.switchModelImage('//cdcssl.ibsrv.net/autodata/images/?IMG=CAC20NIT121B0101.jpg&width=390','3/4 Front Glamour 2012 Nissan Frontier','3/4 Front Glamour 2012 Nissan Frontier'); "3/4 Front Glamour 2012 Nissan Frontier")
.switchModelImage('//cdcssl.ibsrv.net/autodata/images/?IMG=CAC20NIT121B0136.jpg&width=390','Surround Front Profile 2012 Nissan Frontier','Surround Front Profile 2012 Nissan Frontier'); "Surround Front Profile 2012 Nissan Frontier")
.switchModelImage('//cdcssl.ibsrv.net/autodata/images/?IMG=CAC20NIT121B0132.jpg&width=390','Surround Rear Profile 2012 Nissan Frontier','Surround Rear Profile 2012 Nissan Frontier'); "Surround Rear Profile 2012 Nissan Frontier")
.switchModelImage('//cdcssl.ibsrv.net/autodata/images/?IMG=CAC20NIT121B0131.jpg&width=390','Surround 3/4 Rear - Drivers Side 2012 Nissan Frontier','Surround 3/4 Rear - Drivers Side 2012 Nissan Frontier'); "Surround 3/4 Rear - Drivers Side 2012 Nissan Frontier")
- Calculating Prices Please Wait
Vehicle Min Max Nissan Frontier $18,748 $31,054 Toyota Tacoma $16,000 $27,964 Ford Ranger $16,482 $25,778 Chevrolet Colorado $16,291 $28,717 Average $16,880 $28,378 
CarsDirect Price
$18,748 - $31,054Save up to 7% (MSRP $19,565 - $33,295)
Vehicle Min Max Nissan Frontier $315 $521 Toyota Tacoma $268 $469 Ford Ranger $277 $433 Chevrolet Colorado $273 $482 Average $283 $476 Based On: 10% down, 4.5% APR, 60 months
Estimated Monthly Payment$315 - $521 per month
MPG city hwy Nissan Frontier 16 20 Toyota Tacoma 18 22 Ford Ranger 18 23 Chevrolet Colorado 18 24 Average 18 22 MPG16 City | 20 Highway
Nissan Frontier Review Summary
What reviewers liked most about the Nissan Frontier:
The engine responds promptly, sounds good, propels the truck smartly.
- USA TodayFront seats are comfortable yet supportive. Passengers riding in the back seat of the Crew Cab won't be complaining about being cramped, not with 33.6 inches of legroom.
- New Car Test DriveThe driver grasps a nicely sized (not too large) steering wheel with a rim that has a tab-like enlargement on each side, right where you want to rest your thumbs to maintain a proper 9 and 3 o'clock driving position.
- New Car Test DriveTypical trucklike bounding and jiggle over bumps is quickly quelled.
- Consumer Guide...this F-Alpha architecture gives the Frontier a solid foundation that can be tuned for hauling cargo, traversing rough trails and for providing a comfortable ride around town or at expressway speeds.
- New Car Test Drive
What reviewers liked least about the Nissan Frontier:
We noted some hard shifts in the five-speed automatic transmission under heavy acceleration...
- AutoWeekTurning radius...leaves something to be desired, but the hefty steering feel is reassuring.
- AutoWeekThe larger overall size results in much improved passenger room, but the overall materials quality is still average.
- Edmunds.comRide and handling is improved...although, it's still a bit bouncy as you might expect from a compact truck.
- Edmunds.comSteering seemed the only glaring drawback.
- USA Today
Nissan Frontier Comparisons:
With a tough new look, innovative features and big horsepower under the hood, the new Frontier should provide serious competition for the new trucks from Dodge and Toyota.
- Edmunds.comThe large V6 engine that is standard in all but the very base model of the new Frontier is more powerful than any of its competitors' five-, six-or even eight-cylinder powerplants.
- New Car Test DriveThe...Nissan Frontier has a bold and aggressive stance like its big brother, the full-size Nissan Titan, though in less intimidating dimensions.
- New Car Test Drive
Best one-liners about the Nissan Frontier:
Nissan...seems to have exorcised the rude, crude behavior common to small trucks.
- USA Today...buyers looking for a touch more 'tude in a midsize truck will likely find the Frontier right up their alley.
- AutoWeek
Nissan Frontier Introduction
The 2011 Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck that offers notably good power, admirable handling and able towing capacity. A wide variety of cab and trim levels offers plenty of options for perspective buyers. Engine choices include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 152 horsepower and is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway with the manual transmission, and a hefty 4.0-liter V6 capable of 261hp that's rated at 20 mpg on the highway in the two-wheel drive version.
The Frontier is a stylish truck, yet it's clearly meant for work. In front is a distinctive grille and pronounced fender flares that give it a certain robust appeal. Inside is a continuation of the purposeful look, with all the controls in places that make them easy to reach and operate.
The ride is good with all models, and the handling is tight and fairly nimble. On gravel roads, we found the 4WD works well and enhances traction and control.
Nissan Frontier Walkaround
There's a family resemblance between the midsize Nissan Frontier and the full-size Titan, but the Frontier is two feet shorter and feels like it. After climbing out of a Titan, the Frontier seems like a nice, tidy size that is perfectly suited to most light to moderate jobs.
The grille, headlights and front fascia convey an assertive look. The fender flares are big and smooth. The front end is clean, and the wheels have a lot of style. The Crew Cab looks rugged and purposeful with the optional roof rack.
The available Utili-track Bed Channel tie-down system uses five rails (two on the floor and one on each side and forward bulkhead) and cleats that slide in the channels, and allows all kinds of cargo to be tied securely in place.
Nissan Frontier Interior Features
The interior is comfortable and well arranged, with good rugged standard fabric upholstery (the PRO-4X trim has stylish red stitching on its black fabric seats). The King Cab's wide-opening auxiliary doors give access to the two small folding seats, while the four-door Crew Cab's rear bench offers decent comfort but limited legroom ? pretty standard, though, for a midsize pickup.
The front seat layout is excellent. Gauges are attractive and easy to read, and controls are nicely laid-out and well within reach. The center console is deep, and there are lots of other places for storage, including cubbies forward of the shift lever, cupholders galore and a very thoughtful dual-level glovebox. Not to be left out, rear-seat passengers get cupholders, map pockets, grab handles, and an optional folding center armrest.
The steering wheel has short sturdy stalks, and there are convenient grab handles on the A pillars. The vinyl dashboard is less attractive in brown, but just fine in black. The bucket seats fit well; hours could be spent in them pleasurably, presuming they're not all off-road hours, but even if they were, the PRO-4X would make the time bearable.
Nissan Frontier Driving Impressions
While the Nissan Frontier makes the Titan feel huge, we must say the Frontier never felt too small. On the road, the 261 hp V6 engine has very strong acceleration. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts in and out of fifth gear frequently, even at fairly low speeds during casual driving, but always smoothly and often invisibly. A manual mode would be useful, but isn't available.
The 281 pound-feet of torque isn't fully there at lower RPMs, so you do have to put your foot down to find all the power. Unfortunately, that takes its toll on gas mileage. With four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, the Nissan Frontier is EPA-rated at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Those looking for improved fuel economy might opt for the four-cylinder engine with manual transmission, which earns an EPA rating of 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway. It's available in a nicely equipped SE King Cab, so this might be a choice for a buyer who doesn't need a whole lot of power.
Handling on the Nissan Frontier is good, tight, and never flabby, doesn't wallow. On the highway, it didn't feel like we were driving a big truck. Driving off-road on fire trails was no problem, thanks in part to good, supportive seats. On gravel roads, however, riding as a passenger in a 4WD King Cab, we found things a bit rough.
On a closed off-road course, we used 4WD in its low range to get over some ridges and ruts, and found that it allowed higher speeds than some other systems; but also found that it wasn't really needed except in the most extreme situations, because 4WD in high range is good. The Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist systems were also useful.
Nissan Frontier Final Word
The Nissan Frontier offers a lot for a midsize truck: namely, power, payload capacity and towing capability, though with a price in fuel mileage. Off-road, the Frontier is very capable. It rides and steers well on gravel roads in 4WD, and on pavement, its ride is nice and its handling is tight. In the midsize truck segment, the 2011 Nissan Frontier is a top contender in size, performance and price.
Build and price your new Nissan Frontier in a few easy steps. Our Vehicle Experts are ready to help you find the best price in your area for FREE!
Find more information on Nissan vehicles
- Nissan Frontier Specs
- Nissan Frontier Colors
- Nissan Frontier Pictures
- Nissan Frontier Safety
- Nissan Frontier Prices
- Nissan Frontier Rebates
- Nissan Frontier Generations
- 2012 Nissan Frontier Reviews
- 2011 Nissan Frontier Reviews
- 2010 Nissan Frontier Reviews
- 2009 Nissan Frontier Reviews
- 2008 Nissan Frontier Reviews
- Affiliate Program
- |Advertising Opportunities
- |Buy Auto Leads
- |About Us
- |More Info
- |Need Help?
- |Terms of Use
- |Privacy
- |Jobs
CARSDIRECT IS AN INTERNET BRANDS COMPANY. COPYRIGHT 1999-2012 CARSDIRECT.COM, INC.