2008 Nissan Frontier Review: A Comfortable Middle-Ground Between Compact and Full-Size Pickups

Gilbert Smith
Jun 8, 2023

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.

Front angle medium view.
likeFilled The Good
Roomier than a Ranger, more nimble than an F-150, the Frontier is a fair compromise between power and practicality. It’s built to last, too, with drivers reporting 300,000 miles or more on the original powertrain.
dislikeFilled The Bad
It’s no substitute for a full-size truck if you’re going to be pulling double-wides and trash haulers. Rear seating is a bit tight for taller passengers.

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

accountCircle Larry H
It is easy to drive. It is great in traffic. Vehicle has a wonderful radio.
Excellent to drive. Great looking vehicle. Gets very good gas mileage.
accountCircle Eric L
A durable brand and reliable brand!
My Nissan has been a most reliable form of transportation. Its handling and power has provided me with the necessary performance needed to do what I have needed it for. The comfort of my Nissan has also been most accommodating when making trips with my kids and family to and from various activities.
accountCircle Mary E
It is a good investment that will last you many years.
I love everything about this truck.. Great for hauling and loading up items and hauling things off, great on gas, high off the ground. There is nothing I do not like about this truck..
accountCircle Matt L
It's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love the fat that its compact!
I love my truck it's perfect for what i need it for. It's the perfect size for me too
accountCircle Thomas S
Drive, 4 wheel, power everything, crew, heated seats,feel
I like having a truck. It is 4 wheel drive and it great in the winter months here. This is the top of the line in this model. Electric seats are great for the cold months. Air condition for the hot. I have a topper on my truck which is great for hauling when I don't want the elements affecting the load. Having the crew cab is great for having more than 2 passengers. There is more than enough engine power. The tow package is also nice to have for hauling. It has been very reliable for me. I also have the moonroof. The stereo system has the phone option. Keeps your eyes on the road and not the phone. Very nice safety feature. The stereo system is the top of the line. The mileage is not that great. However, I expected that when I bought it. And I really like to look.
accountCircle Lee P
Nissan frontier is a perfect fit for driven people! Go for Nissan always!
My truck turns 10 years old on November 2nd. Never had any issue all this years. The truck is very reliable! Very economic & comfortable for day to day runs.
accountCircle Debra R
A car worth every penny! Great deal for an all-round versatile truck.
We have over 130, 000 miles and that is awesome. We've had no major issues with this truck; just regular maintenance and tire changes. Our truck is a standard shift 6 speed and basically stripped down meaning no power windows etc. Or frills. We have a radio with CD player and air conditioning. We also pull a 16 foot camper ultra light frequently during the year; also we have 4 wheel drive. The gas mileage is reasonable at 19 miles per gallon on unleaded regular gas.
accountCircle Lieve P
Terrific beach, sport & heavy duty truck!
Reliable, economic & versatile. Perfect for who wants the freedom to go places. Designed for day to day activities, leisure and heavy duty! Great for self-employee and hard working people because requires no much maintenance. Perfect for the soccer moms!

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Connie R
Not for sale I am keeping it.
There is nothing with my vehicle. I am very happy with my truck. I don't want to sell it. I want to keep it. I like to buy another one like it.
accountCircle Donna C
The truck is sporty and fun.
Transmission problems, engine light problems, tire problems, does not do good for mileage in gas, tailgate latch has problems too. Not sure but the head gasket might be going, it does have 87, 000 miles on it. The wheel bearing needs replaced along with breaks, general wear and tear. Nothing to look at on the interior, it is very basic, the truck does have a sporty look and it is a nice size, not too big and bulky. It comes with a nice heavy cap for the back, not much height to fit stuff in. You would need to take it off. Has good horsepower for a 6 cylinder, a lot if get up and go. The transmission seems to slip maybe and it makes a sound like you are running over ridges.
accountCircle jim m
There is nothing special about the vehicle-good dependable transportation.
The vehicle has provided good reliable service. The tire pressure sensors are pain in the rear and I have experience several instance of rattling from the bottom of the vehicle-loose connections.
accountCircle Angelica A
Very durable. I have 190, 000 miles and still runs great.
Great car overall; but does not tow a lot for a pickup. Drives like a car, not a pickup truck. Could be a bit bigger with more towing weight.
accountCircle Harry Mac
Strong engine V6
Sold truck after 60,000 miles. Found out on the internet that Nissan has problems with the Nissan truck, Pathfinder and Exterra from 2005 to 2010. They ran the transmission coolent line through the bottom of the radiator and lines leaked fluid into radiator and recycled back through transmission. This created some transmission problems with these vehicles over the years. I called the National Safety Board about problems and they had already contacted Nissan amount complaints but would not issue a recall only extended warranty to May 20, 2016 or 17. Google these Vehicles of these years transmission and radiator leaking problems. Not good many people never knew why they were having problems. I called three dealerships and claimed they did not know anything about problems!!!!! I had one service manger tell me yes the problem was true. Many probably ate all the repairs.
accountCircle Lewis MC
Realible
Google nissan problems Frontier, Pathfinder and Exterra, 2005-2010, transmission fluid in radiator.

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
car
car
car
car

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.

Centered wide dash shot

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.

Ranks #6 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

1
car
4.55
2
car
4.5
6
car
4.24

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Nissan Frontier?

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Julia P on January 2, 2021
Nice reliable vehicles. With plenty of room to be comfortable.
We have owned 4 Nissan trucks and have had very good luck with all of them. They last forever and body wears out before motor. We take 2 to 3 trips a year in it and have put several miles with just average repairs. The ride is always comfortable with a full backseat.
accountCircle Donna C on December 24, 2020
The truck is sporty and fun.
Transmission problems, engine light problems, tire problems, does not do good for mileage in gas, tailgate latch has problems too. Not sure but the head gasket might be going, it does have 87, 000 miles on it. The wheel bearing needs replaced along with breaks, general wear and tear. Nothing to look at on the interior, it is very basic, the truck does have a sporty look and it is a nice size, not too big and bulky. It comes with a nice heavy cap for the back, not much height to fit stuff in. You would need to take it off. Has good horsepower for a 6 cylinder, a lot if get up and go. The transmission seems to slip maybe and it makes a sound like you are running over ridges.
accountCircle Larry H on December 19, 2020
It is easy to drive. It is great in traffic. Vehicle has a wonderful radio.
Excellent to drive. Great looking vehicle. Gets very good gas mileage.
accountCircle Lee P on November 5, 2020
Nissan frontier is a perfect fit for driven people! Go for Nissan always!
My truck turns 10 years old on November 2nd. Never had any issue all this years. The truck is very reliable! Very economic & comfortable for day to day runs.
accountCircle Dawn B on October 13, 2020
Plenty of legroom in this vehicle
Had a few problems with the heater assembly but finally got the part repaired and no problems since. It's a nice smooth ride with plenty of leg room and plenty of are one to suit my needs. The 4 wheel drive option comes in handy quite often in Kentucky which I absolutely love.
accountCircle jim m on August 22, 2020
There is nothing special about the vehicle-good dependable transportation.
The vehicle has provided good reliable service. The tire pressure sensors are pain in the rear and I have experience several instance of rattling from the bottom of the vehicle-loose connections.
accountCircle Angelica A on July 13, 2020
Very durable. I have 190, 000 miles and still runs great.
Great car overall; but does not tow a lot for a pickup. Drives like a car, not a pickup truck. Could be a bit bigger with more towing weight.
accountCircle Jacob A on July 12, 2020
It's very cheap and affordable and drives smoothly.
I really enjoy its style on the outside and on the inside and its performance is good enough for me.
accountCircle Scott L on July 2, 2020
The 4 doors for cab access.
My truck has been a dependable vehicle with very few issues over the years. It is a very heavy duty truck for its size and its towing capacity is amazing. My truck has 170,000 miles on it original engine, transmission are still intact. Fuel mileage has been fair for a truck of this size.
accountCircle Harry Mac on June 3, 2020
Strong engine V6
Sold truck after 60,000 miles. Found out on the internet that Nissan has problems with the Nissan truck, Pathfinder and Exterra from 2005 to 2010. They ran the transmission coolent line through the bottom of the radiator and lines leaked fluid into radiator and recycled back through transmission. This created some transmission problems with these vehicles over the years. I called the National Safety Board about problems and they had already contacted Nissan amount complaints but would not issue a recall only extended warranty to May 20, 2016 or 17. Google these Vehicles of these years transmission and radiator leaking problems. Not good many people never knew why they were having problems. I called three dealerships and claimed they did not know anything about problems!!!!! I had one service manger tell me yes the problem was true. Many probably ate all the repairs.
accountCircle Holly C on May 28, 2020
My 2008 Nissan Frontier Review
My 2008 Nissan Frontier doesn't ride very smoothly, guzzles gas. Looks cute though and is nice and roomy.
accountCircle Matt L on May 15, 2020
It's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love the fat that its compact!
I love my truck it's perfect for what i need it for. It's the perfect size for me too
accountCircle Lewis MC on March 6, 2020
Realible
Google nissan problems Frontier, Pathfinder and Exterra, 2005-2010, transmission fluid in radiator.
accountCircle Thomas S on December 23, 2019
Drive, 4 wheel, power everything, crew, heated seats,feel
I like having a truck. It is 4 wheel drive and it great in the winter months here. This is the top of the line in this model. Electric seats are great for the cold months. Air condition for the hot. I have a topper on my truck which is great for hauling when I don't want the elements affecting the load. Having the crew cab is great for having more than 2 passengers. There is more than enough engine power. The tow package is also nice to have for hauling. It has been very reliable for me. I also have the moonroof. The stereo system has the phone option. Keeps your eyes on the road and not the phone. Very nice safety feature. The stereo system is the top of the line. The mileage is not that great. However, I expected that when I bought it. And I really like to look.
accountCircle Mary E on December 4, 2019
It is a good investment that will last you many years.
I love everything about this truck.. Great for hauling and loading up items and hauling things off, great on gas, high off the ground. There is nothing I do not like about this truck..
accountCircle Lieve P on October 12, 2019
Terrific beach, sport & heavy duty truck!
Reliable, economic & versatile. Perfect for who wants the freedom to go places. Designed for day to day activities, leisure and heavy duty! Great for self-employee and hard working people because requires no much maintenance. Perfect for the soccer moms!
accountCircle Eric L on July 29, 2019
A durable brand and reliable brand!
My Nissan has been a most reliable form of transportation. Its handling and power has provided me with the necessary performance needed to do what I have needed it for. The comfort of my Nissan has also been most accommodating when making trips with my kids and family to and from various activities.
accountCircle roy w on June 22, 2019
It's dependable and have plenty room for family and a bed to haul things.
It's a very dependable truck and has plenty room. I have had 3 Nissans in my life so far they have been great trucks.
accountCircle Jose C on May 4, 2019
It is really good when trying to drive in the snow.
My car is very comfortable and extremely reliable, I have had no issues so far about the car. I really recommend it
accountCircle Connie R on March 18, 2019
Not for sale I am keeping it.
There is nothing with my vehicle. I am very happy with my truck. I don't want to sell it. I want to keep it. I like to buy another one like it.
accountCircle Debra R on November 11, 2018
A car worth every penny! Great deal for an all-round versatile truck.
We have over 130, 000 miles and that is awesome. We've had no major issues with this truck; just regular maintenance and tire changes. Our truck is a standard shift 6 speed and basically stripped down meaning no power windows etc. Or frills. We have a radio with CD player and air conditioning. We also pull a 16 foot camper ultra light frequently during the year; also we have 4 wheel drive. The gas mileage is reasonable at 19 miles per gallon on unleaded regular gas.
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.