the same truck. I love it! No need for bells and whistles for me. Bluetooth is all I need. The engine and trans are pure butter! So smooth!
Just got a 2020 Midnight Edition SV / Glacier today. Absolutely in love with it.
@@ryanstines9748 hey buddy, any idea how you check your transmission fluid on your 2020 Frontier?
Ive had this truck a year now, its been a fabulous vehicle, maybe the best I've owned. Great driving, comfortable on trips, pretty much does everything well except save you money at gas pump. Thats to be expected though as NO mod sized PU does as well as an econobox. Ive no issues with the transmission, pedal lag or anything really. Glad I moved on this when I did as the 22's are bloated with too many gadgets that will fail long term, nice trucks that they are. I got this as I wanted a vehicle that will go 15-20 and think I found it.
Do you still have it and how is it holding up? Maintenance and such? How many miles? I got a ‘21’ …. I like it too but don’t drive it around town much. 👍
Trivial point ,but I love the real handbrake
That delayed downshift and mushy brake pedal have always been an issue with Frontiers. You get consistent braking once you get used to the pedal. I have a 2010 Pro-4X and will be getting another once I'm ready for a new truck. Which probably won't be for another 50K miles. At 136K with no problems so far. Has been a little mountain goat for me when going off road.
Pretty nice. Let's see how engine and transmission hold out.
Yes we will see
I have a 4.0 2012 never gives me a problem gonna run it to the ground!
I don't dislike the new Frontier but prefer the styling of the 2005-2021 model. I wish I had this model with the new engine. I have a 2018 model.
Nice review. Keep it up, you're one of the better reviewers out there. Loved your 2020 4runner review. Thanks
I just bought a 2020 in February. I'm using it to deliver mail. The feel of the transmission takes some getting used to. I also have a 2011 that I still drive.
My dealership is begging for my 2012 4.0 sv sport they’re so in demand. I’m running it to the ground never gives me a problem
Great review.
Thanks!
Good review. I am surprised you did not touch basis ont he Rockford Fosgate Stereo system. Also having a CD player is still badass.
I love ❤️ it I’m old school no 🔔 and whistles
Do you have any experience with trucks from the 1950's/60's/70's? I do, and this looks be a very nice truck for the price.
The new 2021 frontier is more than likely gonna be bigger than this one. I can see why they decided to put the new engine into the old body. I prefer the size of this body. I hope I can change out the CD player sound system though lol. Why can’t they just upgrade the inside? I use usb drives to listen to music now. The body style is sweet. It’s a shame they will change it. Not sure if I should get a 2020 though. Anyone have any thoughts about this new transmission and engine? The engine looks the same as the previous one. Scotty Kilmer now says the new Tacomas are made in Mexico. So I’m gonna forget about a Tacoma. I have heard good things about these frontiers. I’m interested in one.
Hey I am subscribed and enjoy your reviews. Have you heard when the new Frontier is going to be released? Also have you heard if Nissan is ever going to redo the Pathfinder and I have heard rumors they are bringing back the Xterra?
My guess is that Nissan will not bring back the Xterra, but have heard that the Pathfinder may revert to being a sort of Frontier station wagon.
They are killing the Maxima
Odd question: does the small cargo box under the back seat on the driver's side (king cab, not the four door) able to be taken out? I have some subs in a car I'm planning to trade in for a frontier next week.
The 2020 Frontier Pro-4X is a resto-mod.
The 4.0L frontier was probably the most reliable or just a close 2nd midsize truck. The Colorado’s are having problems so are the ridgelines and rangers... so every that says get a better midsize, well you’re going to be at the dealer more then the Nissan.
300 horses now!
What about the rear door window?? It seems it's small like if only one panel goes down and they have a fixed side that doesn't go down at all
Any owners having problems with the start button being in such an unusual spot (wasted beverages, transmission heat issues, etc)?
the frontier is for people who want a truck that just works and last for a long time... well yes? but maybe because the price is lower and still costs alot for some people. lol.
Show a pro X4 is all about bilstein shocks is there any skid plates?
I want to know why my 2018 pro 4x didn't com with skid plates underneath
There are packages
On the pro 4 x
There is one that comes with all the bells and whistles and some that don’t
That’s why start price is at $37k
And up
@@Eduardomiramar22 i think all pro4x models should at least come with skid plates
My wife got a 2020 Pro 4 X. Overall she likes it but there are a few quirks. Plastic interior scratches really really easy. When you open the glove box and try to hold it with your thumb so it doesn’t fly open your thumbnail puts a nick in the plastic. We couldn’t figure out what was happening there for the longest time. The new transmission shifts quirky at low speed and is something we have yet to get used to. The turning radius is terrible. When you make a phone call the person on the other end can’t hear you especially if you’re speaking from the passenger seat. I also really wish the truck sat up another 2 inches it would look a lot better instead of that car like look. Also the tailgate needs to be on the key fob for locking and unlocking, having to use a key is ridiculous. The new push button start in the truck is in the Center console and needs to be on the dash where the emergency flasher button is. When I drive her truck and push the Flasher button to start the truck. I don’t want to make the truck sound bad but these are simple things that should have been taken care of before now. Also you have to use a key to open the tailgate and when it’s cold it freezes. The tailgate also freezes shot and you can’t get it open, real pain when you’re at the grocery store and you come out and can’t get the tailgate down with a Tonnele cover on it.
Oh how cool, they gave you a 2005 Frontier to review...
those are lockers....not traction control...
it's got both
we all know about the reliability of VQ engines, but any concerns this being a first year engine?
They haven't really had much issues since the VQ35DE was replaced
The new motor has more HP than the old motor, but its torque hasnt changed, which is too bad
Got a ‘20 P4X,
Seems to hunt for gears, downshift is awful, can feel 3.2.1 in stops, feels like a basketball hitting the cab.
Engine is noisy and squeals when ac compressor kicks on.
Not loving it, traded a 12 Xterra Pro4x, ride quality is great but transmission is making me nervous. I have 700 miles on it now.
No manual transmission! I enjoy a manual transmission and the lower cost of ownership that comes along with it.
I grew up on a manual transmission and I hate them bastards now as you have a loss of power and the inconvenience of constantly shifting.
Depends on the transmission. A quality auto should never need to be replaced, just fluid changes. A manual will still need to be maintained over time. My last Subaru MT needed a lot of maintenance to keep it running and it left me stranded a few times as well due to broken clutch plates.
Did you say 37,000? Probably I will go for a Tacoma for that price.
You can find them for less than $30k right now.
@@ChuckTownRC51 $30k... For a truck with the interior and features of a 2005 truck.
Will their new 3.8L hold out as well as my venerable VQ 4.0L?? We shall see...
@Katrina Balanchuk : To my knowledge, the VQ40 had a rocky start (not awful) but there were a few problems. They were quickly resolved and I'm sure any of the kinks the motor had were taken care of long before I purchased my wonderful 2019 Arctic Blue SV 4x4 CC LWB last year.
Yeah, I have the 4.0 in my pathfinder plenty of power, but it gets meh mpgs. I have 177,000 on mine. Kind of ticky here and there and it’s not the most refined engine, but I love it. 🙂
Who makes the transmission? JATCO or ZF?
Their Jatco autos are ok. I wouldn’t be afraid of the 9 speed.
I spent days trying to find that info. It's a JATCO 9 speed. At first I wanted to shun it. But it's the CVT's that were an issue. JATCO's automatics seem pretty reliable.
No more oil n battery guages
Is it better than the 4.0?
Yes big upgrade
cant wait for the repair bill reports in 3 years.
It looks small, especially sitting next to a Tacoma!!!
? I thought 2020 they were changing it? Or is that 2021? (The look I mean.)
2021 is when the frontier gets redesigned.
@@DriversOnly
A story in Car&Driver implies that the 2022 Frontier will be the major restyle/update, though it could debut in 2021 as an early 2022 model.
I think the Ford Ranger is the most powerful
Hang on, is this George from Crypto 🤔
I need help, how do you check the transmission fluid on this Frontier?
I have a 2017 frontier the new engine has Direct Injection which has a known problem that the valves carbon up. I will never buy a DI engine only
If you look at the history of Direction Injection in other cars and motors...they carbon up the valves bad..why should I expect a different result here.
But may be Nissan knows these problems will come up after warrenty period is over.
And the Tacoma is too small on the interior and is a nightmare to change the oil. So I guess down the road I’ll have to see who will make a good midsize truck
Damnit. That's what's wrong with my 1st generation ecoboost. I was wanting to trade into one of these. Not a fan of di either
@@HooDRidEWhiteY
This (the previous comment) is not entirely true. Many manufacturers, FORD included, are using a mix of port and direct injection. FORD started doing this in 2018-2019, I think, and I don't know which engines exactly use this.
Toyota also is incorporating port and direct injection on its engines, so it is very possible that Nissan has or will, too.
Even poorly designed DI engines like the VW can be cleaned on occasion to restore long term performance. Nissan has had DI for a while and hasn't had issues with them. Worst case scenario, you pay $500 to clean valve stems at 100k miles. Now that this engine has been out a few years we would have heard some high mileage complaints... but we haven't. Solid powertrain.
I am little worry about the reliability of the new engine and transmission. The old one was reliable for sure.
zmhd1987
I know what I’m bout to say sounds crazy but for me I think I’d probably wait for the 2022 or 2023 year before buying, and see. By than people will have owned this engine for a while at that point and see what owners are saying about it before buying. For me if the positive outweigh the bad buy it, if the bad is neck and neck with the positive don’t buy cause it’s kind of a roll of the dice situation and if the bad outweighs the positive of course don’t buy. Only time will tell how this new engine and transmission hold up. Just my take on it
My 2004 Frontier has now died for good. Gotta get a new vehicle I have no choice. Considering the 2020 because there's not many other vehicles available right now, and everything else is super-expensive.
CommanderCronus
Go for it dude, just be sure to go on a decent test drive so if there is any kinks you’ll be able to notice it before you buy it. Go for it dude
CommanderCronus got 16 years out of your first one. can’t complain with that. i’d stick with a Frontier
Dalton Crane
I totally agree and if still unsure about the new engine for 2020 CommanderCronus, there still good deals going on for a 2019. Just a thought.
I don’t approve your judgment about this truck
This truck looks ancient.
That interior is beyond old. The second row is unusable. You can do better with virtually any other mid-size truck. If you price anything low enough, the pest control companies buy enough so that numbers look good. A Honda Ridgeline is never bough by pest control and painters who are looking for cheap transportation. Stay away from this Frontier until Nissan put some 21st century technology in this ox cart.
Couldn't agree more!
@@kimnewling5728 so the Tacoma is a limousine in the back?
That’s cuz the ridge line is a freaking van with a truck bed. Don’t kid yourself Paul you’re driving a minivan. Grow up
I got a Used 2019 Frontier SL 4x4 with 13500 miles for $25500 - I really do not see how I could have done any better with any other truck?
@@dmick9168 (April 2021) I see new 2020 SV 4x4s advertised for $27,500...before you even negotiate.
Eh... just get a Tacoma.
Gutless
@@Agent.K. exactly.
new toyota's are ugly imo. they are still trying to coast along on their cred from the past.
@Joe Smith because everyone has raptor money lol
LOL RAPTOR
This pro4x is a joke 🤦♂️
Why
@@mcdo0gal1985 because for how much it costs vs the features you get, its a rip off
Don't like the transmission