Today, the Nissan Frontier is everywhere you go in Fort Walton Beach thanks to its capability and style. This model gives drivers everything they need from a pickup truck without compromising maneuverability or fuel efficiency, making it the perfect package. While the Frontier has always been a reliable vehicle and a smart choice, it has gone through many changes over the years. Taking a look at its history can give you insights into how the current model came to be.
1997: The First Generation
If you ever decide to research the Frontier yourself, keep in mind that it is known as the Navara in most other markets, just being called the Frontier in America. When the 1998 Frontier first arrived in 1997, it was designed to replace the Nissan Hardbody Truck that had been offered from the 1986.5 to 1997 model years. It began with just a 4-cylinder powertrain, with a V6 being added in 1999.
Moving up a few years to 2003, all models with 4×4 got the 3.3-liter V6 paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 4×2 models still got the previous 3-liter V6 that offered an automatic or manual. By 2005, however, only a 2.5-liter turbodiesel was available. The 2001 Frontier was still part of the same generation, but it got a facelift. Its debut during the Chicago Auto Show in 2000 showed off a bolder appearance.
2004: The Second Generation
For the second generation, the Nissan Frontier grew in size, officially moving from a compact to a midsize pickup. It also received an updated exterior body styling that more closely matched the full-size Titan and began using the Nissan F-Alpha platform. For this generation, it had a fully-boxed ladder frame, and the towing capacity increased to 6,500 pounds. Drivers could choose from a 4-liter V6 with 261 horsepower and a 4-cylinder with 152 horsepower.
The 2009 Nissan Frontier saw a facelift, which the European models received the following year. This included the switch to a 3-liter V6 turbo diesel with 240 horsepower and a 2.5-liter that had been updated. In terms of styling, the V-shaped grille shell became less pronounced while the bumper got rounder. The interior featured softer materials of a better quality and a revised center console.
2014: The Current Generation
The 2013 Frontier showed off multiple important updates, including a drop in price for Crew Cab and King Cab. This is when the SV Value Truck Package joined the lineup, and the Desert Runner enjoyed an expanded availability. The fuel economy also improved thanks to enhancements to the powertrains.
You can take a recent version of the Nissan Frontier on a test drive around Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at Lee Nissan Fort Walton Beach. Our team will gladly answer any questions you have.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.