The New Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition Recreates a Legend: Here's How It Compares to the Original!

[@tylerkstevens]

That's me! Thanks to TFL for giving me the opportunity to show off my Hardbody! Been watching you guys since high school. Great crew!

[@MrRailroader03]

Absolutely love your truck man!

[@jaredoaks6317]

Your truck has the sport package. It included the fender flares, chrome 15 inch wheels and LSD. Also timing belt service is 105,000 miles not 60,000 as the host mentioned

[@ROBinJVILLE]

Sweet rig brother

[@tylerkstevens]

@@jaredoaks6317 Thanks for the info!!

[@eddiedewees2064]

Good job! Maybe you have a future as a TFL presenter?

[@capachin]

I have owned (between myself and my sons) 7 Frontiers ranging from 2001 to my present 2022 PRO4-X, all have run 200,000-300,000 miles with regular maintenance (zero major failures). They have been great trucks! I have just installed a Frantz by-pass oil filter on my Pro4-X because I intend to run it for the rest of my life (I am retired)! The Frontier has always been a great truck at a good price. My new truck is a very nice upgrade over the last series.Than You guys for your Great work, throughly entertaining this old Motorhead.

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

I agree!! I bought a new 2022 Frontier and it’s a GREAT truck. Smooth, refined, powerful. I keep my trucks for 15 - 20 years and I’m very confident the Frontier will perform.

[@5theend1]

What is the bypass for?

[@drunkwulf3664]

What a find! A 95 V6, 5Spd, 4x4 with LSD, and with an intact frame. Nice truck!

[@jasonperry7970]

The 90s was an amazing time in automotive engineering. Vehicles were advanced enough to be reliable starting and driving in all weather conditions with electronic fuel injection. They were all low compression and could run on any octane gas. Manuals truly were "standard" on basically everything with automatics as optional. Even the 4 speed electronically controlled automatics were miles ahead of the old 3 and 4 speed slushboxes people were used to in the 70s and 80s. Cars were new enough to come with CD players and great factory stereos but not vomiting "tech" everywhere like todays cars. They had basic safety crumple zones/airbags, and usually ABS, but no intrusive traction control/lane change systems yet. It was truly the peak of automotive technology before automakers went all in on tech (much of which is unnecessary but government mandated). All that being said I would take a new Frontier over every other offering today in the mid size truck market.

[@nicomuchuelas]

this comment should be pinned and you should have your own review channel

[@derekdreke4990]

Absolutely i actually prefer these vehicles as they are super easy to work on and maintain.

[@MrPanzerDragoon]

Love how this video has no pomp or ego. Just honest side by side views between old and new.

[@andressaucedo7992]

I own a 95 in this same spec, its a v6 3.0,4wd, with LSD, manual. With 300 k miles runs great and its super reliable

[@bradleypollack5658]

I have the current generation and used to have a 1994 hardbody this one brings back memories.

[@Frontier2022]

I have owned a 93 Hardbody then sold it 01 when my second child was added. It was a regular cab we needed upgrade but it was a fantastic truck. Over the years I have owned Dodge, Ford trucks even had a 2017 Titan but finally I bought certified 22 Frontier last October. I forgot how useful a midsize truck can be. My only complaint would be I wish they had kept the size down some. A modern midsize truck is about the same size as a 1/2 ton from the 90’s.

[@MeliorIlle]

Nisssan has done a great job of keeping the Frontier a good size.

[@theinfinitymachine9610]

I have a small taocma 2001 and Tacoma 2022, and I see the huge difference. I use my little taco for Home Depot and around town driving. The 4x4 bigger midsize truck is for overlanding. I love both but it makes me smile to drive a smaller truck. They are so easy to maneuver and stuff load straight into the truck bed bc it's not lifted.

[@242HP]

If you like the 3.8L V6 and the 9 speed transmission in the 2022 Frontier, you could have bought a '20 or '21, which were the last two years of the previous gen which introduced that engine and transmission, but still had the somewhat smaller body.

[@Frontier2022]

@@242HP one of my parameters was the truck had to have less than 10k on it. So the 20 and 21’s are very scarce in that range.

[@3wheelmannc860]

That '95 HB is amazing... Good find. When trucks were reasonable and tough...great for every day and more.

[@201motels]

Fun fact. 1995 was the last year Nissan offered the v6 engine in the d21. They were gearing up for the launch of the frontier with the new optional 3.3 v6. All 1996 and 1997 hardbody’s have the ka 2.4. I have a 1993 d21 v6 se 4x4 5mt king cab that I have owned for many years.

[@matthewklempke2384]

Thanks for the info. I have a 97 with the 2.4 4cyl. I would like to swap to the 3.0 v6 but not sure if it would fit directly to the 4cyl trans.

[@wranglercody8422]

I’ve always liked Nissan trucks. Love my 22’ frontier. Only Nissan I’ve owned and I’m impressed all the way.

[@stepheng5843]

I love my 1992 D21. I also have the SE V6 4WD Manual model. No rust, and it's a blast to take on the trails. I will never get rid of it. Best purchase I've ever made. ❤️

[@WW-wf8tu]

Sorry Kase, the Hardbody started in 1986.5 - 1997. I had the 1986.5 SEV6 5 speed 4x4. I tried out a new model like shown here when mine was destroyed by a person running a red light. And this truck with the extended cab has a horrific turning radius compared to what I drove. So I never bought another. I wish I had stuck with it and bought another one just like mine. Was great. Except by todays standards, the MPG and the tank size would be crap. Was crap back then TBH. And it had no rear locker. But it was fully loaded with the AC, slider windows, power everything, pop up/removable sun roof. Was fantastic. Yes, the timing belt every 60-62K miles. Past that and you are pushing your luck. Had a roommate whom had a Sentra and at 62.3K it snapped and ruined his engine. Had to rebuild. Cannot speak to this guys truck, but once you remove the "canopy" (which I had also) which reduces weight (obviously) that sucker got up and went out of its own way more than adequate for the day. I never did a 0-60 on it, as back then, it was not an obsessive measuring point on 4x4's. But estimate about 8-11 seconds.

[@whateveryouwantittobe8303]

I love the trucks but hate the VG's water pump gasket on the 4wd.

[@kevinkollmansberger9229]

I had a ‘92 Sentra w the 1.6L. Did use a bit of oil nor any leaks after 265k miles. Now, I went thru 3 trannies and 5 clutches, that tells you I wasn’t nice to it😁. And now I’m building an ‘08 tundra 4x4 w the 5.7 as a trail truck. Good for you on the hardbody!

[@johnschneider1102]

I had a 92 and 94 Nissan. Great trucks. I wish I still had them. Nothing fancy back then. You could get a fully loaded se v6 for under 20 grand.

[@MrRailroader03]

“I’m a right lane queen” love it!

[@bosse641]

Simple and lovely trucks. .....wish they were made still.

[@242HP]

The 2005 - 2019 Frontier S (the lowest trim level) was a lot like these 90s hardbodies: very basic, with a 4 cylinder and 5 speed transmission available, and few power accessories except for the radio and cruise control. Crank windows, no power door locks, no push button start and not even a key fob! In 2020, Nissan dropped the manual transmissions on the Frontier, went to 9 speed autos on all trim levels, and the 3.8L V6 across the board.

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

I owned both of these trucks! A ‘95 Hardbody (in metallic Barney purple), and currently, a 2022 Frontier SV. Even back then, the Hardbody was very crude and uncomfortable. The bench seat had almost no padding and you could feel the wire supports poking your backside. Bulletproof reliable tho! The Frontier feels luxurious in comparison. Smooth, quiet, refined, and powerful.

[@Danzilly]

My step dad had a 93 regular cab 4 cylinder automatic he drove it till it died.

[@EricBryant-h4m]

I actually owned a 87’ and a 95’…then a 2000 and then after 2 Tacomas…a 2022 Pro 4x. I also still have an 08’ lifted Titan that has over 300k and runs strong. I think Nissans best vehicles overall have always been trucks. Thanks for the content boys.

[@robervin9107]

That presenter is just outstanding. He is calm cool and knowledgeable. Also very talented. And photogenic

[@TheRealMarkS]

Agreed. He’d be a great fit as a regular.

[@moonman_8935]

We had a 2007 Xterra & 2009 Pathfinder. Both bought brand new & super reliable.

[@padfoo]

David Tyler was great.He was a natural on this video. Cooll truck!

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

Presenter makes the comment that the new Frontier is almost the same size as older full size trucks. My 2022 Frontier long wheel base model is, in fact, larger in every dimension (except 2.5” narrower) than my 2003 Tundra SR5. Most notably, my ‘22 Frontier LWB is a full foot longer than my 2003 Tundra. Crazy how “compact” trucks have grown. I’m a small guy (5’4 @ 130lbs) and I can’t drive the new full size trucks. They feel like giant school busses. I physically don’t fit correctly within the dimensions of the truck.

[@workingcountry1776]

T100 and first gen Tundra weren't as big as a F150 or Dodge Ram.... but yes Dakota came out w/ midsized truck in early 90s and everybody else did a decade later

[@GrandPines323]

Mpg loop and drag race comparison is needed.

[@scottkahre9206]

That D21 is an absolute unicorn in that condition! He’s so lucky to have it! It’s too bad the EPA killed the compact truck in the USA, but maybe before too long we will have some EV small truck options, since they can’t set unreasonable fuel economy standards for those.

[@christopher9626]

What a great vid! I had a D21 and now have a 2023 frontier. I would rather have the D21 any day of the week. It was so much fun to just drive around and to head up to the hills with and the damn things were indestructible.

[@nofukstogive101]

I have 1993 d21, 5spd, 4X4, VG30E SE, running 33x10.50R15’s. I’m the second owner and it’s in great shape and decently low Kms. I live in Kamloops,BC and I do all kinds of off-road trips(winter/summer)and this truck is amazing(goes everywhere except fast😂). It’s quite mountainous, with hot and cold conditions and it’s never skipped a beat!

[@reddeserted13]

I had a 97. Never should have sold it. Looked almost exactly like that one.

[@skiptheroad]

I can relate. I still have my '95 Chevy S10 Zr2, 2 door regular cab with the 6 foot bed. It came from the factory with a 3" lift and wide bodu option to fit the 31" tires. The 195 hp engine is tired but starts right up every time. Manufacturers need to produce smaller pickup trucks again and I don't mean the crew cab with tiny useless bed variants.

[@SweeneyJeffreyJ]

Beautiful, I had the first gen Frontier, it’s very similar to that old Hard Body.

[@jeanclaude7018]

Bring back the original as a smaller truck next to the Frontier. Guaranteed sales.

[@alfredocarvajal3684]

I own one in Costa Rica, it was imported in 2008, it has 400k miles and still going strong

[@spartanchirho]

Very cool! Great find bro!

[@spmyvr268]

I had a 1995 new. It was red. Great truck.

[@itsallminor6133]

Hard body started in 86 1/2. Half way through the model year. I know this because i had one of the first

[@canyonero2050]

You guys mention how the new model has come a long way with double the horsepower. However, you dont take into account that the old hardbody nissan weighs about 3600lbs and the new one is pushing just under 5000lbs. Still an improvement in power but the power to weight ratio isnt as drastic as most people would think.

[@legomaniac601]

My Hardbody Pathfinder is very similar. Ifs not the fastest thing but its a simple basic little truck. The only 2 options I have is the XE pack and cruise control

[@richsarchet9762]

My 110 hp 1982 S-10 in a similar configuration makes me think that 150 would not be so bad!

[@josephshealey]

I have a 2010 frontier. 293k miles and still my daily driver. Basicly doesn't have any isuues. Such a great truck I would absolutely buy a newer one when this one finally gives up. Hopefully not for a few more years. Trying to clock 500k

[@db9071]

Those retro wheels are 🔥

[@230k19]

Such a great vehicle. Thanks for sharing.

[@tbone1961-g1e]

I love my 2022 frontier king cab it’s set up for a work truck rack and 3 tool boxes on the bed which came off my old frontier 2006 king cab it all fit perfectly

[@thebeddoctor4273]

Back when nissan made good vehicles. My first vehicle was a 1986 nissan hardbody. Most basic model. No power steering, no AC. But was a great truck.

[@AB-coyote]

They still make good vehicles. Nissan gets a lot more hate than they deserve.

[@thebeddoctor4273]

@@AB-coyote I've owned several and had issues with every single one. But nothing is made like it used to

[@IzaguirreC]

@@AB-coyotethey deserve the hate they get. The unreliability factor still stands for most of their lineup except their pickup trucks and the armada.

[@luiseldewashington1768]

I had 2 an 87 hit a cow & it was totaled, bought another one a 95 low mileage, it was a gas guzzler so I sold it

[@dviper11]

Cool comparison. Had a 2002 Ranger FX4 5 speed and watching this makes me miss that thing! Also Tyler is a natural on camera!

[@tylerkstevens]

Thanks!

[@JohnDoe-wy2py]

I have been looking at the new Frontiers. The Tacoma now has a turbo 4 cylinder and is almost $10K more than a comparably equipped Frontier. Add the inevitable market adjustment of up to $10K by the greedy dealers and the Frontier is even more attractive.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Theyre both overpriced junk designed to wear out and liquidate you of your money

[@palebeachbum]

Loved this comparison! Thanks for making this video. I really like both trucks, but I'd take the old one all day over the new one. Simple, solid, and useful for truck things. Trucks used to be tools, not toys, unlike today's much bigger and vastly more expensive pavement princesses. Nissan Hardbody and Frontier never developed the following that the Tacoma developed, but they are, in the least, just as good. The smallest new trucks have gotten entirely too big and too expensive. There's a new slot opened up for truly compact, more affordable trucks. Manufacturers just need to make them. The Maverick has done exceptionally well, which shows that there is a market for them.

[@marksullivan8200]

Great review thanks it showed how the frontier is refined but on many levels stayed true to what its always been simple durable reliable smaller truck that does everything very well for a very long time at a very competitive price

[@donaldthetruthseeker-es3nu]

Whats nice about the old hard body trucks you could get a 4 cylinder engine with a single cab and a stick shift. The new Nissans don't give you these affordable options anymore.

[@heisenbergguy7772]

Awesome review

[@frh-freerangehuman]

Cool seeing the old hardbody. My first wife’s dad had one and he put a load of miles on it. Kase is imho the best presenter on TFL now. But I like the rest of the dudes too 😂

[@lawdog516]

Great job Kase !!!!!!!

[@adamn7516]

Pity the truck manufacturers still don't work to squeeze out a few more inches between the wheel wells to make then a full 48.5 to accommodate sheet rock and plywood sheets flat on the bed floor. Would eliminate the need for a full size truck for many who don't need or want the extra bulk of a full size truck. I mean these "mini" trucks have grown to midsize in size but still end up with the same few inches short of 48 in width between the wheel wells as their 80's and 90's mini truck counterparts do/did.

[@highwayman1218]

Bought an 89 HB 4x4 new in 88 (1st new car buy) for 7500.00. Held onto it until 2003 when it was time to let her go being a standard cab. I loved that truck. OG NAPS-Z under the hood. Great truck, only issue I had was the inner metal panels under the hood breaking loose from the spot welds. That 95 is sweet, though Id personally rather have the KA 4cyl, never a fan of those V6 gens.

[@workingcountry1776]

I have a 2wd 4 cyl hardbody. Ez on fuel, upkeep and the insurance. Under oil w/ Fluid Film and that hardbody will last even there in mountains.

[@CurtinFortCollins]

I purchased the Pro-4X for $42,500. It has all the packages except leather seats, moonroof and premium audio. Much nicer than the Hardbody and less expensive. I know they go the Hardbody for free to compare to other trucks, but I cannot understand why anyone would want the lesser optioned Hardbody model at a higher price. Why not get the Pro-4X for comparison and review?

[@Offshore1977]

That Frontier with the Hardbody edition is the best looking midsize currently.

[@2151abell]

VERY COOL Fell'as.... Thank you... really enjoyed that.

[@harleyelliott5788]

Got a 96 Nissan looks like that same color and blue on it too .. Love my old Nissan

[@desmondjohnson2843]

I have the same truck but automatic 4wd

[@JoseHernandez-pb7dy]

It would of been a way better if you found a crew cab hardbody to side by side them i know hard to find still great video love hardbodys and 720s!!

[@dannypage9132]

My dad has the same truck in green bought new in 95 thing has only 50 thousand miles on it

[@wesammansour1486]

Nissan's are the best!

[@Biggja22]

God i miss my old black on black hardbody 4x4 i sold way too cheap a decade ago. Mine was older and better tho

[@majorhemroid]

I miss that era of trucks (the Toyota & Nissan trucks with no name). High quality workhorses that people could afford that'll get things done. Instead of gimmick laden, over-regulated and outrageously expensive cars in truck form. That break as soon as the warranty runs out.

[@fanizzle157]

Love those old Nissan trucks!

[@pernell4351]

Nice seeing the old Nissan truck bring back when I had one just like that. Wish Nissan still offered a manual transmission in their trucks and cars not just two cars. Nissan needs bring back affordable prices.

[@thequietcraftsman]

I really wish Nissan brought some retro touches to the interior of the new hardbody edition of the Frontier like different seat upholstery. Even a special splash screen on the display on startup and some retro designed digital inclinometer would be cool.

[@normbittner3762]

My brother had that exact Hardbody, but 1993 I think.

[@LadzManz]

Would so buy one of these very clean i love the front end i live down in NZ so they are pretty common round here

[@mauricemotors8207]

I had a 96 single cab 2wd in dark red it’s tan and brown interior plus a 5 speed but it got totaled in2018 then I got a 16 king cab and it has 156k currently

[@JeffBreyer]

It would be neat to get the new hard body in Canada but it looks like Nissan Canada has decided to only sell Pro4X Frontiers in Canada. Sadly these are piling up at dealers and I think the MSRP on the Frontier has really killed the sales here at least.

[@shitloveaduck]

Agreed! I’m in Alberta and Nissan is the only import brand name trucks with any inventory you can choose from. Even GM doesn’t have much inventory! Toyota, is Toyota! Haha. #1 in sales. The Nissan really didn’t change much other than looks from the 2020. It was dated on its release date. I like the looks, but if the dealers would negotiate $2500 - (preferably) $5000 off then it’s a comparable purchase vs Toyota. The Nissan is likely to be #1 in quality for the next few years at least though! The Frontier,,, maybe not the rest of the line.

[@wranglercody8422]

I wish we could get the p4x king cab in the states, it’s all built on the same factory line. Don’t know why they can’t just sell all versions in either country. At least make it a special order option.

[@theylied1776]

I would still prefer the 1995 Nissan over the New Renault/Nissan.

[@kevinbarry71]

A generational thing; I'm old enough to remember those trucks when they were new in the 1980s. I would never want to go near one. Extra bonus, they are 100% deathtraps in a collision

[@stanpeterson8273]

I saw a 89 that tangled with an F250 of about the same year and the Nissan faired better than the Ford. Offset headon collision at that.

[@toddbachman3912]

86... HARD BODY...CAME OUT.. MY FRIEND...I HAD A 87 .TWO WHEEL DRIVE.. IT WAS A GREAT LITTLE TRUCK....I LIKE THE NEW ONES... BUT JUST A KING CAB.. WOULD BE BEST...I THINK.. MY 87 WAS ...$6900 O.T.D...👍

[@mjdgi1]

On the hardbody edition that should have put the grill in there and with the three vents in the hood

[@jeanclaude7018]

Ironically a new pathfinder at the local dealer has the 3 slots in the hood. I had to show the young sales guy the resemblance to my nearby 1987 HB.

[@michaelmartin2276]

Id take the old one anyday !

[@mlow42]

Wh are all the new beds so short?

[@sharkskin3448]

🤷🏼‍♂️we need 6'+ beds!...It's as if the feds told manufacturers not to make them anymore

[@ALMX5DP]

The new Frontier is available with a 6' bed, both king cab and long bed crew cab..

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

I would take that old hardbody over that new one any day. Although I'm a little biased because I have a 1997 V6 five speed just like that one except for black, 337,000mi on it. Only money ever spent on it it's had two clutches in it and two starters And Tyler let me tell you one thing if you ever have to replace that starter on that V6 it's almost easier to pull the engine then fight getting around that pumpkin in the front drive system

[@tylerkstevens]

Good to know! This one is sitting at 156k miles.

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

@@tylerkstevens I purchased it brand new, they did replace the wiring harness in it at about 8000 miles but that was under warranty.

[@loneapple440]

Great video.

[@maheshb6092]

I wish that they had made this truck with a single cab and a 5 ft bed with that same 4.0 liter engine. I need something small that's useful and easy to park.

[@jamesm568]

What's funny is that old truck gets better fuel mileage than a new truck.

[@jerridehlinger9689]

Seams like a dohc vg30 would be a nice little upgrade

[@AwesomeEricD]

That new Nissan is really nice

[@jefemuga416]

not gonna lie, i'm not here because I'm choosing between an old and a new truck. I'm here because the old truck is my only financially responsible choice and I want to see how it stacks up versus what I can't afford.

[@dane5896]

I drove a 1992 for fourteen years. 👍👍👍

[@RBLK89]

I love my 97 hardbody, i also have a new frontier, but i daily my hardbody, cant beat the mpg and parts are cheap

[@deejayimm]

Everyone blames the manufacturers for the change in vehicles. The government sets the parameters. They try to give the people what they want, within the parameters the government allows. That's not the way it's supposed to be. But we keep on allowing it.

[@dannymiller5648]

I love the your truck. I found a clean 94 4x4 v6 auto sport sx trim in Texas. No rust with 160k miles. Im about to post it for sale if anyone is interested.

[@rickjames6867]

Solid rigs. The New one looks great. Would be a wise investment for sure. ✌️💙✌️

[@standardarm63]

Nissan and their roof bars.

[@sammymaestro7642]

Caaarrrs annd Biddss 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@theturtle2121]

Nice hardbody

[@bluemodelt]

I would take that D21 over the frontier anyday of the week.

[@omarrosales9504]

Does anyone know how to get rid of the auto stop start on a 2017 f150 ?

[@IKnewMickey]

I love good used vehicles. The depreciation of new trucks is not for me.

[@1FiftyOverland]

I love my dad's 2000 Xterra 3.3l V6 4x4. I keep bugging him to sell it to me.

[@1FiftyOverland]

@devildog5354 Auto. Auto's are way better offroad.

[@jdb-lu3bp]

They don't call them truck hardbody for nothing!