Nissan Frontier

Name: 2008 Nissan Frontier
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This version of the Frontier shares a platform and components with the larger Titan pickup and Xterra SUV. It is a big step forward compared to the old version. We found this Frontier quick and nimble with a tolerable ride. The powerful engine gives it a V8-like feel. The tight rear seat is a drawback and the tailgate is very heavy. Side- and curtain-airbags and stability control are standard equipment.

2008 Pickup Trucks Reliability

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Nissan Frontier

vs. Similar Cars

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Honda Ridgeline

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2008 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

2008 Nissan Frontier

$5,700 - $8,125

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Colorado

$3,400 - $8,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Dodge Dakota

$4,425 - $6,325

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

$6,450 - $7,550

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Ranger

$5,450 - $7,600

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 GMC Canyon

$3,075 - $8,775

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Ridgeline

$6,925 - $7,875

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mazda B-Series

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Tacoma

$6,775 - $11,975

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

Features & Specs

extended cab

crew cab

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

2.5-liter 4 (152 hp)
4-liter V6 (261 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

After more than 16 years without a major update, the Nissan Frontier got a new look inside and out for the 2022 model year. The sheet metal is all new and the interior gets a much-needed upgrade. The 310-hp, 3.8-liter V6 engine and nine-speed automatic carry over from 2021. The V6 feels strong and the transmission is smooth. Handling is relatively responsive but the steering is too heavy at low speeds. The ride is stiff legged but much better than the previous generation. There is ample interior storage, and the infotainment is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The rear gate is now much easier to open and close. The Pro-4X version is off-road ready with a rear-locking differential. The previous model scored a Marginal in both driver and passenger-side of the IIHS small overlap front crash tests. FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection now come standard. BSW and RCTW are optional. For 2025, BSW, RCTW, and ACC are standard on all trims. 2025 models also received refreshed bumpers, front fascia, and grille design, as well as updated dashboard trim and a telescoping steering wheel.

2005-2021

2005 Redesign Year

The redesigned 2005 Frontier compact pickup was a big step forward compared to its ponderously handling ancestors. It became quick and nimble, with a still-stiff though tolerable ride. The strong 4.0-liter V6 revs smoothly and feels like a V8. We chalked up an unimpressive 15 mpg overall. Base models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Transmissions include five- and six-speed manuals and a five-speed automatic. All Frontiers of this generation are either crew- or extended-cab, but rear seat room is tight in both. Side- and curtain-airbags, along with stability control are standard equipment. An optional longer (six-foot) bed arrived for 2007, but the tailgate is quite heavy. There were no major changes to the Frontier after that.

1998-2004

1998 Redesign Year

The Frontier debuted in 1998, with redesigned interior and exterior styling from the previous model, which lacked a name. But the Frontier's ride is stiff and its handling ponderous. A 3.3-liter V6 was offered beginning in 1999. A crew-cab model was added for 2000, and a supercharged version of the V6 joined the options list a year later.