2008 Nissan Pickup Review

The mid-size 2008 Nissan Frontier pickup comes in two cab styles, King Cab and Crew Cab. The King Cab has smaller, rear-hinged rear doors, and the Crew Cab has full-size, front-hinged rear doors and a larger rear-seat area. The King Cab is available in a single bed length, but the Crew Cab is now available in standard bed and long bed versions; the new long bed is 13 inches longer.

The Frontier shares its basic layout, including the suspension and other components, with the larger Titan pickup. The suspension combines a double-wishbone front setup with a solid-axle and leaf springs at the rear.

The base XE and SE Frontier King Cab 2WD trucks have a 152-horsepower, 2.5L four-cylinder engine. All other Frontiers are powered by a 4.0L V6 engine, making 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The predominantly aluminum, double-overhead-cam engine has continuously variable valve timing, variable induction, and a number of attributes for smooth operation and efficiency. Four-cylinder models have a five-speed manual transmission standard, while V6 models get six speeds. A five-speed automatic is available on both.

On V6 models, a four-wheel drive system is available, featuring electronically controlled shift-on-the-fly engagement and a low range. The 4WD models also bring a four-wheel limited-slip system. Hill Descent Control (HDC) helps maintain a steady slow speed while descending especially steep slopes, while Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows a smooth, controlled start on a steep incline without roll-back; both features are optional.

There's also an off-road Nismo edition, available in King Cab or Crew Cab versions with either 2WD or 4WD, which brings Bilstein performance shocks and an electronic-locking rear differential. Ground clearance is increased, with vital hardware tucked within the frame rails. The Nismo also includes skid plates and 16-inch off-road tires.

The Frontier has several innovative storage options, including storage boxes under the rear seats, a large center console, a dual-compartment glove box, and several power points. The Utili-track system, which brings removable utility tie-down cleats and secure attaching channels, is available and especially useful for securing heavy cargo that doesn't take up the entire bed.

Front-seat side air bags are optional, as are side-curtain air bags that cover front and rear occupants.
Whereas in 2007 the Nissan Frontier's 2.5L four-cylinder engine was only available on the XE models, it is also offered in the more luxurious SE trim for 2008. The Nismo and LE trims now come with Bluetooth and XM satellite radio bundled in the Technology Package, and the LE trim comes with a standard power cloth driver seat instead of one with manual controls. see less