Related: Delivery Driver Puts 1 Million Miles on Nissan Frontier
Million-Mile Nissan Frontier Retired
After more than a million miles of hard work, Brian Murphy’s 2007 Nissan Frontier is headed home. The Million Mile Frontier will retire where it was assembled, the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in Smyrna, Tenn.

Brian Murphy shows off his million-mile 2007 Nissan Frontier (right) and his brand-new 2020-MY replacement.
Photo: Nissan
After more than a million miles of hard work, Brian Murphy’s 2007 Nissan Frontier is headed home. Murphy swapped his “Million-Mile” Frontier for a new 2020 Frontier at M’Lady Nissan in Crystal Lake, the same dealership where he bought his 2007 Frontier more than 13 years ago. The Million Mile Frontier will retire where it was assembled, the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in Smyrna, Tenn.
Nissan first celebrated Murphy and his million miler during the reveal of the 2020 Frontier at the Chicago Auto Show in February. During a short ceremony on Tuesday, Nissan presented Murphy with a new 2020 Frontier, which is now available at select Nissan dealers nationwide with a starting MSRP1 of $26,790.
“Brian Murphy is the quintessential Frontier owner, so it’s fitting that he will be driving one of the first 2020 Frontier pickups in America,” said Craig Keeys, regional vice president, Nissan Midwest Region, Nissan North America. “Thank you, Brian, for illustrating the durability and reliability of the Frontier for more than 13 years and one million miles.”
The 2020 Nissan Frontier features an all-new, powerful 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission – featuring best-in-class horsepower1 and improved fuel economy2. That will be a significant upgrade for all Frontier owners, and especially for Murphy, whose 2007 Frontier still has its original 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.
According to Murphy – an independent delivery driver who regularly spends 13 hours a day on the road – the original clutch on his Frontier King Cab lasted 801,000 miles, the timing chain was replaced as preventative at 700,000 miles, and the radiator and alternator lasted about 450,000 miles each. Even the driver’s seat lasted a half-million miles before being replaced.
And though it still “runs great,” said Murphy, he’s ready for his new 2020 Frontier SV King Cab 4x4.
“I’ll miss this truck, no doubt, but I’m glad it’s going back ‘home’ to Smyrna,” said Murphy. “At the same time, I’m ready for my next chapter, and I can’t wait to experience my new Frontier and its all-new powertrain. I know that this 2020 Frontier will bring the same durability that I’ve relied on for over 13 years.”
Murphy, 62, says he’d like to reduce his work hours over the next few years, making a ”Million-Mile Frontier 2” unlikely – but not completely out of the picture.
“I’d never say never – especially in a Frontier.”
While Murphy’s 2007 Frontier came off the assembly line in Smyrna, the 2020 Frontier is now assembled at the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Canton, Mississippi. The Canton plant will also be the home of the forthcoming, all-new Frontier.
More Vehicle Research

EV Fleet Reality Check: What Operators Wish They Knew Before Electrifying Their Work Vans
Electric work truck upfits bring new compatibility questions. Learn how parts availability, OEM guidance, power demands, and route planning can affect fleet performance.
Read More →
Ford Unveils Name for Under-$29K Midsize Electric Truck
Ford has unveiled the name of its new midsize electric truck: Fathom. It will have a starting MSRP of $28,350, and preorders will begin in early 2027.
Read More →
DTNA Plans to Build New U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Daimler Truck North America plans to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the United States to strengthen its production capabilities across North America. The location has not been disclosed.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in August 2026
If you have Altec, Autocar, Chrysler, Daimler Truck, Ford, Heil, International, Orange EV, Paccar, Shyft Group, Volvo Trucks, or Wabash vehicles in your fleet, you should check these important recalls issued by the National Highway Safety Administration.
Read More →
DTNA to Close Portland Facility, Move Manufacturing to the Carolinas
Daimler Truck North America will shift production of the Western Star X-series, Freightliner eCascadia, and Freightliner eM2 from its Portland, Oregon, manufacturing facility to its manufacturing operations in the Carolinas.
Read More →
Kenworth T880: Powertrain & Customization Options
Vocational fleets often require trucks tailored to specific applications, and the Kenworth T880 is designed with flexibility in mind. In this video walkaround, Rachel Woods explains how the T880 can be configured to support a broad range of industries and operational requirements.
Read More →
Electrification Incentives: The Acquisition Windfall Fleets Can't Miss
Discover how fleets can use tax credits, grants, rebates, and vouchers to dramatically reduce electric truck and charging infrastructure costs—before today’s funding disappears.
Read More →
Back at Star Nation for a Closer Look at Western Star Trucks and the People Behind Them
Work Truck returned to Western Star’s Star Nation Experience for another hands-on look at the trucks, technology, and operator community behind the brand.
Read More →The Top 300 Commercial Fleets
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List
Read More →
Mack Defense Receives Additional Order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks Under U.S. Army’s M917A3 Program
The latest order of 115 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from Mack Defense for the National Guard is part of the $47-million order from the U.S. Army approved in the 2026 National Defense Appropriations Act.
Read More →

