Exploring New Frontiers: Nissan’s Long History of Midsize Trucks

The midsize truck is a staple of Southeastern roads, blending classic pickup utility with nimbleness for city driving. With the “Big Four” of Ford, Chevy, Ram, and Toyota well-established, it’s hard for some drivers to imagine another nameplate in the picture. As such, the Nissan Frontier might be seen as an interloper to some. But the reality is that the Frontier descends from the original midsize and compact trucks that graced US shores—part of a legacy that now spans over ninety years.

Even those already considering a Nissan Frontier for sale in Knoxville may not realize that Nissan (known initially as Datsun) originated the small truck segment. Such a revelation may also spark interest for those who might not have otherwise considered this truck. Join us for a look at the history of Nissan’s midsize trucks and see how the automaker that started it all is still going strong.

1934-1960: The First Midsize Trucks

Long before Datsun came to the US, it excelled in manufacturing small trucks. It began making the Datsun Type 13 in 1934, which later became the foundation of the popular DC-3 Roadster. This trend of trucks sharing passenger car platforms continued with the 14T, 15T, and 17T models. (This practice has been widely adopted in the present day for crossover SUVs and sedans.)

After World War II, Datsun introduced a flurry of new trucks as it adapted designs to parts that were available. All this built to the Datsun 120 series, which debuted in January 1955. It had an 860-cc engine making 25 hp, a 500-lb payload capacity, and a four-speed manual transmission. The Datsun 220 followed in 1957 with a payload capacity that approached a full ton.

It was also around this time that Datsun, having conquered the Japanese automotive landscape, set its sights on other markets. Trucks were key to this strategy, as the 120 was among the company’s first European exports. Then, after Datsun officially entered the US in 1958 with the Datsun 1000 (a sedan that shared a platform with the Datsun 120), the 220 series truck came stateside in 1959.

At first, not many Knoxville drivers flocked to this truck—or anywhere else, for that matter. According to Car and Driver, the Datsun 120 sold ten units in its first year! Datsun responded by putting a larger 60-hp engine in the truck, which helped jump-start interest.

1961-1997: Datsun/Nissan Trucks Evolve

Over the years, Datsun continued to update and overhaul its baseline truck. The Datsun 320 series debuted in 1961, utilizing the same underpinnings but sharing styling cues with the Bluebird compact car. The 1965 introduction of the Datsun 520 was the true turning point, though. It featured a 67-hp J-Series engine, a long wheelbase option, and a more rugged design. US customers responded, buying 15,000 Datsun 520 trucks in the first year.

The following thirty years could be an article unto themselves, but here are a few highlights:

• 1967: Datsun adds the B20 Series Sunny truck based on the B10 Datsun Sunny car.
• 1968: Datsun facelifts the 520, with the resulting 521 sporting engines that reach 94 hp.
• 1977: The 620 series, initially released in 1972, becomes the first pickup sold with a two-door extended cab known as the “King Cab.”
• 1981: The Datsun 720 series is the automaker’s first passenger truck to offer a diesel engine.
• 1983: Datsun changes its name to Nissan and produces its first American-made trucks in Smyrna, Tennessee, less than three hours from Knoxville.
• 1985: Nissan debuts the D21 hardbody pickup, which would be produced for the next 13 years.

1997-2004: The First Frontier

More than forty years after the landmark Datsun 120, Nissan decided it was time for a fresh design. Furthermore, while its trucks had received fun names in other markets, like the Navara (Australia) and Fiera (Peru), US buyers still only knew it as the bland “Nissan Pickup.” The automaker solved both problems in 1997 by introducing the D22 truck and adopting the Frontier nameplate (although it was sold as the Navara and/or NP300 in certain markets until 2021).

This new truck had plenty to offer Knoxville drivers, with a 143-hp engine, a 3,500-lb towing capacity, and a 1,400-lb payload capacity. In 1999, the Frontier became the first US compact truck to offer a Crew Cab with four full-size doors. Early Frontiers also featured then-revolutionary technology, such as MP3 players, and you could opt for leather upholstery and other amenities.

A 2001 facelift discontinued the regular cab and gave it more contemporary styling. This update included a new V6 engine option that made up to 180 hp naturally aspirated or 210 hp when supercharged. (Interestingly, a version of the D22 is still made for the Chinese market!)

2005-2021: The D40 Frontier

In terms of used Nissan trucks that current Knoxville buyers will find attractive, the story begins with the second-generation Frontier. Using the D40 model code, this is the first Nissan midsize truck with a fully boxed steel ladder frame. Combined with a 4.0L V8 engine that made 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, the Frontier finally bridged the midsize truck gap between daily driver and workhorse. (A 2.5L inline-four was available if drivers wanted a casual urban steed.)

This machine made a huge leap in capability, with a towing capacity of 6,300 lbs, a max payload capacity of 1,464 lbs, and a top ground clearance of 10.1 inches. Nissan also offered an automatic transmission and 4WD for the first time, along with a Nismo off-road package. Over the course of its 17-year run, Nissan continuously tweaked the D40 Frontier, including:

• 2007: Nissan adds a Crew Cab/long bed combo for the first time.
• 2009: A model refresh sees a reshaped exterior and the introduction of alloy wheels. The Frontier also receives the now-famous PRO-4X off-road package, and King Cab models have heated front seats.
• 2010: Trucks with a V6 engine receive stability control, and some models also get hill start assist and descent control.
• 2013: A second major update re-tunes the engine and aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency.
• 2014: Bluetooth wireless, satellite radio, and air conditioning become standard, and the available navigation system is upgraded with voice recognition.
• 2018: A rearview camera is the first standard active safety equipment.
• 2020: Nissan replaces all engines with a re-tuned 3.8L V6 that generates 310 hp. It also discontinues the manual transmission and updates the automatic to a nine-speed.

2022-Present: The D41 Frontier

In 2022, Knoxville customers were finally treated to a Nissan Frontier specifically designed for North America, not found in any other global market. The third-generation Nissan Frontier retained the D40 powertrain but overhauled nearly everything else. The D41 body was five inches longer, providing more passenger space, while a revised suspension enhanced towing and payload capacities to 6,720 and 1,710 lbs, respectively.

On the tech front, the third-generation Frontier received major upgrades to driver assistance, larger available touchscreens, a digital instrument cluster display, and standardized smartphone mirroring for both Android and Apple devices. This is the classic Nissan Pickup for the 2020s, and yet it maintains some vintage charm.

Get a Used Nissan Frontier Today

As the original compact and midsize truck maker, Nissan has long set the bar. From the early trucks that were primarily commuter vehicles to the twenty-first-century Frontier models that excel at serious towing and off-roading, this automaker continues to innovate and adapt. Its rich history also means there are plenty of used Nissan trucks available, with options for budget-minded buyers, first-time Knoxville truck owners, tech-focused explorers, and more.

Experience the rich history and versatile nature of the Nissan Frontier by visiting the Rusty Wallace Family of Dealerships. Folks in Knoxville and beyond trust us when they need a reliable pre-owned Frontier at a great price. Browse our inventory online or visit one of our brick-and-mortar locations to see what is available. We’re eager to demonstrate our reputation for providing professional and friendly service.