Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
15 -22 City / 18 -25 HWY
Horsepower
142 -210
Seats
2 -6
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Casey C
10/10 rating for reliability.
Honestly, this was my first vehicle I drove / purchased and it is the most reliable truck ever. No performance, or reliability issues, I just wish it had Bluetooth. :p other then that minor luxury, 10/10 for performance and reliability.
accountCircle Austin A
You are getting a fantastic little truck! I would only caution that you are NOT getting a large v8, so you won't get the power of a V8
I love the truck, it is small enough to drive around town without any issues, but large enough to haul my dirt bikes when needed. I also love the durability and reliability that my truck has. I dislike the power of the truck, I wish it had more power under the hood.
accountCircle Carlos M
It's has a manual transmission.
It's been a solid truck for me for many years. I love my truck and wouldn't trade it in. I will drive it until I can't
accountCircle Toni M
I love my little pick up.
My Frontier is a project vehicle that I have completely rebuilt and upgraded. It holds sentimental value and is a great off-roading vehicle as well as a daily driver. It is a smooth drive with a lot of power all tucked into one tiny pickup with a lot of attitude.
accountCircle Mitzi K
Strong body and back up sensors
The truck that we have, we bought it used from a dealer more than 10 yrs ago. The feature that I like on the truck that we have is that it is high to where you can see the road better and it has back up sensors.
accountCircle Emily R
I've had very few mechanical issues with this vehicle
It handles awesome. I love to drive in 4-wheel. The cab is not big enough for my now adult children.
accountCircle Ricky Pepper
Best truck
Best small truck I have ever owned. I have had it 12 years and with 206000 miles only repairs I have done was a valve cover gasket.
accountCircle Amanda B
Decent truck to drive around town but not long hauls
Seats are small and hard for road trips. Drives good. Gas mileage is good. Second row seating is hard on you spine

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Connie C
One of the most important thing about this car is the gas.
What I like about my car is the flat bed. It has a lot of space in the back weather it is for constructional jobs or shopping. What I do not like is it is only meant for 2 people and in the back behind the passenger seat has a little tiny pull out seat.
accountCircle Joan E
It's a reliable vehicle and is a good fit for our family.
This is a light truck; it carries a reasonable amount of cargo, has a back seat large enough for the grandbabies. What's not to like?

Nissan Frontier Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Base
142 HP 24-24 MPG 2 Seats
car
XE
180 HP 19-19 MPG 6 Seats
car
SC
210 HP 17-17 MPG 6 Seats
car
SE
180 HP 19-19 MPG 6 Seats
car
SVE
210 HP 17-17 MPG 6 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Nissan Frontier Owner Reviews

4.50
20 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 60%
4 stars 30%
3 stars 10%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Tracy S on May 14, 2021
The way it look, and the way it operates, very good on gas.
I have not had any problems yet. It drive just like it did when I first purchased it. Very reliable over 300. 000 miles on it and still giving me good gas mileage. I think I got my money worth out of it. Everything still working on it. Got a good sounding sound system in it. Air cool and blow very good.
accountCircle Kristi Y on February 7, 2021
Nissan Frontier is highly recommended!
My Nissan Frontier has been a great vehicle for me. It has a nice design, and it is easy to drive. I feel like I can really see everything around me in that truck. It has not given me very many problems, but any that did pop up have been handled by my husband, who does all our mechanics work. I really enjoy my Frontier!

Ranks #3 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

The 2003 Nissan Frontier has an average owner rating of 4.50 out of 5 which ranks it #3 of 10 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
car
4.69
2
car
4.56
3
car
4.5

Ranks #2 Compact Pickup Trucks by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Nissan Frontier has a combined MPG of 26 which ranks it #2 of 10 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
Tie
car
26 MPG
1
Tie
car
26 MPG
2
car
25 MPG

Related Articles for 2003 Nissan Frontier

From the Vehicle History blog

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 Nissan Frontier rear differential fluid type?

Answer: The recommended rear differential fluid for the 2003 Nissan Frontier is the SAE 75w-90 full synthetic api gl-5 hypoid gear oil. The differential fluid is essential for lubricating the gears, bearings and other...

What is the 2003 Nissan Frontier idle air control valve location?

Answer: The 2003 Nissan Frontier idle air control valve is located in the engine. It is connected to the HVAC system and leads into the cab of the car. This system is designed to control the air that comes into the...

2003 Nissan Frontier: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2003 Nissan Frontier oil type and capacity iS5w30 and 4.1 quarts. Having high quality oil is important for the engine to run smoothly. You will run into problems with the oil at some point. Old or bad oil...

Does the 2003 Nissan Frontier have a timing belt or chain?

Answer: The 2003 Nissan Frontier comes standard with a timing belt that is used on the V6 engine, and a timing chain on the 4Cylinder. In my opinion a timing chain is a better option than a belt because they do not...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety