1998 Nissan Frontier Consumer Reviews

A Solid, Reliable Workhorse

Written by: Buster on 09/06/2009

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE Extended Cab SB

Review

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!

Favorite Features

Good gearing, solid build quality and finish, fun to drive, excellent brakes and handling.

Suggested Improvements

More power for the 4cyl engine. Should have a full size spare. Softer interior, full gauges

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

soon to be tacoma owner

Written by: taco2come on 09/04/2009

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

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!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

drivetrain, fit and finish

Report inappropriate post

Everything I needed!

Written by: Tortuga on 06/23/2009

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

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!

Favorite Features

fender well size to fit larger tired. Plenty of power on and off road and good 4Lo power. good strong IFS suspension and drivetrain. Lack of repairs needed. If your Frontier needs excessive repairs, then you're an idiot driver who doesn't know how to take care of your average maintenance.

Suggested Improvements

Pickup wise, they've only made it better throughout the years (except body designs, the original is the best.) My single cab isn't enough room for my needs anymore, so I've upgraded to an SUV. Other than that, everything is perfect!

Report inappropriate post

Nissan "Little WorkHorse"

Written by: Henry on 02/14/2009

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE Extended Cab SB

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Excellent interior, comfortable ride, nice exterior aero dynamic, stylish look, great gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Engine could use a little more power, A/C unit could be a lot cooler, stereo could use updating.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Half the cost of aTacoma

Written by: bamagreg on 12/28/2008

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE Extended Cab SB

Review

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.

Favorite Features

4 cylinder engine has power and great fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

Head liner coming off.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Good quality, reliable truck

Written by: WC DVD on 11/21/2008

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE Extended Cab SB

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Easy to get in out, seats lay back in extended cab. Plenty of room to put stuff behind the seats.

Suggested Improvements

The gas mileage leaves a bit to be desired since I drive 80-90% on the freeway and average about 21 mpg. The 4-cyl engine is a bit underpowered around town unless you leave it out of overdrive.

Report inappropriate post

Exellent Truck!!

Written by: Cartier on 11/12/2008

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

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!!

Favorite Features

4WD. Long Bed. ABS in the four tires. Plenty of torque for a 4 cylinder.

Suggested Improvements

None

Report inappropriate post

Basic Dependable Truck

Written by: jctiger on 10/17/2008

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr STD Standard Cab SB

Review

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.

Favorite Features

clean, looks good, drove well

Suggested Improvements

cab was a little small, windshield wiper speeds, defrost

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

11 yrs

Written by: afrey on 08/29/2008

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Smaller size makes it very easy to maneuver on narrow mountain roads. Can shift from 2wd to 4wd on fly when needed.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of crappy plastic mud flaps. They break off on rough roads.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Greatness!

Written by: white_nissan on 06/02/2008

Vehicle

1998 Nissan Frontier 2 Dr XE 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

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

Favorite Features

Torque, capabilities, reliability, quality

Suggested Improvements

I would like mine to have more "raw" power. But for a 4-cylinder it is awesome. I'd also like to see a little better gas mileage with gas at $4.00 a gallon now and not looking to go down anytime soon

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post