i386
Captain
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2004
- Messages
- 3,548
I'm posting this here since this is where y'all have read about all my Ford Explorer's problems.
As those that have been following along I've been researching a new small truck. I narrowed it down to the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier.
Saturday, I drove both.
Toyota Tacoma
I checked out the Tacoma 4x4 with the TRD Offroad Package. The truck has some nice featured like storage under and behind the rear seats, tie-down system in the bed and an AC outlet in the bed. The first thing I noticed was the seating position. Like I'd read about, it was like sitting near the floor with my legs out in front. For the amount of time I drove it, I was not uncomfortable but I wasn't crazy about it either. The second thing was visibility. Visibility while backing up isn't that good. I think it's partially due to the seating position. The ride and handling were good, the engine felt strong, and it was very quiet.
Nissan Frontier
For the Nissan I drove the LE model. The most striking feature to me was the roof rack. I'll admit I'm not crazy about it. The salesman explained to me that since this model had an electric sunroof, the roofrack had to stay because it was a structural component. You can get them without the roof rack, but no sunroof. The interior was similar to the Toyota except the Nissan had power leather seats (heated too). The seats sit you up a little higher than the Toyota but not quite as truck-like as say my Explorer or a Ranger. Visibility out the back was a little better than the Toyota. It rode and drove just as well. The engine felt strong. It was just a little noisier ride than the Toyota but not by much.
What I want in a truck
I drive a small SUV. I want something SUV-like with a truck bed. I want all creature comforts I can get while still being able to use the truck bed when I want to instead of hooking up my trailer.
Decision
The Toyota is a fine truck. I don't think anyone would go wrong with that truck. However, I decided to go with the Nissan because of the seating/visibility and features that were not available on the Toyota.
4 Wheel Disc Brakes
Leather Seats (Electric and Heated)
Electric Sunroof
XM Radio
6 Disc Changer
Aux audio input
The loaded Nissan will cost about the same as the Toyota too (though resale will be a little lower)
I should have this hooked up by august...
Frontier LE 4x4
Leather
Sunroof
XM
Upgraded Sound System
Towing Package
Now I gotta pick a color!
-----
I looked at all the full size trucks too. The Nissan Titan was my favorite by far. If you're into nice features inside, you can't get more truck for the money than the Titan. The gas mileage would have killed me though. I was also disappointed to see that Consumer Reports gave it a really bad rating in the reliability department. Definitely check it out though if you're in the market. Lots of folks think Consumer Reports is full of crap. I think you'll be surprised how much you'll have to pay for a Chevy/GMC/Toyota that's as nicely equipped compared to the Titan. Admittedly, I didn't look at Dodge Rams.
As those that have been following along I've been researching a new small truck. I narrowed it down to the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier.
Saturday, I drove both.
Toyota Tacoma
I checked out the Tacoma 4x4 with the TRD Offroad Package. The truck has some nice featured like storage under and behind the rear seats, tie-down system in the bed and an AC outlet in the bed. The first thing I noticed was the seating position. Like I'd read about, it was like sitting near the floor with my legs out in front. For the amount of time I drove it, I was not uncomfortable but I wasn't crazy about it either. The second thing was visibility. Visibility while backing up isn't that good. I think it's partially due to the seating position. The ride and handling were good, the engine felt strong, and it was very quiet.
Nissan Frontier
For the Nissan I drove the LE model. The most striking feature to me was the roof rack. I'll admit I'm not crazy about it. The salesman explained to me that since this model had an electric sunroof, the roofrack had to stay because it was a structural component. You can get them without the roof rack, but no sunroof. The interior was similar to the Toyota except the Nissan had power leather seats (heated too). The seats sit you up a little higher than the Toyota but not quite as truck-like as say my Explorer or a Ranger. Visibility out the back was a little better than the Toyota. It rode and drove just as well. The engine felt strong. It was just a little noisier ride than the Toyota but not by much.
What I want in a truck
I drive a small SUV. I want something SUV-like with a truck bed. I want all creature comforts I can get while still being able to use the truck bed when I want to instead of hooking up my trailer.
Decision
The Toyota is a fine truck. I don't think anyone would go wrong with that truck. However, I decided to go with the Nissan because of the seating/visibility and features that were not available on the Toyota.
4 Wheel Disc Brakes
Leather Seats (Electric and Heated)
Electric Sunroof
XM Radio
6 Disc Changer
Aux audio input
The loaded Nissan will cost about the same as the Toyota too (though resale will be a little lower)
I should have this hooked up by august...
Frontier LE 4x4
Leather
Sunroof
XM
Upgraded Sound System
Towing Package
Now I gotta pick a color!
-----
I looked at all the full size trucks too. The Nissan Titan was my favorite by far. If you're into nice features inside, you can't get more truck for the money than the Titan. The gas mileage would have killed me though. I was also disappointed to see that Consumer Reports gave it a really bad rating in the reliability department. Definitely check it out though if you're in the market. Lots of folks think Consumer Reports is full of crap. I think you'll be surprised how much you'll have to pay for a Chevy/GMC/Toyota that's as nicely equipped compared to the Titan. Admittedly, I didn't look at Dodge Rams.
