Automotive Fleet
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.

Originally posted on Work Truck Online

More Vehicle Research

Graphic featuring EMKAY headquarters and 80th anniversary display with text reading “From Then to Now: 80 Years of EMKAY.”
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellMay 26, 2026

Emkay Through the Years: 80 Years of Innovation & Partnership

From vintage office photos and early dealership roots to modern fleet technology and an 80th anniversary celebration, this gallery traces Emkay's journey across generations.

Read More →
Interior dashboard view of a Volvo EV featuring Google Maps navigation and infotainment display during a demo of upcoming Gemini AI vehicle integration.

Volvo, Google Preview AI-Powered In-Car Navigation Features

Gemini integration and new Google Maps immersive navigation tools are slated for upcoming Volvo EV models, including the EX60.

Read More →
An obit image of fleet hall of famer Ray Breault next to a black square with the text of his birth and death dates.
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellMay 20, 2026

Automotive Fleet Hall of Fame Inductee Ray Breault Passes at 95

Ray Breault, a former NAFA president and longtime fleet leader whose career spanned nearly 60 years, died May 1 at age 95. Breault was inducted into the Automotive Fleet Hall of Fame in 2008 and was widely recognized for his contributions to the fleet management profession.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of the 2027 Volkswagen ID. Buzz side window with quilted privacy shades and integrated side mirror camera parked outdoors.

The 2027 Volkswagen Lineup

Volkswagen recently released details on the 2027 lineup, which includes a variety of new features for the vehicles.

Read More →
Gray 2026 Kia EV6 electric crossover driving on a desert highway at sunset with mountains and Joshua trees in the background.

2026 Kia EV6 Arrives With Lower Pricing, New Charging Features

Kia lowered pricing for the 2026 EV6 lineup while adding standard charging equipment, Plug & Charge capability, and updated color options.

Read More →
Blue BMW iX3 electric SUV parked on a reflective surface with mountain scenery in the background at dusk.

2027 BMW iX3 Starts at $61,500 With Up to 434 Miles of Range

BMW priced the 2027 iX3 50 xDrive at $61,500 and said the new EV SUV will offer up to 434 miles of range, 800V fast charging, and a new-generation operating system when deliveries begin in September.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
YouTube thumbnail with a dark blue, high-contrast corporate design featuring a smiling young woman on the left pointing upward. Large bold text on the right reads: ‘HOW FLEETS ARE DOING MORE WITH LESS IN 2026.’ Smaller header text at the top says ‘WEEKLY CHEAT SHEET.’ Along the bottom are three blue-and-white icons labeled ‘TRENDS,’ ‘INSIGHTS,’ and ‘STRATEGIES.’
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellMay 18, 2026

How Fleets Are Doing More with Less in 2026 | AF News Recap

In this news recap, host Faith Howell covers the ethics of AI, replacement delays, and how one company is streamlining uptime.

Read More →
SponsoredMay 15, 2026

Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges

For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.

Read More →
A graphic including Emkay's building celebrating 80 years in fleet.
Vehicle Researchby StaffMay 13, 2026

Inside Emkay's 80th Anniversary Celebration [Watch]

EMKAY recently celebrated a major milestone: 80 years in the fleet industry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover of a whitepaper titled “The Hidden Costs of Departmentally Assigned Vehicles on Your Fleet” featuring a black fleet vehicle driving on a road at sunset. Subheadline reads: “Discover how your fleet can reduce costs and minimize risk by implementing vehicle sharing.” The document focuses on fleet optimization, vehicle sharing, cost reduction, utilization tracking, and risk management for fleet operations.
SponsoredMay 13, 2026

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools

Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.

Read More →