Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

August 4, 2020
Million-Mile Nissan Frontier Retired

Brian Murphy shows off his million-mile 2007 Nissan Frontier (right) and his brand-new 2020-MY replacement.

Photo: Nissan 

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

“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.”

Ad Loading...

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

White Rivian R2 electric SUV parked on a leaf-covered path in a wooded area, shown from the front three-quarter angle with distinctive oval headlights, black trim, and roof rails under soft natural light.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamJune 17, 2026

Rivian Layoffs Will Not Impact Production Workers, R2 Has Launched

Rivian announces layoffs, but production is not expected to be impacted as the electric vehicle manufacturer starts R2 SUV deliveries to customers. The company’s 2026 first-quarter net profit was down $87 million from the same quarter in 2025.

Read More →
White 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck parked at a construction site with steel framing in the background.
Vehicle Researchby StaffJune 16, 2026

Chevrolet Reveals Fleet-Focused 2027 Silverado 1500 With New V8 Engines and Updated Technology

The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 adds new V8 engines, updated technology, and a redesigned Work Truck model aimed at commercial and fleet customers.

Read More →
Five white Mack MD-series flatbed trucks are parked side by side in a lot under a cloudy sky, showcasing a fleet of medium-duty commercial vehicles with aluminum flatbed bodies.

Clinton Aluminum Finds Success with Mack MD7, Plans All-Mack Fleet

After finding success with 17 Mack MD7 medium-duty leased trucks, Clinton Aluminum has now decided to convert its 34-vehicle fleet to an all-Mack fleet. Here is why.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aerial view of Toyota Alabama's manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring the main plant entrance and surrounding campus. A bold red graphic overlay reads "Celebrating 25 Years" against a clean white design panel, marking the facility's 25th anniversary milestone.
Vehicle Researchby StaffJune 12, 2026

Toyota Alabama Celebrates 25 Years of Producing Tundra and Tacoma Powertrains

Toyota Alabama celebrates 25 years of producing Tundra and Tacoma powertrain components, surpassing 11 million engines built in Huntsville.

Read More →
Promotional graphic for a Work Truck “Trucks, Tips & Tours” video featuring a white Ram 2500 Heavy Duty pickup and a woman presenter, with text highlighting “Built to Perform” and 1,075 lb-ft of torque from a 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamJune 12, 2026

Heavy-Duty Performance: Ram 2500 Walkthrough

The Ram Heavy Duty lineup is designed to support a wide range of fleet, utility, construction, and vocational applications while providing the technology operators expect from a modern truck. This walkaround video will explain the Ram 2500’s features and capabilities.

Read More →
Driver’s-eye view of a Mack Granite truck interior featuring a digital instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel, large touchscreen infotainment system, integrated controls, cup holders, and premium brown-and-black trim designed for comfort and productivity.

All-New Mack Granite Cab Designed from Driver Input

Mack Trucks’ all-new Mack Granite will be available later in 2026 and features a driver-centric interior that was developed with input from more than 30 professional drivers through an unbiased clinic at Virginia Tech.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue Nissan Frontier pickup truck parked on rugged terrain in a forested mountain landscape. The four-door truck is shown from the front three-quarter angle, highlighting its off-road stance, black grille, and outdoor adventure setting.
Vehicle ResearchJune 3, 2026

Nissan Frontier Sport Edition: Off-Road Ready with Upgrades Available

Nissan’s 2027 Frontier Sport Edition gives customers off-road features, including all-terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, fog lamps, and front accent lighting. Like every Frontier, it comes standard with Nissan's 3.8-liter V6.

Read More →
Line of brightly painted New York City sanitation trucks displayed in a public plaza, featuring colorful murals and messages. Tall city buildings and pedestrians surround the outdoor exhibition in an urban setting.
Vehicle ResearchJune 3, 2026

Hand-Painted Mack LR Models Unveiled During Trucks of Art Program in New York City

The New York City Department of Sanitation, in collaboration with its nonprofit partner the Sanitation Foundation, unveiled five new hand-painted Mack LR refuse vehicles during New York City’s Trucks of Art program.

Read More →
Ford Pro President Alicia Boler Davis presents expanded 5-year, 100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for Ford commercial trucks and vans during a Las Vegas event.
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherJune 2, 2026

Ford Pro Extends 5-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty to Ranger, Maverick and E-Transit

Ford Pro expands its 5-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty to the 2027 Ranger and E-Transit for eligible fleet buyers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
fleetio coast pay
SponsoredMay 29, 2026

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Read More →