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

Will on October 25, 2023

The 2008 Nissan Frontier SE was my first car and my daily driver for nearly 6 years when it was purchased in 2016. From the getgo, issues were obvious. The transmission died at 130,000k miles, the AC stopped working at 150,000k miles, the bed lock broke and would not open at 156,000k miles, and finally the coolant hoses literally fell apart at 160,000k miles and killed the engine. This was with regular maintenance and good care. Beware of this truck.

Mighele on August 23, 2023

I was shanghi'd when I bought this truck. It was advertised at $15,999 And then added $5,000 on top for things I never got. They lied to me. I personally like this truck persa I've had mine for going on 3 years with only changing alternator, and the basic Serv. Oil change etc. But I've had this crap in my radiator since I bought it. I didn't look in radiator at water just assumed from a dealership it would be good. Well it gets like a greyish slimmy goo . I have flushed it but it still gets in there from somewhere. I don't understand it. But other than that I miss my bluetooth and my cruise control.

Knockabout on June 28, 2022

Bought it new in 2009, a leftover 2008. Low mileage, 136k, no real problems. 4WD Crew Cab, I get 21.5-22.5 mpg on trips in good weather, it's the 4 liter. The secret to mileage is drive it about 70-72. Mileage starts dropping off fast above that. 20 mpg mixed driving. I live at about 5,000 elevation. I maintain it, and that's all it has required. I have the long bed, turning radius is only gripe. I do 'easy' 4WD roads it's fine for that. Long beds aren't made for anything above 'easy', imo. Great truck, I'm keeping it even after I get a newer truck or SUV.

Frontierrick on October 6, 2020

It's now 2020 and I am the 3rd owner on this '08 Frontier but I met with it in 2008. My brother bought it new, drove it for about 65k then passed to my dad, who done 70k, and now to me. I know the service record on this truck, and it has been maintained beyond the recommended. (brother and dad are both type A, perfectionists) Now that I have the truck, it went from high society living to regular guy use. But hey, I got it after 120k so the time to notice what lasts, and doesn't is on me. It is a dependable truck. It drives pretty good. A little bouncy but not bad. The turning radius is poor, although I've heard it can be sharpened up. As is, I haven't parked straight more than a dozen times unless I back it in. The stereo buttons are less than stellar. (I have the deluxe setup with Fosgate, 6 CD changer and steering wheel controls) The buttons work on the deck, but many are loose in their position, like they should fall out, but they haven't. They all still work. The steering wheel controls are iffy. Probably just dirty but my "ups" dont work. That's volume up and station dial, or CD track up. The bluetooth phone calling feature is not useable. I realize it's made in 2008 so the technology wasn't sublime, but the fault of this model is something so stupid as the microphone. You have to yell to be heard and the voice menu is cluttered and slow, so it's just not worth it. I've heard it's the same with them all around 08, and maybe you can change out the microphone, but as is it is novelty but not practical. The gas milage is about 16mpg like everybody says. I've tried to impress myself and get 20, and I probably have, but it's a lot of effort and creeping starts and I'm not happy doing that so learned to expect 16 mpg's, city or highway, wind or calm and throttling like I'm going somewhere. This is the V6 which gives 261 hp. It's nothing to go racing with but when I get on the highway I have the option of the fastest lane if I want, everytime. Passengers are usually surprised when I use about 250 of the horses. The interior is too much plastic. The dash, which has always been conditioned and cared for is showing small cracks in one spot. I just think with leather seats and other nice interior options, there should be less plastic on door panels and middle console. I've given some thought to upgrading but I don't have good ideas on how it should be improved, so I think it could be nicer but I'm not a design engineer so I can't specify exactly how. Mechanically, it starts always. I've had minor issues. MAF sensor, coil packs, battery cables, vacuum leaks. All things that can cause engine misfires. And engine misfires can cause failure of catalytic converter. That's indeed an issue because it isn't "that" catalytic converter, it is "those". I think it has four. So there's an expense that I'm soon going to battle. The driving lights are great. I never use high beams and can see on the darkest of roads. Driver comfort is really good. Other than the bounce, this is a fine specimen for the inside lane. 85mph is like a comfort zone for this truck. It handles better than a pickup is expected. I could go on much longer about this truck, as it has been familiar to me, and in my family for almost 13 years now. If you have one that has been cared for, like I do, you are lucky to have a great truck. If you're thinking of getting one I suggest you do. I know I plan to get another 100,000 out of mine, at least. I'll write another review when I do. ( The survey asks if this truck was purchased new or used? All vehicles are purchased new. The first time. Haha)

Angelpf inspired on August 21, 2020

I was looking for a small truck and found it. It's perfect for my needs. For its age inside and out it's beautiful looking to me and it will suit my purpose.

Jake J. on February 17, 2020

This truck has been with me for 12 years it drives great, I've never had any issues that weren't maintenance or preventive. It's still going strong and I always get "is that a new truck" comments. With the correct care this vehicle could easily hit 300,000 miles with no major issues! I would absolutely recommend the Nissan Frontier to anyone looking for an off road champion that can still pull over 6000 lbs!

Wayne J on February 15, 2020

This Frontier rides,drives ,handles very well ,is is well worth the money,it has been very well maintained ,and is definitely clean for a 2008,Nissan Frontier

weekendonly on October 26, 2019

Very reliable now that I had a used trans put in and a new radiator plus a trans coolant system replaced 3 years ago as the coolant from the radiator was leaking into the trans. Great performance with a cool intake system and better exhaust system bringing the gas mileage up to 20 city and 24 highway with the 4.0L V6. Runs with most high powered V8's

TimH on October 7, 2019

The Frontier XE was the cheapest and most reliable vehicle out there at the time. Should have shopped around more. Could have gotten it for $3k cheaper. Didn’t think there was that much difference between dealerships. I need a truck for work and hasn’t let me down. Might be tempting fate but my 1989 Frontier had 245k before we gave to charity. Currently have over 211k and running good. Everything I need comes standard. My only apprehension was getting the larger six cylinder engine. Performance is a little weak going up to the mountains. Fortunately I don’t have to go very often. There are trade offs getting the full box frame; safety versus gas economy.

theburninator133 on February 16, 2019

It's a good truck that gets the job done. it's got Japanese reliability without the Toyota premium price. Easy to work on and modify to your taste too.