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2008 Nissan Frontier Full Review
Date Published: 6/28/08
2008 Nissan Frontier Review
The 2008 Nissan Frontier is largely unchanged. Extended-cab King Cabs have rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts, flip-up rear seats, and a 6.1-ft cargo bed. Crew Cabs have a rear bench seat and a 5-foot bed. Both come in SE, LE, and NISMO trims; Kings also offer XE models. The King's 6.1-foot bed is newly available on SE and LE Crews. XEs have a 154-hp 4-cylinder engine. Other Frontiers have a 265-hp V6. Manual transmission is standard: a 5-speed with the 4-cylinder, a 6-speed with the V6. A 5-speed automatic is optional. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb. All Frontiers are available with rear-wheel drive and all but the XE are available with 4-wheel drive. The 4WD system includes a low-range gear for off-roading, but it should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The NISMO is named for Nissan's motorsports arm and comes with heavy-duty off-road equipment. A factory spray-in bedliner is also available. Leather upholstery is an exclusive option for LE Crews and includes heated power front seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.

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2008 Nissan Frontier Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Interior materials
Maneuverability
Rear-seat room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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 2.7

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 49.7
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
35
Average Score
49
High Score
61
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2008 Nissan Frontier Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD XE 4-cylinder King Cab extended cab long bed, manual $16,530 $15,683 $745
2WD SE 4-cylinder King Cab extended cab long bed, manual $18,630 $17,669 $745
2WD SE 4-cylinder King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic $19,680 $18,661 $745
2WD SE V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, manual $19,430 $18,426 $745
2WD SE V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic $20,480 $19,418 $745
4WD SE V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, manual $22,130 $20,747 $745
4WD SE V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic $23,180 $21,729 $745
2WD SE V6 Crew Cab short bed, manual $21,280 $20,175 $745
2WD SE V6 Crew Cab short bed, automatic $22,330 $21,168 $745
2WD SE V6 Crew Cab long bed, manual $22,080 $20,931 $745
2WD SE V6 Crew Cab long bed, automatic $23,130 $21,925 $745
4WD SE V6 Crew Cab short bed, manual $23,980 $22,478 $745
4WD SE V6 Crew Cab short bed, automatic $25,030 $23,460 $745
4WD SE V6 Crew Cab long bed, manual $24,780 $23,226 $745
4WD SE V6 Crew Cab long bed, automatic $25,830 $24,209 $745
2WD LE V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic $23,730 $22,244 $745
4WD LE V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic $26,430 $24,494 $745
2WD LE V6 Crew Cab short bed, automatic $25,430 $23,834 $745
2WD LE V6 Crew Cab long bed, automatic $25,930 $24,301 $745
4WD LE V6 Crew Cab short bed, automatic $28,080 $26,020 $745
4WD LE V6 Crew Cab long bed, automatic $28,330 $26,250 $745
2WD NISMO V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic $23,780 $22,290 $745
4WD NISMO King Cab extended cab long bed, manual $25,430 $23,569 $745
4WD NISMO King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic $26,480 $24,540 $745
2WD NISMO V6 Crew Cab short bed, automatic $25,130 $23,553 $745
4WD NISMO V6 Crew Cab short bed, automatic $27,830 $25,788 $745
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XE
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, rear jump seats (King Cab), rear-hinged rear doors (King Cab), tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo-box light.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Tailgate lock, painted front bumper, chrome rear bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 235/75R15 tires.
SE adds to XE:
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or 4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission (4-cylinder), 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission (V6).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, trip computer (V6), folding rear seat (Crew Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), AM/FM/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, sliding rear window, bedliner (Crew Cab), chrome front bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: variable-intermittent wipers (4-cylinder).
Front tow hook (V6), 265/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels (Crew Cab long bed), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
LE King Cab adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, interior air filter, 8-way power driver seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bedliner, step rails, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
LE Crew Cab adds to LE King Cab:
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-way power passenger seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack, body-colored bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
NISMO adds to SE:
Powertrain
Traction control, locking rear differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, interior air filter, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, trip computer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
XE
$990
$859
Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player.
Value Truck Pkg.
SE V6 King Cab
$1,300
$1,182
SE Crew Cab short bed
$1,350
$1,228
SE Crew Cab long bed
$1,000
$909
Power Pkg. plus traction control, floormats, bedliner (King Cab), alarm (Crew Cab), bed extender (Crew Cab), alloy wheels (King Cab, Crew Cab short bed).
Power Pkg.
SE 4-cylinder King Cab
$1,050
$911
Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Technology Pkg.
LE/NISMO King Cab automatic
$950
$825
NISMO King Cab manual
$800
$694
LE/NISMO Crew Cab
$1,250
$1,085
Rockford Fosgate sound system (Crew Cab), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio (automatic), digital-media player connection, steering-wheel radio controls, wireless cell phone link, theft-deterrent system. LE Crew Cab requires Leather Pkg. 4WD LE Crew Cab long bed requires side steps.
Traction Pkg.
4WD LE
$700
$607
4WD NISMO automatic
$500
$433
Traction control, antiskid system, hill ascent/descent control. Requires Technology Pkg. 4WD LE Crew Cab long bed requires side steps.
Leather Pkg.
LE Crew Cab
$1,350
$1,172
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors. Requires power sunroof. 4WD LE long bed requires side steps.
Airbag and Moonroof Pkg.
LE Crew Cab
$1,250
$1,085
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, power sunroof. Requires Leather Pkg. 2WD requires Active Limited-Slip Braking System. 4WD long bed requires side steps.
Powertrain
Active Limited-Slip Braking System
2WD LE
$350
$304
Traction control. King cab requires Technology Pkg. Crew Cab requires Side-Impact Airbag Pkg. or Airbag and Moonroof Pkg.
Safety
Side-Impact Airbag Pkg.
LE Crew Cab, LE King Cab, NISMO, SE, XE
$550
$478
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags. XE requires Preferred Pkg. SE 4-cylinder requires Power Pkg. SE V6 King Cab requires Value Truck Pkg. LE King Cab requires Active Limited-Slip Braking System or Traction Pkg. NISMO King Cab requires Technology Pkg. SE/NISMO Crew Cab requires power sunroof. 4WD LE Crew Cab long bed requires side steps.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SE/LE Crew Cab
$700
$607
NISMO Crew Cab
$900
$780
NISMO includes roof rack. SE requires Value Truck Pkg. LE requires Side Impact Airbag Pkg. 4WD LE long bed requires side steps.
Portable navigation system
LE Crew Cab, LE King Cab, NISMO, SE, XE
$750
$612
DVD entertainment system
Crew Cab
$1,250
$1,047
Requires power sunroof.
iPod adapter
LE, NISMO
$290
$246
Requires Technology Pkg.
Floormats
LE Crew Cab, LE King Cab, NISMO, SE, XE
$105
$77
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps
4WD LE Crew Cab long bed
$300
$260
Bed extender
XE/SE King Cab
$260
$197
Sliding bed extender
LE/NISMO King Cab, Crew Cab
$300
$233
Bedliner
XE/SE King Cab
$430
$315
Sliding bed divider
LE, NISMO
$270
$206
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow-hitch receiver
SE V6, LE, NISMO
$340
$253
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2008 Nissan Frontier Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Nissan Frontier extended cab Nissan Frontier crew cab short bed Nissan Frontier crew cab long bed
Wheelbase, in. 125.9 125.9 125.9
Overall Length, in. 205.5 205.5 219.4
Overall Width, in. 72.8 72.8 72.8
Overall Height, in. 68.7 70.1 70.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 3675 4226 4336
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1583 1482 1482
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1 21.1 21.1
Seating Capacity 5 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.7 40.0 40.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4 42.4 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 38.3 38.7 38.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 25.4 33.6 33.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.5 /152 4.0 /241
Horsepower @ rpm. 154 @ 5200 265 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 173 @ 4400 284 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 22/25 --/--
6-speed manual --/-- 17/21
5-speed automatic 19/24 16/20
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Nissan Frontier extended cab Nissan Frontier crew cab short bed Nissan Frontier crew cab long bed
4WD Rollover 4 4 NA
Front Impact, Driver 4 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 5 4 NA
Rollover Resistance 3 3 NA
Side Impact, Driver 5 5 NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger NA 5 NA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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