2008 Nissan Frontier: Road Test
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2008 Nissan Frontier ▼
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- MSRP: $16,530 -$28,330
- Invoice: $15,683 -$26,250
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Our road test for the 2008 Nissan Frontier includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Nissan Frontier from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Nissan Frontier, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Nissan Frontier help you decide if a 2008 Nissan Frontier is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
No opportunity to test a 4-cylinder or long-bed Crew Cab. V6 Frontiers are strong from a stop and around town, especially the lighter King Cabs. The automatic transmission kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission 4WD Crew Cab averaged 14.5 mpg. Frontier uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Firm but absorbent. Sharp ridges register, but they don't jar. Typical truck-like bounding and jiggle over bumps is quickly quelled. Various tire sizes make little difference to overall comfort.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Nicely balanced for a pickup truck. Steering feel is weighty and direct, but it can be slow enough to frustrate in tight U-turns and parking spots. Body lean is evident in corners, though Frontier never feels tippy.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
V6 growls at full throttle, but it isn't unduly loud. Wind rush is evident over 60 mph and rises sharply with speed. Tires drone on coarse pavement, and the NISMO's all-terrain tires whine at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Simple, handy layout. Most controls are within easy reach but have a plastic-like feel to them.
DETAILS
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Hard plastic abounds on the dashboard, console, and door panels. It all looks low-buck; other cabin materials are predictably workman-like.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Good six-footer headroom and legroom. The seats are comfortable but need more side bolstering to hold front passengers in place through turns. Wide-base windshield pillars can hinder visibility to front corners; good views to rear corners, directly aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 2.8 |
King Cab's rear seats are best used for small cargo; only preteens will fit. Crew Cab has more space, but legroom is still kid-size with the front seats even partially back. Headroom is tight for six-footers--especially beneath the sunroof housing.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Both cab types provide useful space behind front seats. Some thoughtful small-items storage up front, though console's shallow tray needs a rubber mat to keep objects from sliding around.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6 | 5.8 |
This Recommended pick carves out a nice niche for itself in the compact-pickup market with a powerful V6 engine, middle-of-the-pack size, and options that appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Ride and handling are also good for the class, but interiors disappoint with too much tacky plastic and subpar rear-seat room.
Total Score
| 2WD SE King Cab V6, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/5-ft bed, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 53 | 51 | 49.8 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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