What's it Like To Live With the Cheapest Truck in America? 

Manual shift , roll up windows , 4cyl engine and no electronic features to drive for you ….perfect . I love it .

Cheapest truck? More like the last REAL truck in America...

Frontier is a good no-nonsense truck. Pretty underrated imo. The cargo rails are really useful.

I appreciate that u guys review base model vehicles. The cost is appealing to many and rarely do we get reviews of the plain cheap models offered.

A co-worker has one of these trucks for about 10 years. He wanted to get something nicer but kept putting it off because this truck is so dependable and practical. It's a hard working truck that just keeps going.

I just wish Toyota would offer what they did in the 80's, a cheap truck that is reliable.

A lot of people complain the Frontier is dated and needs a refresh which may be true. But there are also a lot of folks who think a truck should be a truck. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Unlike the Ridgeline which is basically a Pilot with a short bed. I was convinced of this formula and plopped down $32k on a new Pro4x luxury package back in 2011. Had features you couldn't get at the time on a Tacoma such as power heated leather seats & moonroof. Sure you can get base models on Colorado and Tacoma today, but the Frontier is a good pick up.

The sad part is this was only 5yrs ago and the price of the most basic frontier now is 30k!!

I'm a Tacoma Fan, but I bought the Full Cab 4 x 4 Frontier with the 4.0 engine and I really enjoy this Truck!!! I was going to buy the Tacoma but it was just Too expensive for the Value and it didn't have Four disc brakes and the oil filter is not a simple can cartridge anymore, Wow; I went to Nissan and am not looking back!!!

I actually own this very truck mines black however. i have almost 45k on it right now (bought with 1.2 miles). I have towed my 10ft trailer loaded down with all my things a few times moving around. I have loaded the bed down with a Cummings 5.9 and drove 1200 miles to deliver it one way! (averaged 24mpg!) Shes been covered in mud. drove down flooded texas roads and taken me back and forth to work. Shes outlived several girl friends along the way. To this day its quite tight and reliable. I admit i don't like the Drivers seat but I LOVE this little truck. I have owned several trucks over the years and this one by far is my favorite! OH and did I mention shes a Breeze to work on? (even tho i haven't had to really do anything to it.) I do suggest the Vent mod for the Rear axle tho the C200 needs the air! I can go on and on about this little rig but its a great truck for the buck! Oh and hes TOTALLY RIGHT ABOUT THAT TURN RADIUS! Thanks Nissan for making a simple truck!

I have 2012 crew cab V6. Truck has been absolutely trouble free for 160000 miles . It still looks good and will probably hold up for many more miles.

I have a 2015 Frontier S optioned exactly like this with the Preferred Package, purchased new Jan '15. I have added a U-haul hitch (6 bolts, nuts already in the frame), Nissan trailer wiring kit, drop-in bedliner and a SnugTop canopy. I bought an UltraGauge so I have a trip computer that tells me all kinds of engine parameters. I learned that you have to turn off the traction control on loose surfaces. Climbing a steep gravel road I was losing speed in 2nd, went into 1st, was still slowing down, then turned off the traction control and went right up. Knowing that the hill climb was painful to watch as it's so easy to fix. The button is right in front of the shifter. I now have 37k miles and the Only issue has been a driver's window that rolled down hard a couple times and fixed itself. I've had the pickup over its max GWR plus a 2500 lb trailer behind it and while not fast it handled very well.

I have an 05 Frontier XE 5MT. It's been a great truck. Best mpg I've ever achieved was 28mpg with E0 fuel. I feel like the truck is good for 30mpg given the right conditions. Mine is at 235k miles now and I'd love to get 235k more miles out of it. Given the age of the vehicle mine does need some work but it's not anything that leaves me dissatisfied (sway bar bushings, shocks, need to replace original clutch, likely need an AC compressor, have an AC leak, need paint work for peeled off paint, need to take care of some engine oil seal leaks). I've definitely got my moneys worth out of the truck. Original radiator started leaking at 194k miles, pinion seal started leaking around 170-180k miles. One thing that I'm not fond of though is that the intake manifold has to come off to change spark plugs. The first gen frontier has unobstructed access to the spark plugs. Its an easier job on the first gen 4cylinder truck.

Sad to see this one go at tfl. After my father watched your final frontier series after his 97 dodge rusted out he bought this model frontier and optioned out exactly as your was. What he wanted and with nothing he didn't need. He and I were and are happily surprised to see a new truck available with a stick that is not an expensive off road model. As we only want 2wd. And that's what we got.

I just wish Ford, Ram or GM would make a 1/2 ton as bare and basic as this truck

After watching the entire frontier series of videos on here I finally got one. I got the sv rwd v6 crew cab and I already love it. Every year this thing stays competitive with the Colorado and Tacoma and it hasn't changed in 13 years

I love my 2011 Frontier. I got it used but in great condition back in 2012 with 26K miles. It’s got 86K now. I’ve driven it from Florida to South Dakota and circled back. No real issues with the truck. All I’ve repaired is the driver side automatic window motor. It quit, replaced it for 30 dollars on amazon. My wife stopped driver her Honda Element and prefers the truck because it sits higher and the seats are so comfortable.

245K miles on my 2007 nissan frontier XE. 2.5L from this year is pretty much bullet proof. Since owning it i haven't seen too many on the side of the road.

Grandfather gave an silver '01 Tacoma, i4 5m 2wd single cab. It had great gas, roll up windows, manual locks, a stiff upright seating postion, 250k miles on all factory parts , and a cassette player. That along with this Nissan is a true work truck

Ha, I was going to say the only thing about this pickup is the turning radius and then you brought it up too. lol Doing U turns is quite an experience.

I have a 15 model SV crew cab and I love it won't even trade it for a jeep. I traded my cherokee in for this truck and it is great. I get about 22mpg on the highway at 70 with the A/C on full blast. BTW the seat goes further back in the crew cab.

It should be the most reliable based on the fact that it's an old platform with bugs all worked out, all it needs is a diesel like it's European Navarro twin.

i have the same truck and same engine but its a 2011 and it has 205k miles on it and still runs great and and doesnt use oil and more importantly it still blows cold air

Very good truck for the money. Don't fall for freaking gigantic LCD screens on newer trucks that are crap.

People are hard on this truck but I think when it’s gone it will be missed

I have a 2005 frontier 2.5 and it have 321000 miles and still working good I love my frontier

I have 2 frontiers at my work. We have a 14 2.5 automatic with 72k miles and all we've replaced are tires, lasted about 45k, brakes lasted 70k, and an exhaust clamp broke and rattles. But otherwise its never had to be fixed.

Love your tests on this thing. Please keep it longer for this sort of review.

I love my Pro 4x! It's the best all around truck imo. The 4.0v6 has plenty of power, it tows all my toys, and it was very affordable! This is my 3rd Frontier. I've had two SV's and now my Pro 4x. Zero problems. Zero issues. The trucks are still selling just fine, yet people are complaining about the "outdated" look. A new Pro 4x Frontier will sit on my local lot for less than a week, and it's gone lol

Thumbs up on this model , for sure. Well done Nissan!

Year 2024 mine is still going strong! I got 2017 Nissan Frontier S kingcab 2.5L 4cyl 5 speed manual transmission. It's got 198,900 miles on it Big thanks to Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 and big thanks to Denso ignition coils and NGK Ruthenium Spark Plugs (I'm NOT getting sponsored by these companies I'm buying these products on my own) I've replaced the timing chain on my truck in its first 150K miles and wheel bearings. Manual Transmission is still going strong. I'll probably gonna be replacing the clutch pretty soon still works but I'm not gonna wait for the clutch to go out. Overall the truck is awesome. Its a great work horse

TOYOTA AND NISSAN PLEASE LISTEN TO THE CONSUMERS. WE WANT AND HOPE YOU GUYS COME BACK WITH THE LOW-COST RELIABLE TRUCK.

I have same Frontier as one in video except year 2000 with over 200,000 miles. Easy to work on and very practical. Still gets 26 mpg on highway

Love my clamshell doors. They shut firmly. Way better than any other similar design I'm familiar with.

Only problem is payload just over 900 lbs is a joke a lot of cars could take that weight.

Have a 2016 Frontier SV (4.0 V6 261hp 281trq, backup cam, fog lights, butt and back seat warmers, coated liner, rail system, etc...) Awesome truck!

I have a 15 ,4x4, CC,V6, Manual transmission, roll up Windows, ac and Bluetooth Great lil truck. paid 22 k had15km on it when purchased (used ).

Nice simple truck no more no less nice to see someone is still building one, good job Nissan!

2011 Ford Ranger 4.0L extended cab 4dr 5spd manual here. Just hit 100k. No check engine lights, replaced spark plugs and wires and tires only. Otherwise, as stock as it was in Feb 2012. My average summer MPG is 21.8 (per day: 5 miles city, 12 miles 60mph highway and 17 miles 75mph highway). I do have the Sport package so power basics and cruise control. I would say for about the same MPG the extra 55HP and 80lb ft is quite useful. With a manual and these old school small pickups, how one drives is what makes or breaks the MPG's.

I’ve owned my 06 frontier 4x4 auto kingcab since 2015, bought it with 153k miles. It now has 194k. It has gone through a lot of things that I wouldn’t think it would make it through. My 06 also has the 4.0L v6. Haven’t had any issues with it except the valve cover gasket leaking.

Agreed, the turning radius on this truck sucks, but I've had one for over 11 years with no problems. Normal maintenance (brakes, oil change and air con recharge after 9 years.) Good value.

Perfect small truck. Reliable, durable, dependable, and cheap. Perfect.

Datsun/Nissan is the auto Maker that made Trucks Cool! No! Awesome! Remember when in the 80's the Datsun would jump over coverts in their commercials Tricked out to the T. Absolutely Bad ASS. I really miss those Trucks. Great video and thanks for sharing.

Trucks like this makes me appreciate a simple truck for what it is.

I have a '03 Frontier XE 4x2 I bought new, now with 239k miles. Just did a 2000 mile road trip last week, which will be the last one for her. I bought a "new to me" car last week and plan to sell the truck; since I commute 50 miles/day, I need something that won't end up stranding me on the road, and I'm getting tired of chasing down little gremlins. She's a great truck with a lot of life left, though!

I've had my 2011 frontier for over a year now and I can't complain it's not a hauler but it'll pull a jon boat and move appliances. Gets me out in the woods hunting too. It's utilitarian with a comfortable ride. Only paid 10 grand too

Just bought a 2017 Frontier S and i love it! Not fancy but drives nice, gets good gas mileage and can carry a decent amount of weight. Lots of people dis on it because its "old" tech but if its not broke... lots of these on the road and reliability is superb. If your looking for a inexpensive good truck you need to put this on your list. Would definitely buy again!

My 09 is still running strong have only replaced a driver side front wheel bearing/hub and brakes it has around 160,000 miles. A Toyota Prius can gap me from a red light but I don't care. She's reliable and runs like a top.

I have a 2014 Frontier SV crewcab 4x4 with the shortbed. This thing is a pickup! It's not a car masquerading as a pickup, it's not a super-luxurious mega-truck that costs $80,000, it's a relatively inexpensive pickup that does so many things well, including driving through the snow, going up 4x4 trails, driving on the freeway and driving around town. Its 4.0 liter V6 is very powerful and tractable, with good low-end torque and acceleration. In short, my Nissan is a truck, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I’ve got the 1997 Nissan hardbody/Frontier with the 4 cylinder engine with 4x4 and its a manual. It’s probably the best small/midsize truck I’ve driven but I also like the 1994 Toyota pickup as well

I got mine in 2005 .200000 miles now engine and transmission are great. Have to replace alternator 2 coils and spark plugs. Did replace the radiator just because of some cases it mix the coolant with transmission oil ,not mine but better spent little than replace the transmission. Still cost me less than Tacoma.Back in 2005 for the Tacoma the price was $3000 more.And last for 14 years have never been left on the road broken down.

My 2015 SV Crew Cab has been my daily driver since May 2016 with absolutely no problems. 👍🏻

I've had mine since 2007 with 218,000 on the trip. You aint gonna beat it

I got a 2010 frontier 264000 on it .fixing to pu a motor mount on it for the first time... first time I've ever had to work on it ....

I have a similar 2006 Frontier and I had no engine lights come on until after the 9th or 10th year of ownership. The downside is that after the 1tth year the parts start to give out and you will be replacing them. I started with the sensors (i do not like the idea of the tire sensor that has to be changed every time you put new tires on), then I got my first major issue when I noticed my cruise control was shutting off. It turned out to be the transmission needing to be replaced. Next, I have to change the outtake and sensor of the exhaust manifold. The following year I had to replace the intake sensor for the manifold. In just a few days I have another engine light come one for the spark plugs. This was impressive to me because I didn't know spark plugs could go that many years.

My 4wd, 4cyl. 1998 frontier is a great truck. 23 mpg, 200k. Very underrated truck, imo.

We just got a 2012 Frontier as a fleet vehicle for our construction company. Great truck👍🏻. Nothing at all has changed since 2012 as it looks identical to this one.

I have a 2016 V6 Desert Runner, 4-door. I love it. Paid Less than $25K new and it's been cheap to own.

My 84 regular cab/bed is still a great machine. This is the closest thing available now but they drive more like a truck than my 84's sportcar with a bed feel. I was hoping someday to buy a new replacement but will stick with the one that has moved me across the USA many times.

I have a 2004 Nissan Frontier XE 5speed 2.4l-- Bought it at 70k, has 195k on it-- bought it in 2010-- still running. Only issues other than routine maintainace was a water pump, alternator 2x (NOT nissan's fault per say-- I was leaking coolant-- but the WP is BELOW where the coolant leaks so it fried it twice-- but USER error as I should have fixed the leak the FIRST time)-- Great truck, will only buy Nissan from here on out. My boss has had them since the old Hardbody model, swears by them for work-- I agree!

I still drive my 2003 Frontier 2.4L 5speed. For 16 years now, it has never had any issues. And still, I get 25mpg. I will roll those windows down by myself any day! Plus, I only paid 11,000 new (Window sticker says 16,900). I think I have gotten my money's worth on this one. It now has 112,000 miles, and still no problems.

Thanks Andre, hadn't seen this yet. I am a full size truck guy and prefer 4x4 and even though we don't have mountains in Texas I have used 4 WD to get out of situations, usually related to snow.

Just bought a 99 4 cyl. With 56K on it. Love the body style and everything about it. Had 2 3rd Gen. Rangers. I was happy with those but this little nissans got them beat!

Wow, I’m in Australia and got this Ute (navara ST) I paid $20,000 it’s twin cab, 4x4, diesel, 6speed manual and get 840kms to a 70L tank that’s 12L to 100kms, but what gets me is in the states the work model is only 2k less and isn’t even 4x4 and is only a 5speed...

I have a 1995 D21 V6 4x4 4 speed manual. Love it.

For the 1mpg difference I really can't see much reason to bother with the 4 cylinder frontier. Especially since its prone to head gasket failure. May as well just spend the extra money and get the v6 4wd. Way more power, towing, and offroad capability. The mpg difference is so small it doesn't save much. The v6 is a really solid motor and after 2010 all its issues are resolved.

When it's time for an oil change, could you guys make a video on how to Change the oil in a Nissan Frontier?

I like this varient. Single cabin with back space. But I'm sad couse it's not available in India.👍

2015 frontier 2 door v6 4.0 amazing for snow, hauling moyorcycles to trackdays, canping in the bed. Never thought i could be so in love with an ugly little truck but wow, what a great machine. Easy to work on too. Amazing in the snow with some bfgs

Thanks for the update on The FF! :) I'd love to see a Mashup of the FF vs. the Honda Pioneer for dirt road travel, payload, passengers and 0- ?? speed. hehehe

My frontier was the best truck I’ve owned. The 4.0 motor was very powerful and reliable

In Australia this is called the Nissan navara and it’s actually a common Ute found over here.

guy got this to million miles i saw vidoe before idk why i'm watching this manual trans helps

Those 4 cyl Nissan and Toyotas are bullet proof. So well balanced and underpowered they’ll last forever. I love a basic real truck!

personally I would look at the lemons, as in top 10. We have a 99' with approx 140k. The problem is it's currently on it's 5th distributor!!! It's a v6 with the 5 speed 4x4 extended cab. It's only towed a golf cart type trailer around town so no heavy loads. It was purchased new and left us stranded 5 times because of the distributor shaft breaking! The speedometer works sometimes but there is no replacement through Nissan because the out-of-house mtg went out of business! If your Speedo does not work you can't get smog certs! No smog = Boat Anchor! Off road use only but that does not get me to work! Over the years I have owned 15 Toyota's and never had a problem!

GUYS, You gotta do the Toyota next. I would love to see how this compares to a comparatively speced Tacoma

I can't wait for the towing video with this configuration! It'll determine whether I consider this as my next purchase in the next year or so.

I owned a 2016 Nissan, Frontier with a V6, 4x4 and king cab. I absolutely loved it! The truck was very affordable, comfortable and powerful. I really had no complaints. The Frontier is underrated. I traded it in last year for a Titan, as I needed a full-size truck for towing. I have also loved my Titan. I paid 30k for a truck with a full-size, four-door, 4x4 truck. My titan doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but for the value, it can't be beat. The motor is smooth and powerful and the cab is very comfortable.

Liked for the RUSH t-shirt!!!!

I have that same truck in black with an automatic I wish I would have got a manual transmission but they didn't have that one I got the last king cab at that dealership the rest of them were Crew cabs with the short bed I didn't want that but it was still wrapped all in plastic. It was too basic so I added tow mirror airbags in aftermarket fog lights plus I had to put a tow hitch on it it didn't even come with the tow hitch the base but I love the truck I remember a guy had a 1999 Chevy Silverado half ton got stuck in the ditch and I pulled it out with that little truck lol

S friend of mine bought a 99 used in 2002. Drove it until 2015 to 345,000 miles. The timing chain stretched enough to wreck the drive train. Otherwise was pretty trouble free.

Nice review TFL. September of last year I bought a brand new GMC Canyon base model and some of the decision to purchase it was based on a Colorado review from TFL. Its essentially the GMC version of this Nissan truck. It's also a 2.5 engine but the GM motor is 200 hp and 190 lb feet of torque. I get the same mpg as this Nissan and my 0 to 60 time if I really hammer it is about 8.5 to 9 seconds. The GM trucks sit up higher and like this Nissan mine is the extended cab. I was surprised at the lack of room in the Nissan. The GMC actually has a pretty roomy cab. Not full size truck roomy but really not bad. Two adults can easily sit up front in comfort on a long trip even if they are in the over six feet tall category. My truck came standard with power windows, power locks, keyless remote, rear window defrost, cruise control, bluetooth, OnStar, backup camera and six speaker stereo. It did cost more than this Nissan at just a hair over 23 grand but frankly I think for what you get it's a good deal. I have put 16K miles on it without a single issue. It runs great and rides good. I'd love it if you guys got a Canyon / Colorado base level truck as a long term vehicle just to have a comparison to this Nissan.

I would expect a vehicle to not have a check engine light after 5,000 miles then again I've never owned a new vehicle

I remember when the Chevy Z71 fairly well equipped with a V8 motor and the GM discount you could pick up$21,000

I had a 2001 Frontier it was a great truck never an issue i wish I had never traded it in.

All those blank spots where buttons where buttons were supposed to be just scream out "HAHAHA look what you could of had"

What about doing a base 4WD Frontier next? And how much are those? Are they the cheapest 4WD you can buy?

Lots of people here talking about how "cheap" trucks were in the 80's compared to today. The thing is that those trucks in the 80's were REALLY basic. Safety features that the government requires today have added a lot to the costs of a truck as well as all the conveniences that we all enjoy. I remember my cheapo 80's Toyota had manual windows and locks, no power steering, and no A/C. Back-up camera? Yeah, right! Airbags? Not one. All these features they we all demand have driven prices sky high.

I drive a 2017 frontier for work. It's a GOOD truck. The ass end likes to go sideways in snow even if I drive super slow. That plastic spoiler on the tailgate is useless

I have a 2009 Frontier. The 2019 Frontier has the same turning radius. You’d think after all these years Nissan would improve that. I would think they would be aware of that complaint by now.

When the new Frontier eventually came out people are gonna miss the old one immediately, take that to the bank.

I have an 07 se 4x4 got with 85k since then it needed engine coils.. one cat converter..both 02 sensors and the fuel responder. Now at 103k still love the truck but not too happy about a couple repairs

I really like this truck, but with a bad lower back driving a stick is more work than what it used to be.

Nissan had a great formula with the 2wd, 4 cyl and manual trans for those who dont need a lifestyle truck. I don't understand why they didn’t continue this option in the new Frontier, as they already have the proven parts, and it would sell as THE value leader in the class My 2987 4 cyl king cab still hss enough power to move a full ton if i decide to push it, which I have many times. I run out of suspension before running out of power.

I bought a brand new 09 .. cheap if you think 38 k or something like that , been 10 years since .. I liked it other then the small bed

This is good to know. If I ever decide to get a truck, it would be one like this. I just need A/C, power steering, power brakes...

For 0-60 most people don't realize how slow they normally drive, plus the highway merge pull is reasonable.

Only 5k miles and no engine light going on? 😂

a 3" suspension lift and some BFG KO AT3's and it's good to go

Would have been nice if this truck had a 4cyl turbo diesel. Imagine the great mpgs it would have got. Oh well I'm loving my 2017 Chevy Colorado diesel. it gets 32mpg on the highway