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Nissan Frontier - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Nissan Frontier ranks 2 out of 7 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 44 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Frontier, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Nissan Frontier is a great choice for buyers looking for truck that's fast on-road and capable off-road.

Car and Driver  says the Frontier "is a compact version of the gargantuan Titan, with which the Frontier shares its romp-and-stomp styling, features, rugged suspension design, and modified F-Alpha platform, but in a more urban-friendly package." Most critics are positive on the Frontier, both for its rugged construction and comfortable on-pavement performance, something that can be hard to come by in a compact pickup. Perhaps the biggest complement comes from a rival manufacturer: Suzuki sourced its brand-new Equator pickup from the Nissan Frontier, proving that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Though a few reviewers complain about the interior materials, most agree that any compact pickup truck buyer would do well to give the Frontier serious consideration.

The 2009 Nissan Frontier's two-door King Cab is available in four trims -- the base XE, SE, Pro-4X and LE. The 4x-Pro replaces NISMO as the off-roading trim; while the name is different most of the features and capabilities remain the same. The four-door Crew Cab is available in three trims -- the SE, Pro-4X and LE.

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• "Frontier carves out a nice niche for itself in the compact-pickup market with a powerful V6 engine, middle-of-the-pack size, and options that appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Ride and handling are decent for the class, but interiors disappoint with too much tacky plastic and subpar rear-seat room. Still, Frontier merits Recommended status--and a place on your shopping list." -- Consumer Guide
• "A versatile pickup in a smart size, comfortable in a variety of environments." -- Car and Driver
• "The 2009 Nissan Frontier is a top pick for a compact pickup, thanks to its brawny nature and innovative features." -- Edmunds
• "If you need a truck that hauls, tows and loves to get dirty, but don't want to deal with the mass of a full-size pickup, the 2009 Nissan Frontier will impress you with its capability, utility and refined ride." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The Nissan Frontier received a mid-cycle freshening for 2009. The minor face-lift will help distinguish the Frontier from the 2009 Suzuki Equator, which Nissan will build for Suzuki and which is based on the Frontier's platform." -- PickupTrucks.com

Frontier Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)

Four Wheeler notes, "This is an amazingly nimble package for a pickup ... the awesome drivetrain leaves the competition and some larger trucks in the dust." Comments like that on the Frontier's performance are typical continue

Frontier Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2009 Nissan Frontier looks good. According to the Washington Post, the Frontier "has the demeanor of a physically fit young man who has enough money, time and sense of adventure to do and go where he wants when he wants." continue

Frontier Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Despite complaints about cheap materials, most reviewers feel the Nissan Frontier's interior is good enough for the class.  "As is common in Nissans, the cabin is well designed, but materials are cheap," writes Automobile Magazine. continue

Frontier Safety - 7.0 (Good)

The Frontier performs well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, and comes equipped with a wide array of active and passive safety features -- including electronic brake force distribution and an energy absorbing steering column. continue

Frontier Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Nissan Frontier reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Nissan provides a limited warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles. continue