Used 2008 Nissan Frontier King Cab Pickup Used 2008
Nissan Frontier King Cab Pickup

A power driver's seat is added to LE trims, while a host of upgraded packages debut across the line. A Technology Package adds upgraded audio with an auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, XM Satellite Radio and a security and alarm system.

That we expected more acceleration from the Frontier's new V6 says more about our imprudent expectations than it does about the engine. With 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, this 4.0-liter variant of the acclaimed engine found in the company's 350Z, Maxima and Infiniti G35 might be the smoothest, strongest V6 engine ever put in a pickup. In addition, the 2008 Nissan Frontier handles and rides better than some sedans. Big mirrors contribute to a fair amount of wind noise, but overall the cabin is quiet and comfortable, especially for a pickup with such noteworthy capabilities. Our long test drive concluded with some serious rock-crawling on a Texas ranch, which, thanks in large part to its stiff frame and powerful engine, the Frontier negotiated effortlessly.

Utili-track Bed Channel System
Movable and removable cleats make it easy to transport even cumbersome cargo loads safely.

Fully-Boxed Frame
The Frontier's stiff frame provides the foundation for the pickup's sedan-like ride and handling and its sturdy off-road capability.

The Frontier's purposeful interior is defined by its flexibility. King Cab models feature smaller rear-hinged rear doors that provide access to flip-up rear seats, while Crew Cab models feature traditional rear doors and a more conventional back seat. Both models offer removable storage boxes beneath the rear seats, plus an available fold-flat front passenger seat for increased interior cargo flexibility. The Frontier's cabin features dual stacked glove boxes, multiple 12-volt power points and one-liter cup holders integrated into the front doors. Leather seating is among the Frontier's more indulgent options.

With its "angled strut" grille and sharp, pronounced fender flares, the Frontier is unmistakable as a direct descendent of the company's daunting full-size Titan pickup, although more athletic looking than its larger sibling. The Frontier offers a number of pickup-truck firsts, such as the Utili-track tie-down system that features moveable cargo hooks located in a five-rail in-bed system.

In base XE trim, the Frontier is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, a five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and 15-inch steel wheels.

Features not included at base sticker price include the 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drive, Utili-track Bed Channel System, factory-applied spray-on bedliner, single-CD sound system, six-disc in-dash sound system with MP3 playback, air conditioning, power door locks/windows/mirrors, keyless entry, front side-impact airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control stability control system and front and rear side-curtain airbags. The NISMO off-road model includes skid plates, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist features, Utili-track system, an on-demand electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein performance shocks.

The economical four-cylinder engine is offered only on the two-wheel-drive XE King Cab, which might become an issue if gasoline prices surge past four dollars per gallon. The V6 is plenty powerful and does offer the choice between a manual and automatic transmission, but all that power and performance comes at the expense of fuel economy.

2.5-liter in-line 4
152 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
171 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/23 (2WD, manual), 17/22 (2WD, automatic)

4.0-liter V6
261 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
281 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/20 (2WD, manual), 15/20 (2WD, automatic), 15/19 (4WD, manual), 14/19 (4WD, automatic)

The Frontier King Cab Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts just under $17,000 for the base two-wheel-drive XE model and around $22,500 for the King Cab SE with four-wheel drive. Crew Cab models start just under $22,000 and can soar to as high as $35,000 when fully loaded. A look at the Fair Purchase Price page shows what consumers are typically paying for their Frontier trucks in your area, so be sure to check it out before you purchase. Over a five-year period, the 2008 Nissan Frontier is expected to retain a healthy portion of its original purchase price, maintaining a resale value just below the Toyota Tacoma's projected residual values, and far higher than those of the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota and Chevrolet Colorado.