2008 Nissan Frontier

2008 Nissan Frontier Pictures

MSRP:: $16,150 - $27,950
Invoice:: N/A

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Overview:

The Nissan Frontier sits near the top of the compact pickup truck class as a result of its masterful combination of a powerful V6, versatile hauling capacity, and well-tuned off-roading capability. It comes in two basic trim lines: King Cab and Crew Cab. The former comes with a 6-foot bed, while the latter comes standard with a 5-foot bed, but the 6-foot bed is available in the SE and LE trims. The King Cab is available in XE, SE, LE, and NISMO trims. The Crew Cab is available in all trims but the base XE.

The XE line's engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 152 hp and drives the rear wheels. Naturally, this is the most environmentally friendly Frontier engine, with EPA ratings of 19/23 mpg with the manual transmission and 17/22 mpg with the automatic. Mileage-wise, this is as good as it gets with the Frontier.

Most reviewers tested and were quite impressed with the other available engine: a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 261 hp and 281 pound-feet of torque, coming in either a rear-wheel- or four-wheel-drive configuration. Kelley Blue Book commented that the engine, "might be the smoothest, strongest V6 ever put in a pickup." However, two reviews pointed out that the engine gets most of its power at higher engine speeds, which is not very economical.

The EPA rates the V6 with all-wheel drive and the five-speed automatic at 14/19 mpg. The manual transmission makes only a slight improvement, 15/19 mpg, with rear-wheel drive and the manual achieving the best Frontier V6 mileage at 16/20 mpg. The six-speed manual received the most praise with reviewers, who noted its "buttery-smooth shift characteristics." Some reviewers also noted that the five-speed automatic is a sophisticated unit that kicks down quickly and willingly.

The Frontier's handling was smooth enough for "sedan fans," yet still felt like a truck. Nissan has combined a front independent double-wishbone suspension and anti-sway bar with an overslung multi-leaf solid-axle rear suspension tied to a solid body structure. The result has been characterized as "firm but absorbent" and "as solid at 90 mph as...at 60 mph."

The NISMO trim, however, is another story. This is a full-out off-roading vehicle and nothing else. With an on-demand electronic locking rear, two-speed transfer case, and Bilstein performance shocks, it can also be optioned with hill descent control and hill start assist, and there are few off-road objects it cannot negotiate.

Back on the streets, the Crew Cab (with either a 59.5-inch or 73.3-inch long bed) can carry from 1,098 to 1,482 pounds, while the King Cab (73.3-inch cargo bed) ranges from 994 to 1,583 pounds. Variations depend on trim, transmission, and drive configuration. Nissan uses a built-in track and heavy-duty aluminum cleat system and optional cargo fence to maximize cargo capacity. The Crew Cab has a maximum towing capacity of 6,300 pounds and the King Cab can handle up to 6,500 pounds. Again, the key here is that powerful V6.

Safety ratings are good, with four out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in a front impact and five out of five for front and backseat passenger protection in side impact crashes. All trim lines come with four-wheel ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are optional on all trim lines.

Besides the fuel mileage issue, the other main complaint on the Frontier is the choice of interior plastics and rear seat space. While reviewers overall found the interior to be stylish and comfortable, they complained that the quality of plastics found there placed it in the middle of its class - "every interior panel is made of hard plastic."

The King Cab seats four with its two rear jump seats, while the Crew Cabs are "more sedan-like" with their rear bench seating. Overall, reviews found the front seats comfortable and supportive. Reviewers felt that the King Cab's jump seats were not really fit for the adult human bum. If you want to carry people, the Crew Cab was the overall choice. Yet, even there, reviewers found "kid-size" leg room.

Overall, the Frontier's numerous positives have overwhelmed its fuel economy, hard plastics, and rear space issues to propel it to the forefront of the compact pickup class. (less) (more)

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History of the Nissan Frontier

[Edit] The Nissan Frontier started life as a compact pickup truck, but it's now closer to a mid-sized truck. It replaced the uncreatively named Nissan Hardbody Truck.

The Frontier is the latest in a long, distinguished line of Nissan mid-sized trucks. Nissan gets credit for many pick-up truck innovations, including the extended cab.

Nissan was the first automaker in the U.S. to offer a compact truck (the Frontier's predecessor), with Toyota following close behind. The Frontier was the first compact truck in the U.S. to offer a four-door crew-cab style as well.

The Frontier's latest redesign was for the 2005 model year, which is when it was reclassified as a mid-sized truck. It now has 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, which makes its engine the strongest in its class. It shares many characteristics with its big brother the Titan. With its boxed frame and front grille styling, they are easily confused from a distance.

Discussion Board

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Has anyone reached 300+hp with a Nissan Frontier?

2 posts. Created by dvigano. Last post on Apr 18, 2008 at 4:50:16 PM

where can we find the tubular roof rails

1 posts. Created by mnm_nut. Last post on Apr 6, 2008 at 5:37:32 PM

How do I add freon to a 2001 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SE?

1 posts. Created by secharls. Last post on Mar 8, 2008 at 2:14:43 PM

Other Nissan Frontiers

	2007 Nissan Frontier 17 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $24,061
	2006 Used Nissan Frontier 6 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $22,192
	2005 Used Nissan Frontier 5 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $20,037
	2004 Used Nissan Frontier 5 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $15,116
	2003 Used Nissan Frontier 2 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $13,560
	2002 Used Nissan Frontier 6 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $12,218
	2001 Used Nissan Frontier 6 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $12,344
	2000 Used Nissan Frontier 6 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $8,062
	1999 Used Nissan Frontier 1 review, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $7,392
	1998 Used Nissan Frontier 1 review, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $5,370

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