The 2008 Nissan Frontier isn’t as popular as the Tacoma, as nimble as the Ranger, or as powerful as the Silverado, but it offers a fair middle ground at a fair price, typically listing for around $7,700 at the entry level.
Is the 2008 Nissan Frontier a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The Frontier might not have the cult following of the Tacoma or the Ranger, but don’t let that fool you, this is one of the best of the smaller trucks on the used market.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – You can tow around three tons of cargo with the Frontier, and the front seats are firm and comfy. The back seats are a bit tight, though, and cab/bed options are fairly limited compared to larger trucks.
- Reliability 9/10 – The Tacoma may be the longest-lasting pickup on the market, but the Frontier’s not far behind.
- Safety 7/10 – Crash test scores are decent and safety equipment is adequate, if basic.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – It’s a 2008 pickup, so it’s not exactly light on its feet, but you could do a lot worse than 19/23 miles to the gallon in the i4 models.
- Value 8/10 – The truck is priced fairly at under $8,000 at the entry level, but it’s the low cost of ownership that really makes this a fair deal.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Nissan Frontier?
Consumer Reports liked the 2008 Frontier more than previous editions of the truck, praising the nimble handling and the V6 for driving like a V8 without the steep gas price. They didn’t like the tight back seat or the heavy tailgate.
Kelley Blue Book recommended the Frontier for people who need a truck that “hauls, tows, and loves to get dirty.” They note the lack of a standard cab model as one of the few drawbacks, and report that the truck is almost, but not quite, a replacement for a full-size if you’re hauling five-ton loads.
Edmunds found the Frontier to be well-designed with good ground clearance to make the most of the truck’s off-roading capabilities. They agreed with other reviewers on the V6 driving more like a V8, and they found the cabin spacious. They note cheap-feeling interior trim and the lack of a regular cab as negatives.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Nissan Frontier Have?
The 2008 Nissan Frontier has generated just 130 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 54 of these are for the powertrain, with drivers reporting radiator failure and overheating. In some instances this has resulted in a total transmission rebuild at under 150,000 miles.
A handful of drivers have reported waiting on recall parts for their airbags for years after the recall was initially issued.
There are a few complaints of fuel gauges reading the wrong level. One driver reports running out of gas in the middle of a trip because their gauge was showing a quarter tank while they were running on fumes. A 2010 recall addresses trucks running out of gas because of the possibility for the tank shells to deform.
The 2008 Nissan Frontier has been recalled 6 times in total, which is within the median range for a truck this old.
How Long Will the 2008 Nissan Frontier Last?
Frontier drivers have reported mileage as high as 300,000 on the original transmission. Realistically you have to expect a little wear and tear has already been sustained when you buy a used truck, so expect a lifespan of around 250,000 miles before the first major repair.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $501, with the most expensive common repairs being new axle shafts and fuel injectors, starting at around $753.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Frontier is pretty basic. The entry-level model doesn’t even include a radio as a standard feature. Optional upgrades include MP3 players and Rockford Fosgate speakers, but you’ll have to shop around to find a Frontier with these features equipped.
Safety technology is up to par for a 2008 pickup. Anti-lock brakes come standard, you’ve got occupant-sensing airbags, and some models come with hill descent control, dynamic control, and active brake limited slip.
Is the 2008 Nissan Frontier a Good Value?
The 2008 Nissan Frontier is priced fairly for what you’re getting. An entry-level model typically lists for around $7,676, while an off-roading NISMO goes for around $9,036. If you shop around or you know how to haggle, fair market prices start as low as $6,095.
There are cheaper pickups out there, but the NISMO comes with low repair bills and it refuels for less than a full-size, so you’re getting a fair price plus a low cost of ownership.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Nissan Frontier?
The 2008 Nissan Frontier is available in four trim levels, from the base XE to the off-roading NISMO.
With the entry-level XE you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- Anti-lock brakes
- Tire pressure monitoring system
The mid-range SE adds:
- CD player with 6 speakers
- Manual air conditioning
In a top-of-the-line LE you’re adding:
- Remote keyless entry
- Premium cloth seating
- 8-way power-adjust driver seat
Finally, the off-road NISMO features:
- Traction control
- Bilstein off-road shock absorbers
- Skid plates
What Engines Come In the 2008 Nissan Frontier?
- The Frontier’s base engine is a 2.5L inline-four delivering 154 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission in rear wheel drive. The i4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and it’s available in the XE and SE trims. Expect an average fuel economy of 19/23 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- If you’re looking to put in some real work, you want the 4.0L V6 engine found in the SE, LE, and NISMO models. The V6 delivers 261 horsepower and 281 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 14/19 miles to the gallon. It’s paired to a 5-speed automatic in four wheel drive, and it can pull up to 6,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2008 Nissan Frontier Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Nissan Frontier?
The 2008 Frontier is fairly comfortable. You’ve got 55 inches of hip room, the suspension rides nice and smooth, and the front seats are firm and comfortable. The only real hangup: The back seats offer limited leg room, even in the larger Crew Cab.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Nissan Frontier Have?
You can get a short bed stretching 5′ long, or a long bed stretching 6′. Both beds are 59 inches across and 18 inches deep. In a 4.0 you can pack around 1,433 pounds of cargo.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2008 Nissan Frontier is the 4th model year in the Frontier’s long-running 2nd Generation, which launched in 2005 and wasn’t retired until 2021.
2006: A new Power Package added optional remote keyless entry and cruise control.
2007: SE and LE trims were offered with Crew Cab/Long Bed configurations in 2007.
2008: Sound systems were upgraded for 2008, with the addition of Bluetooth hands-free and auxiliary input jacks as optional features.
2009: The Frontier got a redesign for the front-end in 2009, modernizing the truck’s appearance with new headlights and a sleeker grille.
2010: New wheels were added for 2010, and the NISMO was renamed to the PRO-4X.
How Does the 2008 Nissan Frontier Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Tacoma commands one of the most loyal fanbases in the automotive industry thanks to its incredibly long-lasting powertrain and durable build. The pricing reflects the truck’s popularity, with an entry level model going for nearly ten grand.
People love their Ford Rangers, too, but the Ranger is definitely a small truck with no interest in rising above its station. It’s typically priced in the same range as a Frontier, but only tows a ton and a half of cargo, and offers less interior space.
The Frontier offers a solid middle ground between a more lightweight truck like a Ranger and a full-size pickup like an F-150 or a Silverado. If you’re gonna be hauling the occasional trailer, but you don’t want to spend full-size prices at the pump, the Frontier offers a comfortable, capable alternative to the leading trucks.