2008 Nissan Frontier

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(4.4) 32 reviews
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2008 Nissan Frontier
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
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Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2008 Nissan Frontier. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Interior space
  • Towing capacity
  • Available side curtain airbags

The Bad

  • Pending further review

Notable Features of the 2008 Nissan Frontier

  • King Cab or Crew Cab
  • Four-cylinder or V-6
  • Manual or automatic
  • Kinship to full-size Titan
  • Auxiliary audio input jack

2008 Nissan Frontier Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview
Nissan's Frontier compact pickup truck comes in King Cab (extended cab) and Crew Cab forms. For 2008, the Frontier remains relatively unchanged except for minor option and feature changes. It is available with a Utili-track system that features movable, heavy-duty tie-down cleats and a spray-in bedliner. Utili-track accessories include sliding trays, bike racks, sliding dividers and modular storage systems. The Frontier is in the same market segment as the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger.

Both a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 152 horsepower and 171 pounds-feet of torque and a 4.0-liter V-6 that generates 261 hp and 281 pounds-feet of torque are available. For 2008, the SE trim can be ordered with the four-cylinder. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive models are offered. A Nismo package is available that ups the ante for offroad use and includes performance shock absorbers and alloy wheels.

The Long Bed Crew Cab SE and LE models have a bed that is more than 13 inches longer than the standard Frontier Crew Cab. A front passenger seat belt reminder light and auxiliary audio input jack are standard. A King Cab XE Appearance Package includes a chrome front bumper and 16-inch steel wheels.

Exterior
The Frontier is 205.5 inches long overall and uses a 125.9-inch wheelbase. King Cab models are 69.7 inches high, while Crew Cab trucks stand 70.1 inches tall. Both are 72.8 inches wide. Crew Cabs have four conventional front-hinged doors, whereas King ...
Vehicle Overview
Nissan's Frontier compact pickup truck comes in King Cab (extended cab) and Crew Cab forms. For 2008, the Frontier remains relatively unchanged except for minor option and feature changes. It is available with a Utili-track system that features movable, heavy-duty tie-down cleats and a spray-in bedliner. Utili-track accessories include sliding trays, bike racks, sliding dividers and modular storage systems. The Frontier is in the same market segment as the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger.

Both a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 152 horsepower and 171 pounds-feet of torque and a 4.0-liter V-6 that generates 261 hp and 281 pounds-feet of torque are available. For 2008, the SE trim can be ordered with the four-cylinder. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive models are offered. A Nismo package is available that ups the ante for offroad use and includes performance shock absorbers and alloy wheels.

The Long Bed Crew Cab SE and LE models have a bed that is more than 13 inches longer than the standard Frontier Crew Cab. A front passenger seat belt reminder light and auxiliary audio input jack are standard. A King Cab XE Appearance Package includes a chrome front bumper and 16-inch steel wheels.

Exterior
The Frontier is 205.5 inches long overall and uses a 125.9-inch wheelbase. King Cab models are 69.7 inches high, while Crew Cab trucks stand 70.1 inches tall. Both are 72.8 inches wide. Crew Cabs have four conventional front-hinged doors, whereas King Cab trucks have rear-hinged back doors.

Nissan's Utility Bed package — a protective bedliner — is now standard on Nismo-equipped King Cab Frontiers.

Styling features include a grille with angled chrome inserts and chrome-plated bumpers. Nissan says the Frontier has short front and rear overhangs and large geometric fender flares. A tube-style roof rack can be installed, and wheels as large as 17 inches in diameter are available. Frontiers use a double-wishbone front suspension, rear leaf springs and rack-and-pinion steering.

Interior
Because of its increased exterior dimensions, the Frontier also has grown on the inside. King Cab models get flip-up rear seats. Leather-appointed power seats are available, as are heated seats and mirrors.

Under the Hood
The Frontier's base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 152 hp and 171 pounds-feet of torque; it has continuous variable valve timing and teams with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. Most trims are equipped with the 4.0-liter V-6, which is rated at 261 hp and 281 pounds-feet of torque. The V-6 can work with either the five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Nissan's part-time four-wheel-drive system includes a Low range.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes are standard. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows of seats are optional.


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Latest 2008 Frontier Stories

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Consumer Reviews

4.4
32 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.4)
Performance
(4.4)
Interior Design
(3.8)
Comfort
(4.2)
Reliability
(4.6)
Value For The Money
(4.4)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Nissan Frontier

by Tinoks from Bskersfield, CA on May 27, 2018

The electric window winder appears defective. Struts failed and I had to replace them but the overall performance of the vehicle is very good. Headlight brightness needs improvement. Read full review

(5.0)

Sell by owner

by Ninfa from CA on May 15, 2018

This car runs great !!! Good condition, comfortable to drive . Excellent to hard work , mountains , and city , long trips or having fun with family. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2008 Nissan Frontier currently has 5 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2008 Nissan Frontier has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Frontier received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker