The TRD I took pictures of on John Elway Toyota listed for almost $25,000. A fairly heavily optioned vehicle. Given the mark-up it would retail for somewhere around 22-23K.
2 reasons in considering a Toyota: 1)good customer service(I heard they do certain valve work regardless of mileage) 2)don't crap out at 140K miles like a typical ford
1 reason for not considering a Toyota: overpriced(if new,close to sticker or if used,resale value too high for its actual value)
Hey I believe you! I totally agree the Ranger is a better value and the equal of the Tacoma in ability and probably even in overall reliability and build quality. You're preaching to the choir.
I was just jerking your chain on the "Lie" thing. Honestly, pure sarcasm. It had nothing to do with the data or the debate.
If you read back, way back when spoog first entered the room you can tell by his postings he doesn't own a Tacoma, or one that is even Supercharged at that. He never mentions it until about his 5th post, never mentions the S/C until later also. He doesn't own a S/C Tacoma, if he did he would have started right in lambasting the Ranger.
wsnoble: The BFG's are great snow performers. Best snow tire I have ever owned. Have them on F-150 for 2 Colorado winters, including the October Blizzard of 1997 (30+ inches). The only moving vehicles out at the time were the National Guard Hummers and my F-150. This was not by choice, but the road was blocked between where I was at the time, and where I live, by a bus that slid sideways. I was looking for a way to get through. Anyway, take lots of trips to the mountains for skiing and they have always provided excellent traction. Recommend them highly.
Cpousnr Yes the room is for Ford Ranger owners and it is expected there should be consideration given to not to be offending. Then again when you chat amoung yourselves about Spoog in the Ranger topic what do you expect. No I have not recall you ever posting in the Tacoma topic, but then again who am I to say you should not. It is a consideration given to be respectful of others. Even if I did say to Spoog that he should not post messages in the Ranger Topic do you think he is going to heed my advice. Fact is that Spoog will do his thing regardless of what I say or whomever. He is an individual with given rights that I or no one should deny. ------------------------------------------------------------- "Your in error, the shocks on the Ranger are 1/2 inch above the bottom of the differential."
In a previous post here is what I had written down. " What I would like to know why does the Ranger have the shocks at or below the rear differential?"
I never said the bottom of the differential period. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You egg spoog on with references to "keep it up" In a earlier post I had written this: "Spoog, Just keep plugging at it. All though I may not agree with all you say I wouldn't want this topic to be one sided. Always good to see differing views even though you may not agree."
Now I was referring to a person that wanted Spoog to be silent. I believe in free speech as long as it is not explicitly vulgar. I don't agree with Vince sometimes, but he has all the right to post comments. If you don't agree with what I said and if you want Spoog to be silent then you better put me on the list. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Regarding the clearance I would like myself to see more different topics other then clearance. It is not the fact I am trying to hide anything, but after a while it gets stale. Like talk about the 5 speed automatic vs. the 4 spd automatic, the 4 door option vs. the two door, the side facing seats vs the front facing seats, the different options available and so on.
There is no need to get bent out of shape. To me life is a given and you take what is given and just go on.
In regard to me quoting from 4 wheeler, they had positives to say about the 4 wheel drive engagement but just didn't (sushi, usually do not, or don't put in the "'" for speed of entry) like the switch knob. Those guys like the feel of the shifter I guess. I would disagree with you in that the automatic, as stated in the article, does not perform as well as the automatic in the test situations. Also, I recognize the point you make with service issues but for the life of me do not care if the 1996 Ranger had one written against an incorrect tire pressure label or one identifying how to resurface the 1995 Ranger disk rotors. That is the kind of stuff the majority of those things are for both the Ranger and Tacoma. I simply does not effect my vehicle. That is where I am coming from. Since, as vince states, there are more Rangers produced than Tacomas (cannot find an accurate number for the number of Tacomas sold) maybe that is one reason why there are more posted against Rangers.
hindsite: Was not bent out of shape, my friend. I was agreeing with you in the regard of one of your comments. Thanks for clearing up the other issues. I did not take the time to search back a hundred of so post for accuracy of the comment, my error. I agree and do not mind differing opinions but when presented with fact such as "I went out there, climbed under both vehicles and measured the damn thing.", a bit of concession may be in order.
Don't be so thin skinned on the shocks issue, just tweeking you a bit. You, more than most, have been more balanced in your postings.
Thanks for clearing up things but send me a "Run Hillery Run bumper sitcker for my front bumper!
sporin: Well I would never say the Ranger is the better vehicle other than it is a good value for what you pay. The perception of alue differes with the individual. The Tacoma has many strenghs in the areas of pure 4 wheeling and I have numerous times commented that the TRD configuration is a very impressive vehicle. I would like to see the Ford SVT (Special Vehicle Team) work on something like the TRD for Ford. They do now but in limited quanities. You can get a Ranger with a 305 V8 that screams.
In the moutains, I do not really care if I get there faster or take all the difficult paths. I stop a lot, look for animals, take some pics then go on.
People have different tastes.
Spoog my friend that that TRD out and take your agressions out on a mountain someplace!
Remember a few days ago when I said that spoog was the only one acting like an adult? I take it all back. My apologies to the group.
spoog, despite the large number of NSTA bullitens on the Ranger, if I choose to believe that the Ranger is, all things considered, as good of a truck as the Tacoma for my needs, and budget, then that is my opinion, I am not wrong, you just don't agree. Your almost maniacal defense of your truck is seriously over the top, who are you trying to convince? Personally, if I were in the market for a compact pickup right now, I would probably get a Nissan Frontier.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Also, you obviously have no idea how this and most other internet boards work. It is perfectly within Edmund's rights to close a topic and even ban certain users. This Town Hall is the equivilent of a private business, much like any store or shop open to the public and they have every right to refuse service for any reason they see fit. Your little rant about the First Ammendment is unfortunately illustrative of your general lack of knowledge about the law, the internet, ethics, and personal responsibility. Edmund's Town Hall is a privilage, not a right. Verbally attacking a forum moderator and using vulgar words is a clear violation of the Users Agreement (http://u170b.edmunds.com/cgi-bin/townhall/agreement). Threatening a lawsuit is just ridiculous. You couldn't be more wrong on this issue.
Thanks for the Tire info. I looked at them yesterday and i think they will be on my ride when the Firestones wear out.
Also i think the point spoog is making about the recalls is not that some are not miniscule, but that they do show a trend about a mind set on those designing and assembling the truck. I think what he is getting at is if those things have been overlooked, as insignificant as some may be, what else has been overlooked? Also i'm not sure why some recalls show up multiple years in a row. It may be because they didn't find a problem till later and it flowwed down hill so to speak, or it may be inability to correct it a few yaers in a row. I'm not sure, but the second can be a scary thought.
Thanks Again for the Tire info.
Interesting fact for all. BF Goodrich does not make tires. They are licensed out and Michelin makes them. Either way it was news to me.
Enjoy the summer, because we'll be bitching about whose ride is better in the snow sooner than you think......:-)
Cpousnr, I am very selective with the words I write when I post a message for the most part. Thanks for those kind flattering words, but I wasn't upset about the shocking shock stuff. If I were I would have made it several sentences long and my words would have been more intense. Actually, was miffed at the idea that I was egging Spoog on.
In regards to Hillary maybe she might run here for the senate seat in NY. If she does Guliani will give her a good run.
I really do believe that although at times the topic is lacking in civility the participants know when it is time to quit and be somewhat civil. Really what do you expect with a topic called Tacoma VS Ford Ranger? Do you seriously think that everyone will be polite and civil.
It kind of reminds me of the movie "Unforgiven" where the sherrif
The keyboard locked up As I was saying the it kind of reminds me of the movie "Unforgiven" where the sherrif served as the law and wielded his power. Sometimes the power he wielded was just as bad as the deeds that were done.
Sushi, Mistakes are made in spelling words and I am sure they are unintentional. Hey, why don't you grade each of us according to are accuracy in spelling. I hope spelled all the words right
I would have to agree, with a name of a room called Tacoma vs Ranger it sets the tone right away. Kind of like Tyson vs ....., Now that we are all sane, anyone taking off this weekend?
Ok.. but, but not all words are typos you are = you're That's just an example. Sorry guys. I got a bit of luck for the frontier, but it seems that Frontier is a cross between the Tacoma and Ranger, and even MORE economical truck, but lesser in both things.... I just need to test drive them both.
As I said, I often avoid the ' mark justs for speed as my lowly 75 mhz Pentium is soooo slow. Gotta save my money for truck toys and kids college.
What, no comments on the Ranger on the rocks? As I understand it, that was the ONLY way to get down that road. They just dropped the Ranger on the rock,(and, according to the author, the skid plates held just fine with only minor scratches to show for the ordeal) and slide it forward with the help of a jeep. Now it makes me wonder how the FIRST car makes it past that rock. Ain't no King Soopers or Safeway to get the groceries up here, just pure 4 wheel drive fun.
Working on updating my Ranger hompage with some pics from Music Pass but AOL "my place" is not cooperating with the uploads. Check back to my previously posted homepage if interested. Got some fair shots on the rougher parts of the trail and up on top overlooking the valley from where I started. Deer flies were murder up there for some reason, biting like heck.
I REALLY like those forest road pictures of the Cristos. Where exactly is that road? I really like the looks of that area(the more foresty pics) As for the Tacoma clearance, it looks like 10 inches to me. What tires were on that tacoma?
I bet those roads get pretty muddy when it rains hugh? How many times did you bottom out on that road?
Spoog, get over the clearance thing. You have two Ranger owners, both with the same size tire as a Tacoma TRD. The clearance on the Ranger with 31's and Tacoma with 31's is virtually the same!!!. Like I keep telling you. My coworker and I parked his Tacoma TRD and My Ranger XLT side by side and cannot figure out where you get this huge clearance difference????
Sushi, don't forget the Nissan Frontier has only 200ft/lbs of torque compared with the 225 of the Ranger. I guess you have to base it on your personal taste. In my opinion the stance and look of the Frontier is not as aggressive as the Ranger or Tacoma. Also found the backseats to be a joke.
Yeah.... but if the Frontier is cheaper, I might opt for tat. I probably will get a B4000, because it has exactly the options I want and I can build it for cheaper. So I dunno. I like Ford better, but it will of course come down to price.
Thanks The perspective is a bit different when on the road. Go a bit south of Westcliffe and follow the signs to Music Pass. You end up 3-4 miles directly south east of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, a couple of 14teeners, about 3/4 mile below the divide. The road was narrow, rutted, potholed etc but not real muddy, just in spots. All in all it was easier than Medano Pass but it was kinda fun as the slope was to the drivers side.
Hit the transfer case skid once directly on the center rear. Had to straddle some rocks with a pothole on the drivers side and rocks under the passenger tire.
Sushi, I would definitely consider the Nissan Frontier. Like Vince and Cpousnr have said in the past value for the buck. Personally, myself I did not really care for the Frontier's look at first, but after a while it grows with you in a positive way. I did test drive one a while back and did like the ride very much . . . . smooth.
Okay guys came back off roading this weekend at in upstate NY. Near the Southern Tier of NY went river running and along the river with full size F150's and Dodge pickups before heading to the next off road site. Somewhere near between the Catskills and the Southern Tier I went off roading in a boulder filled creek bed up a mountain side. I met up with a Ford Ranger and we exchange some pleasant words about the scenic views. Going further up I met up with a Dodge minivan and I wanted to ask him how did he had gotten to the creek bed. The path the Ranger and I took had mulitple parallel wheel path tracks of harden mud from 5 to 8" deep. I guess he found a better way. Wife was not too please with the rocking motion on the way up the creek from side to side so I turn back and headed for home. Took some great shots of the Taco in the off road trip. I hope to develop them and somehow get them posted on Edmunds.
Anyone use a GPS for off roading. I have been using one for a while and wonder if anyone does also.
In response to the buy American. I am an American through and through. I buy what I feel is the best "value" for my hard earned money. I work for a Japanese company. They treat their employees extremely well. I earn a fair wage, have great benefits. They educate me on new equipment/techniques by sending me to schools all over the U.S. Second, you have to ask what is "American"? Many carmakers source their parts from the same distributors/manufactures. Ford/GM/Dodge have all shifted jobs to Mexico, Brazil, while Toyota/Nissan/Honda have built plants in the U.S. We live in a capatalistic economy where we have so many products to choose from. I have said before, if it wasn't for the imports the UAW and detroit would still be building garbage for cars.
I'm an American, 17 years as a military guy, I'm a pilot. U.S. builds great helo's and airplanes. They suck at auto-building. I will buy foriegn trucks for the rest of my life because those companies take care of the customer. I'm tired of dealing with Fords, Chevys and Dodges. As I watch my friends drive Toyotas, and Nissans while giving me a ride a ride to the ford dealer to once again get my truck out of the shop....I Quit buying American Cars. My wife has been driving BMW's for 5 years and I have not not had a single problem with it. And BMW writes me a poistcard once a month just to make sure I am happy with the vehicle.....And Damnit...I am!!! Goodbye American cars forever!!
I agree with you on the value issue,I think the new tundra is made in the US.I know the mazda is made in the US,I'm not sure where the tacoma is made.I drive a ford which was made in canada.I would prefer to buy american but to tell you the truth foreign and american cars probably have parts which are made from all over the place so who knows what you are getting.
Like I said before, you're trying to convince yourself you're doing the the right thing when you send your money overseas.. Just look at the trade deficits with alot of these countries where the locals can't afford even the basic vehicle that these high profit companies produce. You can explain to your children and grandchildren that the reason he can't find a decent job in the good ole USA is we don't make anything anymore because people like some of you guys think no further than their wallets. I've owned AMERICAN MADE CARS AND TRUCKS for thirty years and have zero complaints so the the 'quality' crutch just dosen't do it. Quit setting around patting each other on the back hoping to convince each you've done the right thing because you've got an extra inch of ground clearance. Machines break down and wear out so you can expect to have cars serviced from time to time so just do the right thing..BUY AMERICAN.. and quit using flimsy excuses for caving in to all the cute commercials and hype. Also 'barlitz' the mazda is nothing but a re=badged RANGER. THINK!!!
Hey guys... I have no idead what this guy is arguing about. he says buy amerian, yet his arguments make no sense... oh well. He can do what he wants when he wants how he wants, the hell cares.
I think we should start a Ranger vs Nissan room now.....
the Tacoma is made at GM/Toyota's mutual venture plant (NUMMI) in Fremont, CALIFORNIA, USA...Same plant a Chev and Toyo clone came from a few models back but I can't remember the name now...Cars now adays are "world cars". Check the sticker and you'll find parts coming from all over the world in your AMERICAN car or truck. quality is the main factor, and reputation. Dealer service a biggie and we've all see horror stories there. Toyo dealers at the bottom of the barrel, per Consumer's Reports and my personal experience. Their arrogance astounds me, but there are some decent ones out there..you just have to seek them out. Remember that no matter how "dependable" your vehicle is you will eventually need it repaired. My recommendation is when you're thinking of a vehicle part of your research should include stoping by the dealer on a Monday morning when they open, have their free continental breakfast (believe it or not my local Ford/Mazd dealer has this)and see which vehicles are limping in. Listen to the owner's complaints and see how receptive the service writer is. Is your chosen vehicle model lined up in droves??? You might want to reconsider your choice. Wish I had done this before I bought my Jeep GC. Good luck, again.
this is just for you tacoma owners out there, i dont know of any ranger 4x4 clubs but this is THE best site for information about your tacomas plus it has chapters in many states so you can join for FREE. check it out: www.tacomaterritory.com
You may not own any foreign cars, but are you telling us that your house is devoid of foreign products? If you had some knowledge you would know that the US trade deficit has been the result of exporting raw materials, produce, beef, and poulty, while we import manufactured goods.
Comments
You're = You are
It's Loser, not Looser.
Just checking.
1 reason for not considering a Toyota: overpriced(if new,close to sticker or if used,resale value too high for its actual value)
I was just jerking your chain on the "Lie" thing. Honestly, pure sarcasm. It had nothing to do with the data or the debate.
Enjoy :~)
The BFG's are great snow performers. Best snow tire I have ever owned. Have them on F-150 for 2 Colorado winters, including the October Blizzard of 1997 (30+ inches). The only moving vehicles out at the time were the National Guard Hummers and my F-150. This was not by choice, but the road was blocked between where I was at the time, and where I live, by a bus that slid sideways. I was looking for a way to get through. Anyway, take lots of trips to the mountains for skiing and they have always provided excellent traction. Recommend them highly.
Yes the room is for Ford Ranger owners and it is expected there should be consideration given to not to be offending. Then again when you chat amoung yourselves about Spoog in the Ranger topic what do you expect. No I have not recall you ever posting in the Tacoma topic, but then again who am I to say you should not. It is a consideration given to be respectful of others. Even if I did say to Spoog that he should not post messages in the Ranger Topic do you think he is going to heed my advice. Fact is that Spoog will do his thing regardless of what I say or whomever. He is an individual with given rights that I or no one should deny.
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Your in error, the shocks on the Ranger are 1/2 inch above the bottom of the differential."
In a previous post here is what I had written down. " What I would like to know why does the Ranger have the shocks at or below the rear differential?"
I never said the bottom of the differential period.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You egg spoog on with references to "keep it up"
In a earlier post I had written this:
"Spoog,
Just keep plugging at it. All though I may not
agree with all you say I wouldn't want this topic
to be one sided. Always good to see differing views even though you may not agree."
Now I was referring to a person that wanted Spoog to be silent. I believe in free speech as long as it is not explicitly vulgar. I don't agree with Vince sometimes, but he has all the right to post comments. If you don't agree with what I said and if you want Spoog to be silent then you better put me on the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Regarding the clearance I would like myself to see more different topics other then clearance. It is not the fact I am trying to hide anything, but after a while it gets stale. Like talk about the 5 speed automatic vs. the 4 spd automatic, the 4 door option vs. the two door, the side facing seats vs the front facing seats, the different options available and so on.
There is no need to get bent out of shape. To me life is a given and you take what is given and just go on.
Thanks for the info on the angles.
In regard to me quoting from 4 wheeler, they had positives to say about the 4 wheel drive engagement but just didn't (sushi, usually do not, or don't put in the "'" for speed of entry) like the switch knob. Those guys like the feel of the shifter I guess. I would disagree with you in that the automatic, as stated in the article, does not perform as well as the automatic in the test situations. Also, I recognize the point you make with service issues but for the life of me do not care if the 1996 Ranger had one written against an incorrect tire pressure label or one identifying how to resurface the 1995 Ranger disk rotors. That is the kind of stuff the majority of those things are for both the Ranger and Tacoma. I simply does not effect my vehicle. That is where I am coming from. Since, as vince states, there are more Rangers produced than Tacomas (cannot find an accurate number for the number of Tacomas sold) maybe that is one reason why there are more posted against Rangers.
hindsite:
Was not bent out of shape, my friend. I was agreeing with you in the regard of one of your comments.
Thanks for clearing up the other issues. I did not take the time to search back a hundred of so post for accuracy of the comment, my error. I agree and do not mind differing opinions but when presented with fact such as "I went out there, climbed under both vehicles and measured the damn thing.", a bit of concession may be in order.
Don't be so thin skinned on the shocks issue, just tweeking you a bit. You, more than most, have been more balanced in your postings.
Thanks for clearing up things but send me a "Run Hillery Run bumper sitcker for my front bumper!
deltoid1:
Cannot answer but try here:
http://www.fordranger.com/
Many boards with a lot of sages of wisdom that have been there and done that. They have done things with Ranges that would even make spoog drool.
Well I would never say the Ranger is the better vehicle other than it is a good value for what you pay. The perception of alue differes with the individual. The Tacoma has many strenghs in the areas of pure 4 wheeling and I have numerous times commented that the TRD configuration is a very impressive vehicle. I would like to see the Ford SVT (Special Vehicle Team) work on something like the TRD for Ford. They do now but in limited quanities. You can get a Ranger with a 305 V8 that screams.
In the moutains, I do not really care if I get there faster or take all the difficult paths. I stop a lot, look for animals, take some pics then go on.
People have different tastes.
Spoog my friend that that TRD out and take your agressions out on a mountain someplace!
spoog, despite the large number of NSTA bullitens on the Ranger, if I choose to believe that the Ranger is, all things considered, as good of a truck as the Tacoma for my needs, and budget, then that is my opinion, I am not wrong, you just don't agree. Your almost maniacal defense of your truck is seriously over the top, who are you trying to convince? Personally, if I were in the market for a compact pickup right now, I would probably get a Nissan Frontier.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also, you obviously have no idea how this and most other internet boards work. It is perfectly within Edmund's rights to close a topic and even ban certain users. This Town Hall is the equivilent of a private business, much like any store or shop open to the public and they have every right to refuse service for any reason they see fit. Your little rant about the First Ammendment is unfortunately illustrative of your general lack of knowledge about the law, the internet, ethics, and personal responsibility. Edmund's Town Hall is a privilage, not a right. Verbally attacking a forum moderator and using vulgar words is a clear violation of the Users Agreement (http://u170b.edmunds.com/cgi-bin/townhall/agreement). Threatening a lawsuit is just ridiculous. You couldn't be more wrong on this issue.
Thanks for the Tire info. I looked at them yesterday and i think they will be on my ride when the Firestones wear out.
Also i think the point spoog is making about the recalls is not that some are not miniscule, but that they do show a trend about a mind set on those designing and assembling the truck. I think what he is getting at is if those things have been overlooked, as insignificant as some may be, what else has been overlooked? Also i'm not sure why some recalls show up multiple years in a row. It may be because they didn't find a problem till later and it flowwed down hill so to speak, or it may be inability to correct it a few yaers in a row. I'm not sure, but the second can be a scary thought.
Thanks Again for the Tire info.
Interesting fact for all. BF Goodrich does not make tires. They are licensed out and Michelin makes them. Either way it was news to me.
Enjoy the summer, because we'll be bitching about whose ride is better in the snow sooner than you think......:-)
-wsn
I am very selective with the words I write when I post a message for the most part. Thanks for those kind flattering words, but I wasn't upset about the shocking shock stuff. If I were I would have made it several sentences long and my words would have been more intense. Actually, was miffed at the idea that I was egging Spoog on.
In regards to Hillary maybe she might run here for the senate seat in NY. If she does Guliani will give her a good run.
I really do believe that although at times the topic is lacking in civility the participants know when it is time to quit and be somewhat civil. Really what do you expect with a topic called Tacoma VS Ford Ranger? Do you seriously think that everyone will be polite and civil.
It kind of reminds me of the movie "Unforgiven" where the sherrif
http://www.fordranger.com/offroad/11422.html
Now can we agree that an inch or so of extra clearance won't help here?!?
As I was saying the it kind of reminds me of the movie "Unforgiven" where the sherrif served as the law and wielded his power. Sometimes the power he wielded was just as bad as the deeds that were done.
Mistakes are made in spelling words and I am sure they are unintentional. Hey, why don't you grade each of us according to are accuracy in spelling. I hope spelled all the words right
PS Any lock on the Nisan Fronteir? LOL
Sorry, but I like to converse in a free
and open forum, where things are not censored and deleted for whatever reason.
This behavior sadens and disgusts me.
If anyone knows of any better place to carry this topic on, in say a 4x4 newsgroup or something like that, Post the URL or info up here.
Take care
Spoog
you are = you're
That's just an example. Sorry guys.
I got a bit of luck for the frontier, but it seems that Frontier is a cross between the Tacoma and Ranger, and even MORE economical truck, but lesser in both things.... I just need to test drive them both.
As I said, I often avoid the ' mark justs for speed as my lowly 75 mhz Pentium is soooo slow.
Gotta save my money for truck toys and kids college.
What, no comments on the Ranger on the rocks? As I understand it, that was the ONLY way to get down that road. They just dropped the Ranger on the rock,(and, according to the author, the skid plates held just fine with only minor scratches to show for the ordeal) and slide it forward with the help of a jeep. Now it makes me wonder how the FIRST car makes it past that rock. Ain't no King Soopers or Safeway to get the groceries up here, just pure 4 wheel drive fun.
Working on updating my Ranger hompage with some pics from Music Pass but AOL "my place" is not cooperating with the uploads. Check back to my previously posted homepage if interested. Got some fair shots on the rougher parts of the trail and up on top overlooking the valley from where I started. Deer flies were murder up there for some reason, biting like heck.
Why, thats like buying an S-10 my friend.
Well, if you come to colorado I will remember to put a tow rope in the truck to give you a tug as I 4 wheel by. . .
Hilarious!!!!!
So, the Tacoma is the larger cat, right? .......
Updated my Ranger homepage with Music Pass pics:
http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/index1.html
Last pic should end the question of rear clearance. You can count 6 1/2 ticks on the tape and the tape holder is 3 inches to equal 9.5.
Sorry tacoma owners, do not know what Toyota was measuring when it printed the 12 inch clearance statement. Maybe to the top of the differential.
Cristos. Where exactly is that road? I really like the looks of that area(the more foresty pics)
As for the Tacoma clearance, it looks like 10 inches to me. What tires were on that tacoma?
I bet those roads get pretty muddy when it rains hugh? How many times did you bottom out on that road?
The perspective is a bit different when on the road. Go a bit south of Westcliffe and follow the signs to Music Pass. You end up 3-4 miles directly south east of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, a couple of 14teeners, about 3/4 mile below the divide. The road was narrow, rutted, potholed etc but not real muddy, just in spots.
All in all it was easier than Medano Pass but it was kinda fun as the slope was to the drivers side.
Hit the transfer case skid once directly on the center rear. Had to straddle some rocks with a pothole on the drivers side and rocks under the passenger tire.
I would definitely consider the Nissan Frontier. Like Vince and Cpousnr have said in the past value for the buck. Personally, myself I did not really care for the Frontier's look at first, but after a while it grows with you in a positive way. I did test drive one a while back and did like the ride very much . . . . smooth.
Somewhere near between the Catskills and the Southern Tier I went off roading in a boulder filled creek bed up a mountain side. I met up with a Ford Ranger and we exchange some pleasant words about the scenic views. Going further up I met up with a Dodge minivan and I wanted to ask him how did he had gotten to the creek bed. The path the Ranger and I took had mulitple parallel wheel path tracks of harden mud from 5 to 8" deep. I guess he found a better way. Wife was not too please with the rocking motion on the way up the creek from side to side so I turn back and headed for home. Took some great shots of the Taco in the off road trip. I hope to develop them and somehow get them posted on Edmunds.
Anyone use a GPS for off roading. I have been using one for a while and wonder if anyone does also.
Second, you have to ask what is "American"? Many carmakers source their parts from the same distributors/manufactures. Ford/GM/Dodge have all shifted jobs to Mexico, Brazil, while Toyota/Nissan/Honda have built plants in the U.S.
We live in a capatalistic economy where we have so many products to choose from. I have said before, if it wasn't for the imports the UAW and detroit would still be building garbage for cars.
My dad feels the same way about his Cirrus, and his American butt is riding around on seats built in Mexico.....!
-wsn
I think we should start a Ranger vs Nissan room now.....