2008 Nissan Frontier
by Jim Prueter

Frontier a "Little Titan"

Redesigned for 2005, Frontier was so completely new the only thing unchanged was the name. It looks so much like its big brother Nissan Titan, it was often mistaken for one during my week of testing.

Frontier is larger than its predecessor inside and out and is built on Nissan’s new “F-Alpha” platform, which it shares with the Titan, full-size Pathfinder Armada SUV and the Pathfinder.

Frontier has been around since 1958 and was the first compact pickup on the market. Of course it wasn’t always known as a Frontier. It started out as the Datsun pickup; next came the Nissan, which became the Hardbody and finally the Frontier.

The 2005 Frontier was significantly wider and taller than the previous model with a ten-inch longer wheelbase and six inches longer overall. Only the Dodge Dakota was bigger.

The 2005 Frontier is available in two body styles: king cab and crew cab.  Models include the base XE, SE, LE and the off-road NISMO (short for Nissan Motorsports International). The rear doors on the king cab are hinged in back, opening “clamshell” style, while the crew cab doors open forward. King cab versions feature flip-up rear jump seats with headrests, while the crew cab has a full-size bench.

For 2006, changes were minor, with the king cab XE getting a power package including remote keyless entry, cruise control, power windows, power locks and power mirrors. For 2007, the king cab and crew cab versions remain, however there’s a new long bed for the crew cab SE and LE models. Also new for 2007 is a King Cab XE appearance package with chrome front bumpers and 16-inch steel wheels.

The 2008 Frontier remains unchanged from 2007. It still comes in just two body styles, with a mind-numbing array of models; three different transmissions, either a 154-horsepower four-cylinder or 261-horsepower six-cylinder engine; XE, SE, LE and NISMO trim levels; and either two- or four-wheel drive. Add numerous options including moonroof, safety equipment and various packages and it’s easy to run the price well beyond $30,000 — steep for a mid-sized pickup.

Outside the “Little Titan” appearance is unmistakable with the same wedge profile, angled two-bar chrome strut grille and vinyl trim around the tailgate release. Gone (thank goodness) is the wide plastic wheel arch cladding featured on previous Frontier models.

Frontier shares other features with the Titan including the optional, factory-applied, sprayed-in bedliner, and a Utili-Track system to secure cargo. Tailgates are equipped with a door-style lock.

Inside, however, everything is hard plastic. Front seats are comfortable, but for this tall driver, the seating position was too high and my line of vision was mostly through the sun tint on the upper part of the windshield. Rear seat room in my King Cab was virtually non-existent. Even children will find the space cramped and uncomfortable.

The dash and gauges are well laid out and easy to use. Controls for the climate control system are large and straightforward. You’ll find plenty of cupholders for both front and rear seat passengers.

For 2008 , I drove a 4x2 SE crew cab with four doors and much more rear seat room. The 261-horsepower V-6 provides plenty of power but suffers an abysmal 15 miles per gallon overall fuel economy. The ride, however, is extremely quiet, rattle free and surprisingly sedan-like but firm enough to handle sharp cornering with a sense of control.

But not all is well driving the Frontier. The turning radius is among the worst of any vehicle I have driven, making parking a consistent three-point maneuver. Frontier seems to require acres of space to turn a circle and you can forget about just pulling into a parking spot at the shopping center. You’ll need to pull up, back up and then finish the job.

For safety, all Frontiers are equipped with standard four-wheel disc antilock brakes. Front-seat side-impact airbags and curtain airbags that provide side-impact and rollover protection for front and rear passengers are highly recommended but cost an additional $550. Frontier earned four out of five stars for driver and passenger in government front crash tests and three stars in rollovers; it has not been tested in side crash tests.

Anyone in the market for a mid-size pickup would be advised to take a good look at the Frontier. Nissan offers a lot of content for the money and has the largest engine in its class, a roomy interior, advanced off-road systems, and innovative cargo bed features with bold, tough looks. The Frontier feels solid and seems to be well built with excellent fit and finish.