1998 NISSAN Frontier

SAVE

PRICE ALERT

$18,995
$11,620
above average
272,177 Miles
107,244
Miles above average

Vehicle Details

Mileage: 272177
Color: Black
Body Style: Pickup
Transmission: 5-speed Manual
Engine Type: 143 hp 2.4L I4
Drive Train: 4WD
Fuel: Gasoline
Location: Portland, OR
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Option & Equipment

Steel Wheels

Notes

CARFAX Overview:Meticulously Maintained: This CARFAX report, provided by Upscale Auto Sales, Inc., reveals a well-cared-for vehicle with no accidents or damage reported. With 19 service history records and 43 detailed records available, it has been meticulously maintained throughout its lifetime.Ownership History: Previously owned by 3 individuals as a personal vehicle, this Frontier XE has a history of responsible ownership and has been cherished by its owners.Odometer Reading: The last reported odometer reading is indicative of a vehicle that has been driven responsibly, with 43 detailed records available to ensure transparency and peace of mind.[!@@Additional Info@@!]4-Cyl 2.4 Liter,Manual 5-Spd,4WD,Air Conditioning,Power Steering,Power Windows,Power Door Locks,Tilt Wheel,Cruise Control,AM/FM Stereo,Cassette,Dual Air Bags,ABS (4-Wheel),Steel Wheels,


Recalls & Defects

VIN 1N6DD21Y1WC324830 may have been recalled. Check full report for more information

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.



Vehicle Rating & Owner Reviews

Overall Rating
4.3
  Based on 49 reviews

Why no interment wipers?

5
bob on 05/15/2016

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 4

I bought this truck from a Nissan Service Tech. with 35,000 miles on it. Little did I know that he had put some Firestone recalled tires on it and I had a blowout at 60,00 miles. Tread was at 60%. Then clutch started acting up. I did the job myself after Nissan quoted $2200. When I dropped the tranny about 2 quarts of water poured out. Some genius on the assembly line completely sealed the bell housing. All the clutch components were rusted. Don't buy from Nissan, buy from Phoenix Friction. Replaced the flywheel, rear main seal, clutch etc. If you have a Nissan manual tranny crawl under with a 1/4 drill bit and poke a hole in the 6:00 position in the bell housing. It should be clear. Other than that, the truck is by far the best 4 wheel drive vehicle I have driven. I go where others fear to go. Great hunting and off road vehicle. Yes, the 4 cyl is underpowered but I am not in a hurry going up hills. The engineer at Nissan who positioned the PCV valve (requires taking off most of the front engine components to change it) should be horsewhipped. Seems all the headliners during those years failed. I re-upholstered mine for about $50.00 plus added some middle supports which cured the sagging. I reduced the road noise by adding sound deadner in the doors and behind the headlines. 50% reduction in road noise.

300,000 Miles and Counting

5
jlundin on 04/05/2013

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This has been a daily commuter for many, many years and there has never been any major issues. I have replaced the clutch 2x and done the normal maintenance over the years. Never once has it failed me. It gets great gas mileage for a truck. Just recently I passed the 300,000 miles mark and it still made a 2,000 mile trip to Arizona and back. The only complaint I have is that it is a gutless 4 cylinder. I have to put the pedal to the floor when turning onto a street and it still takes it time to accelerate.

Was dissapoiinted

3.5
nextride on 01/06/2012

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 3

I bought this truck in 2010 in the 4WD exteded cab thinking it would be reliable and i wanted decent gas milage for a truck. It had 140,000 miles on it and the gas milage was not as good as i hped it would be average about 19 mpg. I will say that the 4WD works very good in the snow. For a while it was fine then slowly small things started to fail on it. These were not the end of the world but they were annoying. Finally the transmission went out on me on a road trip at 155,000 miles. I do not know if it was due to a fluid leak or if it just happened. But the repair will be very expensive since they only made it for two years and it comes as a unit with the transfer case.

Mountain Buggy

4.8
Bill Gibbs on 07/16/2010

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought and sent this pickup to Honduras where I regularly put over 2000 lbs. of chicken manure in it. I once had 18 workers in the back and went up a mountain in 4low. This truck is a beast and can handle as much payload as my F150. Mileage is fair, power is adequate and the truck is unstoppable on the worst mountain roads imaginable. Don't complain about power, learn how to drive a standard transmission. Quality is as good as Tacoma for much less $$$.

A great little truck

4.3
timv11 on 05/27/2010

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had this truck for just over 2 years now. Bought it with 76,000 miles on it. I think I should have bought the extended cab but I really like the truck otherwise. I have had 720 lbs. of hay in the back and it ran just fine. It is more than enough truck for going to the hardware store or the dump. I use it as my commuter, around 70 miles a day. I would highly recommend this type of truck to anyone.

The Devil is in the Details

4.1
angelbane on 10/22/2009

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

First 40K in first 2 years. Has always gotten 12-14 Highway MPG. Not a fast machine. First problems at 98000 ... electrical system Alternator, distributor, entire ignition system, Exhaust Manifold cracked. Passenger compartment seals started shrinking and having issues after 2 years and are now all but gone but no biggie it is a truck after it is gonna be noisy. roof liner completely fell out ofter 6 years. It prefers dry weather. Nothing has stopped me on or off road ... when I have seen other vehicles stuck

A Solid, Reliable Workhorse

4.9
Buster on 09/07/2009

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this truck new. It now has 112,00 miles on it. The clutch, rear brakes, exhaust system and radiator hoses are all original, and based on the local dealer service department, are not in need of replacement. I have the 4cyl engine with 5 speed manual and get a consistent 25mpg; best mileage was 28mpg. This truck has never let me down, and with regular recommended service intervals, will probably outlast me!

soon to be tacoma owner

3.3
taco2come on 09/05/2009

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

where do i start...bought it from an older gentleman in 2002 with 33000 miles and no damage or sign of being abused. At 75000 seal went bad in timing chain cover leaked/burnt oil.=engine overhaul. At 100k replaced all bearings in man.trans & clutch. Trans case leaky,stays out of alignment,instrument panel lights go off while driving & overall its just poorly designed when it comes to dependability. Compare side by side with a tacoma & its obvious. Its serviced every 3k miles, only non pavement use is an occasional hay field or dirt road. Looking back I wish I would have spent the extra money and bought a far superior toyota tacoma!

Everything I needed!

4.6
Tortuga on 06/23/2009

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Frontier in 2004 when I was 18. Been driving it almost daily ever since. I've done trips of well over 400 miles as well as put it through some rigorous Off-Road and Mud trails. The truck has gone everywhere I've pointed it. Ran into a few trees and rocks while wheeling, body damage was fixed with a little hammer work. I was rear ended in it, with barely a dent to the rear bumper (the plastic step came loose.) The little toyota pickup that hit me, was destroyed. Power is perfectly fine, It's a pickup not a race car. I'm running 31 in. tires (compared to the stock size of about 17 in.) and it runs perfectly fine, with no life required. In all, great truck!

Nissan "Little WorkHorse"

4.5
Henry on 02/15/2009

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this vehicle in 1998, have had it since. Best vehicle I have ever owned I can count the repairs with one hand. Repaired the ignition key once under warranty, air bag light has been on since 2007 still not repaired, replaced clutch 4/2008 only because I had the money to do it before it went out on me, found out later I still had a few more miles on it. 2009 replaced starter, A/C making humming noise but still works. One more thing replaced headliner. Best truck ever owned, I also own a Maxima. The Frontier beats the Maxima by a long shot on repairs.

Half the cost of aTacoma

4.5
bamagreg on 12/28/2008

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I moved to the country two years ago and had to have a small truck to drive on the 3 mile gravel road I live on and this is what I bought. I bought it at 100k mile and now it has 140k with no problems. I get 28 mpg going back and forth to work. What a great truck. I'm glad I saved money when I looked at the Toyota Tacoma.

Good quality, reliable truck

4.6
WC DVD on 11/21/2008

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought the truck with 186,000 miles on it. The former owner's dad worked at the Nissan Training Center so it was well maintained. Former owner disclosed the transmission was replaced under warranty. I've put 40,000 miles on the truck in 3 years and other than a battery that died with no warning, no major problems. The extra DC power plug has never worked for me. The tailgate latch works but is a bit stiff. The tailgate strip with the Frontier name is beginning to peel off. Interior is a little bland but build quality is good. A lady in a Jaguar hit me in the front right and it all did was scuff the bumper. A tough little truck and I look forward to seeing how far it goes.

Exellent Truck!!

4.5
Cartier on 11/12/2008

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this truck with 40k miles. 145k now. The only problem so far was the muffler. I replace it and the truck keeps performing like new. I am a snowboard instructor. In winter I take this truck to the mountains and is just the perfect truck for it. I replaced the stereo for a nice eclipse deck new speakers and a sub. This truck is comfortable. I haul a 20ft boat and it does not have any problem. Plenty of torque!!

Basic Dependable Truck

4.8
jctiger on 10/17/2008

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This was my first vehicle. I bought it with 104,000 miles and drove it for 5 years. After 150,000 it was still kicking with no problems until someone hit it parked at a football game. I would buy this truck again any day. The only problem that I ever had with it was when the alternator went out after 130,000 miles.

11 yrs

4
afrey on 08/29/2008

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

My first 4wd. I live in the SW and have gone many interesting and wild places. No engine or starting problems after 131000 . Two AC problems, cracked lines fixed by dealer under warranty. Radio lite out after 5 yrs. Acceleration is wimpy but sufficient. It is now using a little oil. 1qt/2000 miles. No 4wd, suspension or drive line problems.

Greatness!

4.8
white_nissan on 06/03/2008

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this for my first vehicle. At first I didn't know much about the Nissan name. I thought it was a cheap Toyota knockoff but I bought it because it looked good and was cheap. I have buried it up over the hood in mud, wrecked it, and constantly go off-road in it and it is still running strong. I gas it until the rev-limiter kicks in all the time. This truck is great! I have literally put this truck through things where my buddies have blown their trucks up and mine is still strong. It's not real fast but it handles terrific. It will also surprise you on the power/torque. This is an all around great truck I usually get about 20 mpg but could get more. With 140,000 miles on it, it's great

142000 miles what to look for

4.3
wfcoalrun on 03/10/2008

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought this truck new. No problems until about 130000 mi. Tachometer works when it wants now. Timing chain guides wore out @130K, bent all the intake valves, fixed myself. Still a daily driver to work, has 144K on it now. Cannot get it to quit coding P1706 (park nuetral position switch on 5-speed manual). Dealer says to replace wiring harness, might solve problem. Truck has been good, so I bought a 2007 and drive '98 to work daily.

Great, except for the headlights

4.8
Floyd on 09/04/2006

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Nissan Frontier brand new, on the advice of a Toyota dealer friend of mine. He said, "Toyota trucks are great, but so are the Nissans, and they're cheaper." After 8 years and 124,000 miles with my Frontier, I couldn't agree with him more. My truck has been great: no major repairs, no recalls, no production defects. Just change the oil every 6,000 miles and enjoy trouble-free performance. Very comfortable driving position. The 4 cyl. motor is a little underpowered, but the gas mileage is great (21.5 to 28.5 mpg). My only complaint is that the headlights burn out every 18 to 24 months, but you can easily replace the bulbs yourself at a cost of about $13.

Not Happy w/my nissan 98 frontier

2.5
T.K on 05/30/2006

Performance: 1 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Had mechanical difficulties w/ this truck since I bought it, not reliable. Bought with 30,000 miles in 2002. Fix oil leak of engine and axle (under warranty), the windshield wiper motor went out during a thunderstorm in the middle of nowhere and I had no windshield wiper use, clutch motor fixed twice w/in 6mos. clutch going out and expensive to fix due to location of clutch. Problem after problem w/ this truck.

Great Truck

5
JD on 07/27/2005

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

90K Miles & going strong. Great on and off road. Very reliable... this truck has never failed to perform. Comfortable to drive & great looking. Paint has held up perfectly in very hot Southwest sun.

Fantastic Truck

4.9
John Lee on 06/14/2005

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This truck has never let me down in the 6 years i have owned it. No mechanical problems and has been comfortable on long trips. The Nissan frontier is the best truck in its class and is fantastically reliable.

Just right

4.4
Raul on 12/27/2004

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Nissan Frontier brand new in 1998 and it is still going. I am consistenly getting 20 miles per gallon in city driving. the truck has decent accelaration and gives power when needed. I live in Texas and the AC is still cold. I am never dissappointed. Six years of ownership and I have never experienced any stalling.

First one

5
LaEmperor on 09/18/2004

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my first Nissan truck (had a 300zx and a 510 before).I took a chance a bought a repo and I love it.The truck is perfect for what I need it to do which is light to medium hauling and tooling around. I am very satisfied with this truck

Nissan Frontier

4.1
Nayar on 06/21/2004

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought it new, now 80000 miles. Very reliable and reasonably comfortable for a truck. Handling not bad, winter driving excellent. I get about 21 miles to the gallon in mixed driving. Had trouble with the AC in the first year, got it fixed under warranty. One of the front wheel locking hubs has become hard to turn, but still works. Hope to keep it at least for another five years. It has the largest truck bed of any pick up - can haul a lot of stuff. Mine is four cylinder, five speed - not much power, but enough for most jobs.

BAD BAD BAD

3.4
me_shell on 01/09/2004

Performance: 1 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

I bought my frontier used in 1999. I am currently at 104000 miles. It has been one problem after the next with this truck. From all the wires behind the radio "mysteriously" melting, to the brakes, to replacing the clutch twice, to tail gate latch breaking, to the muffler, to the radiator, and the list goes on and on and on. I'm finally trading it in tommorrow. YIPPIE! I should have done it earlier, but I just kept thinking that this problem will be the last, until all of a sudden more money than I'd like to mention has been poured into it. However, it should be noted that I likely got a lemon.

Reliable, no-frills truck

3.9
RingusMaximus on 12/06/2003

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

Good, reliable no-frills truck. My only complaint is the black paint has faded a bit and lost its shine. Other than that a good truck. I have actually used this as a truck, not a pimped-out ghetto cruizer. I've hauled heavy loads, towed a 1500+ pound wood-chipper with the bumper hitch, driven a ton of miles, and never any problems. Previously I had a new 1998 Dodge Dakota xtra cab 4x4, and that was the biggest lemon I've ever owned. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any imported truck.

Nissan Frontier SE 4wd

4.8
civallero on 10/23/2003

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Very reliable truck to own. Offroad capabilities are fair. Recommend 31x10.50x15 offroad tires for better traction and appearance. Currently have driven 106k mi since new. Great truck! I'

my nissan

5
Davidljohnson on 09/30/2003

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my truck new and have loved it since day one. I get great gas mileage. Great ride. Great dependability. I can't say enough good about my truck. Will drive it till it dies.

98 frontier

4.3
AllenP on 09/21/2003

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought the truck new in '98, Nissan had some promotion going so I got it for 10,800. Great price considering the service I've gotten. Had one major problem at about 80,000 miles, had a leak in the a/c system that cost about $600 to fix. Other than that only minor problems, head light and apparently a lot of people have the radio light go out like I did. Little sluggish on take off. All told, a great buy, my second Nissan and would not think twice before buying another one.

Great little truck

4.3
John Gaz on 08/02/2003

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought this truck new,no major mechanical problems with truck at all! Only problem I have had is the speedometer has started to intermitanly stick at 40 miles per hour. This is the second nissian truck I have had and will continue to buy thier trucks. Reliablity is great for this size truck! One odd thing is the truck owners manual barely fits into the unusally small glove compartment?

Cheap to Keep

4.5
Steve McGill on 06/15/2003

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Nissan Frontier new in 1998. It now has 136,000 miles and has been very reliable. The fuel gauge became erratic and was replaced under warranty. The plastic tailgate handle broke and was replaced for $35.00. Water pump replaced at 68,000. Gas mileage averages 25 mpg. (mainly highway miles) The engine is adequate for light hauling. Dealer service has been excellent. Great truck!

Would I Buy It Again?

3.8
49er on 04/30/2003

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

My 1998 Frontier has been a very reliable truck considering that the nearest Nissan dealer is 87 miles away and that I have never had to tow it in! The Nissan pastic decal on the tailgate has refused to stay on after two trys at dealership gluing. I finally had them take it off and buff the paint under it (at my expense!). The radio light is starting to go on and off. I have yet to take it off- road, but it's nice to know the four- wheel is there, especially in Montana! Make sure that you have a person in the know wire yours for a trailer! I feel that I got my money's worth. Not real great gas mileage - but better than a V-8.

98 Frontier

5
Dahliekatt on 04/20/2003

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Wonderful vehicle, always ready and full of power!!

Solid Truck

4.4
jcdavis94 on 03/14/2003

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought it new. I've yet to have any major mechanical problems. The initial set of tires were defective (bridgstone I think)but the dealer replaced them and upgraded with michelin's at no charge. The 1st radio quit at 12K miles, but the dealer replaced it under warranty. Second radio's light failed about 1 year and 12K miles later. I had to replace the battery and headlights at 40K. Other than that, I have had no problems whatsoever with the truck. I get approx. 22 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. Acceleration is decent, but handling feels a little sluggish. Overall, for a dependable truck, I highly recommend this truck.

Great Value

4.6
Ricochet on 03/05/2003

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

A very good value. I bought the truck with 20000 miles on it and it is now above 90000. I have yet to have a single problem with it. Being a teenager, it is almost impossible to describe the abuse I've put the truck through and it takes it all without complaint. Very sturdy truck.

Fun Little Truck

4.6
Offroadin' Guy on 12/04/2002

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had my truck about 2 years and love it. 62,000 miles. It has the 4 cyl., 5 spd. manual, which is a little weak, but has enough pep to be fun to drive. Have had no major problems. Only problems have been small stuff like buttons on stereo popping off, and handle to drivers seat adjustment coming off. Also, the drivers side window has just started to give me problems. Very reliable truck. The 4WD has gotten me into some really cool areas, but it does not have the clearance of say the Toyota. There are no cheap fixes for this. But great for just piddling around in. Hope I never have to sell mine.

Overall happy with my Frontier

4.5
BaseballFreak on 09/01/2002

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought it w/19K on it. Have put 17K on it in 2 years, has stood up very well. A/T, A/C and cruise. No mechanical probs at all. I nervously towed a stuffed 4'x8' trailer 800 miles. Made it no problem. I really like that the A/T shifter is on the column. For tall guys it helps the legroom. Only problem has been because of chintzy plastic. Nissan should not have used plastic for the tailgate handle. The only other thing is the plastic "stuff" under the front bumper, seems flimsy. Overall though I really like it, my wife and I both feel it rides like a car.

Room for Improvement

3.5
TKH on 08/15/2002

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Truck has been pretty reliable. Appealing exterior. Interior layout is paractical. Right (passenger side) window rattles terribly, especially with driver side window down. Lost radior light at 45,000 mi. Lost radio volume control at 49,000 mi. Service engine light at 51,000. Diagnostic incomplete, requiring a return trip.

Great Compact Truck

4.9
Scorpio722 on 07/24/2002

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased this Frontier new. It now has 61,000 miles on it, I got more miles on the tires than expected. Just put new tires on. The radio light has failed. No repairs required. Gas Milage about 23 intown to 28 on the highway. Overall its a great little truck.

Weak Clutch

3.4
vb on 07/15/2002

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

The clutch is weak if you plan to pull the rated 3500lbs. It will slip bad (with the peddel fully out)trying to pull a heavy boat out of the lake. Other than that it is a great truck, just too small of a bed for me.

98 Frontier SB

5
rben on 07/02/2002

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased my 98 Frontier used 18 months ago. Only normal oil changes so far- its been perfect. Have taken on two long(2500+ miles)trips- very comfortable and reliable. I think this is the best light truck value for your dollar. The four cylinder gets about 23mpg city/ 27 hwy. w/ a tonneau cover on the back. The power is adequate, evenly heavily loaded through 9000ft passes in the Rockies it did fine. Quite peppy around town without a heavy load. My fifth Nissan, but first truck- I highly recommend this vehicle!

Some problems with this truck, normal?

3.9
sandiego on 06/30/2002

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Bought this truck new in 98 and here are some problems I'm having: Bushing in stabilizer bar been replaced twice; radio light is dying; A/C is very noisy and horsepower is lost when on; clutch is dying at 56k; horrible gas mileage; we'll see if this truck makes it to the 100k w/o spending too much in repairs! this truck is fun to drive though, and very nice ergonomics. So-so resale value.

1998 Nissan Frontier King Cab SE

3.4
rainh2o on 06/26/2002

Performance: 1 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Pros: Handsome looks. Famously reliable 4 cylinder engine. Nice ride for a truck, especially with good replacement tires. Cons: The automatic is low on horsepower and towing capacity. The fuel mileage is unimpressive. OEM tires create excessive road noise. Lots of irritating rattles at 40,000 miles.

NISSAN'S TOUGH TRUCK

4.4
HARDHEAD on 06/18/2002

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

GREAT TRUCK FOR ALL KINDS OF USES!THIS TRUCK CAN HANDLE ANY KIND OF TRIP WITH MOUNTAINS OF FUN.

Happy Owner

5
jimbo4474 on 05/06/2002

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Frontier when it was one- year old and already had over 30,000 miles on it. I was a little concerned about this, but it has been completely reliable over the past three years. It is extremely comfortable and quite powerful for a 4 cyl. engine. I am hoping to buy a SUV next, and am seriously looking at the Xterra and Pathfinder since I have had such a good time with my Frontier.

Frontier Review

3.8
stratamite on 04/26/2002

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I like this Truck alot. It is not the smoothest ride out there, but it does alright. Gas milage bites! A little over 200 miles on a 13 Gal. tank. It is very reliable and starts well in cold weather. It loves the winter driving! I'd recomend the Fontier.

My First Nissan

3.1
TaTa on 04/13/2002

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Bought this truck because I needed inexpensive 4wd and the ability to pack a couple of kids in the back when necessary. Have had numerous other Japanese vehicles over the years and always was impressed with there quality,reliability,and driving satisfaction. Have to say that the Nissan is a step below the others. I also had the radio light go out (a common problem), I've had driveability problems in damp weather,a 4wd hub issue twice,a/c not very good,squeaks and rattles,not very comfortable,poor mileage even with the 5speed. On the plus side, paint is good ,never stranded me,for what I paid its probably been a decent vehicle. Would I buy another? Probably not unless the price was a steal.

Great Truck

4.4
bryane on 04/08/2002

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought new 1n 11/98. 54,000 miles now. Not one single problem. Yes, I would have liked to have more power from the four, but it does OK. Truck rides better than my partners 98 Jeep Cherokee.Great in the snow and for hauling mulch, plants etc. I look forward to driving this truck for 10 years.

Gets the job done

4.3
ks5guy on 03/11/2002

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Purchased new in 98. Engine could make more power. Had a 93 240SX with the same base engine (different intake, computer, etc) and it made much more power. Air Conditionong compressor clutch seems to be on its way into the sunset. Plain styling. Interior is reasonably nice for a $14K truck. With a tonneau on the bed, get 29 MPG on the interstate at 75 mph. Like the 240, this truck does make good power once the engine is running in the top half of the tach.


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Overall Rating
6 / 10


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