2008 Nissan Frontier 4X2 Nismo (695)

General Info:

Parts – n/a.
Assembly – Smyrna, Tenn. USA
Class: – Small Pick up Trucks
Cars: – 350Z, Altima, Altima Hybrid, Armada, Frontier, Maxima, Murano,
Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Sentra, Titan, Versa and Xterra.

“An Automotive Love Affair”
By Joseph Mavilia 2008 Nissan Frontier 4X2 Nismo

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2008 Nissan Frontier 4X2 Nismo Pick up truck.
My motorcycle riding 13 year old grandson said, “Wow, Cool, I want one of
those. That would be perfect for hauling my motorcycle.”

Perhaps that is the best testimony for cars of the future. It is our youth
who will be buying the cars in the coming years. And it would appear car
makers are playing into the wants and wishes of young people who influence
buying even today before they are old enough to buy one themselves.

Observation:

Letters to the editor about your opinion do matter. Years ago I sent a
letter to the editor of a Los Angeles area newspaper about my outrage at the
Gestapo tactics in a traffic sting operation in South Pasadena. My neighbor,
a Pasadena police officer got very angry that I referred to the police as
the Gestapo. I guess that’s the price of giving your opinion.

Handling & Performance:

A road less traveled is the Angeles Crest Highway were I do a lot of my test
driving. It really does highlight the handling characteristics of every car
and since it is on the same road I get a very comparative look at each
vehicle I drive.

Surely the 261 horsepower of this Frontier is more than adequate to pull the
grades comfortably and the handling of pickup trucks just seems to get
better all the time. With 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, limited slip technology
and independent suspension it isn’t like daddy’s pickup. This pickup is more
car-like in handling than a truck so it was a delight on the mountain
roadway. Of course the freeway was even better.

Styling:

Well, the kids loved it. And really so did I. I like the sporty and rugged
look. And interior is very car-like as well, and it shares a lot of features
from the more expensive and rugged Titan.

Fit and Finish:

Better than many, including other Japanese products, well known for their
attention to detail.

Cost:

As equipped (standard) the MSRP is a good value.

Features and Conveniences:

I find the cargo tie down devices included as standard equipment listed as
High Utility Bed Package has a super convenient “channel System” with
adjustable tie down cleats. I’ve used them before on the Titan and recommend
them even if they are not provided as standard equipment on the truck you
eventually buy. And of course the Factory applied spray on bed liner is a
big plus as well.

Recognized Competition:

Nissan Frontier $16-28,000, Chevrolet Colorado $15-27,000, Ford Ranger
$14-24,000, GMC Canyon $15-25,000, Toyota Tacoma $14-26,000, Mazda Truck
$16-27,000, Isuzu Truck $18-28,000, Dodge Dakota $19-31,000, Mitsubishi
Raider $20-28,000.

Good News:

Comfortable seats, great V6 performance, ok pricing and handles the corners
like a pro.

Bad News:

For a 2-wheel drive the fuel economy is not impressive, a bit of a rough
ride from the Nismo version.

Standard Equipment:

4.0 L 261 hp V6 engine, five speed automatic transmission, electronic
locking rear differential, two wheel limited slip, four wheel disc brakes
with ABS, independent front suspension, multi-leaf rear suspension, power
assisted rack and pinion steering, oil pan and fuel skid plates, fog
lights, high quality bed package with utility Trac, 4 adjustable tie down
cleats, spray on bed liner, detachable tailgate, full size spare tire,
reclining bucket seats, eight way driver seat, six speaker audio system,
power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, air-conditioner,
illuminated ignition, leather wrapped steering wheel front map lights, trip
computer, fold down front passenger seat, flip up rear seats, under seat
rear storage, 212 V power outlets, 4 cup holders, oversize sunglasses
holder, front center console, airbag system, LA TCH lower anchors and
tethers for children, vehicle security system and tire pressure monitoring
system.

Options:

Technology package includes: Bluetooth capability, six CD MP3 players XM
satellite radio steering wheel audio controls; moon roof, side and curtain
airbag package roof mounted curtain rollover supplemental airbags and
sliding bed extender.
Total options $ 3,105

Gas Stats:

$3.53/ Gal avg. Mar 31, ’08
www.fueleconomy.gov <http://www.fueleconomy.gov>
for more information.

15 City and 20 Highway MPG
www.safercar.gov <http://www.safercar.gov>
or 888-327-4236

Pricing:

MSRP $24,750; with Options $27,855.