I know you asked vince the question about automatics and manual transmissions.I am curious about your reasoning for preferring the manual in a 4x4.Could you please elaborate?
The choice in tranny can be attributed partly to personal choice, but the degree difficulty of off roading should have a big part in the decision process. Personally I have seen too many failures in auto-trannies as far as over heating and mechanical failures. I feel as if I have more control over a vehicle with a manual tranny (ex. if in sand, I might prefer to move forward with less torque, just drop it in 2nd, and I'm fine). I'm sure most can manage with an auto, but what can I say, I'm not most people. I can't stand when the tranny decides what gear I run in. My last vehicle was a 1980 Jeep CJ-7 Laredo with a 258 i6 4spd manual(which was a great vehicle, just got tired of putting money into maintenance and repairs, sold it last December and got a frontier)
I agree that it is a personal preference.I have seen the same types of failures in automatics.but I have also seen some pretty good clutch failures. I prefer the automatic over the stick in most cases.You have to insure that the heating of the trans is taken care of.Once that is accomplished,the trans should give you good service.I usually shift my auto manually so I can keep it in the power range when I need it.
I too prefer an auto tranny over a manual when off-roading. I like to be able to focus on the trail and the obstacles and not have to worry about shifting. Also, sometimes when a group of us go we use cb's or cell phones to communicate and you can't very well navigate a trail, shift, and talk on a cd/phone all at once. Just too much hassle for me. Also, Auto tranny's can tow more than manuals which helps if you ever need to tow anything like a camper or whatever back into the bush. I think it's all personal preference though. Just as many auto trannys can fail as standards. But for me, an auto is much more convenient/easy when out I'm out in the woods somewhere.
I'm getting an auto Ranger simply because the towing capacity is higher than the manual. But it aint always so. The Nissan web site rates the 4-cyl manual Frontier at 3500lb towing capacity and the auto at 2000lb. For the V6 the numbers are 3500lb and 5000lb as you might expect.
For me, I like the control of the manual, but I really don't do any offroading, I have a fourcylinder 4x2 x-cab, but I think it helped out the couple of times I went through some washed out sand roads that were real muddy at the beach, I downshifted when I need the torque, and upshifted so I wouldn't spin the tires. I may be trading mine in on an Xterra or the new desert runner when it comes out later this year, if I do, I will probably go with the auto because it tows more and I may be getting a bigger boat than what I have been towing around. Plus then I will have the LSD, so I think that will negate the advantage of being able to up shift to keep from getting stuck.
Yes, I too noticed that the Frontier has a higher tow rating for the 4cyl manual versus the automatic. In fact, 3500lb for any 4cyl manual seems quite high. Has anyone out there actually towed anything +3000lb behind a 4cyl manual Frontier? If so, how did it go?
I've got an old V6 Ranger, I'm picking up a new truck sometime this summer. I need to tow about 3000lb and wondered if th 4cyl Frontier would do the trick. I prefer manual for the better MPG and cheaper price. Ditto 4cyl versus 6cyl.
The Crashtest stites speak for themselves. Yes, the 2000 Frontier is on there if you look. www.crashtest.com and the Frontier doesn't fair well at Edmunds either in crash test results. I have a 5spd manual in my Ranger with 3.73 limited slip rearend. And contrary to popular belief I do have plates the protect my gas tank, and diff. I have heavy duty shocks too, so I don't get this "wheel hopp" everyone speaks of. Believe me, this weekend I will take time..... Why is it ok you bring in the new 3.5 on the pathfinder, but when I mention other Ford engines I get slammed?? The 3.5 will compete more with the V8's offered in the Explorer's. All in all Nissan is but a little nat in comparison to Ford. If I remember right, Ford didn't need bailing out...
Apparently YOU did not look.The pictures and data show a 1999 Frontier. The wheel hop on your Ranger.The heavy duty shocks will not take it out.It will minimize the severity.The only reasons I can come up with as to why you do not experience it is: 1.You do not know what it is. 2.Your truck does not have enough power to spin the tires in the dirt 3.You are telling a bald faced lie. You get slammed becuse you cannot seem to get your stories straight.If the topic is narrowed to just the engines available in these 2 vehicles you bring in other engines on other vehicles.When there is a response to that you cry foul. Make up your mind where you want the topic.
3000lb seems like a heck of a lot for a 4cyl with 154 ft/lbs torque. If it's a boat you're pulling then I'm sure you'll need the V6, otherwise you'll have problems getting it out of the water.
Well, I finally bought a Frontier! I gave up on the XE and purchased a fully loaded SE automatic 4x4. The color is Salsa and I think it looks pretty sharp. I got a pretty good deal on it and they gave me more than I expected on my Ranger. I can't wait till its broken in so I don't have to baby it. So far I love it! I'll miss my 5-speed Ranger. It was slow (4 Cyl.), but it was fun to drive and didn't owe me a dime. Thanks to all for your responses and opinions.
dannyg, For what it's worth, I agree with steveeast. If you have a boat get the V-6, even if you stay with the std. tranny you'll have more torque for pulling up ramps.
Salt, Congrats!!!!!! You'll be lookin' for excuses to drive it now.
Why do you guys even bother trying to reason with vince8. I think somebody posted this earlier, but he comes in and gets everybody worked up in this frenzy then disappears for a while,then we all have meaningful discussions with each other while he's gone, then he pops in spurts off a comment(usually directed at cncman) then reads the rebutal( I know he does) then disappears...and on and on. We know he can't comprhend what he reads, because I shut him down several times in this topic and the S/T v. C.C. topic, as have the rest of you. Yeah, I know this topic is Ranger v. Frontier and there's nothing wrong with discussing the differences between the two models or brands for that matter(in fact I find it very informative) but, this guy Vince8 never makes sense never, never, never. He doesn't understand the following: Marketing, Sales, Source of Research, Answering questions(it would be nice if the answers had a point, but I won't push it), Admitting that another view might be correct because the prior staement made by him was premature and made without comprehension of every article that he posted! I think the only area he's might be capable to discuss reasonable is maybe tooling but who knows.
Thanks for the advice. Yes, I'm towing a boat, about 3000lb including trailer. My old 2.8L V6 Ranger does a decent job with it, I was hoping a 2.4L 4cyl might do the trick. But I'll stick with a V6 to be on the safe side.
Shut me down!?? don't think so... As far as making sense, it seems you guys just want to make your own sense. The Crashtest FINAL ratings data doesn't lie. I gave you TWO places that say the same thing!@!! The Supercharger is a bandaid for the 3.3, as much as you don't think it is. Without it Nissan would get absolutly stomped by both Ford, Toyota, and Chevy in the engine HP/Torque department. Hmm... also funny how the Ranger continues to outsell the Frontier almost 5 to 1!! Ranger is ranked 4th sales/popularity, Frontier didn't even rank! LOL. The consumer rules! And I'll be back with 4x4 data, not 4x2. Once again, as far as wheel hop, I DON'T have it. You just can't face the fact that someone is a Ford fan and has real life experience to back it up with pics! You all may think I'm this Ford fanatic. I bought my wife a 1998 Contour SE V6 5spd and I am ready to get rid of it. Car runs fine, drives fine, just too small for the family, and I got a 10% raise!!. So, time to move up the food chain. Going this weekend to look at a Honda EX, Camry LE, Maxima, Saturn LS1 and a VW Jetta. My wife likes 5spds so it seems as though many of the Domestics are out of the picture. See, I'm not so narrow minded as some of you are!
>You just can't face the fact that someone is a >Ford fan and has real life experience to back it >upwith pics!
Heh, I had plenty of real life experience with Ford and needless to say, I'm not a fan of any Ford product, particlarly the Ranger with all the tranny problems. But I don't mind talking pros/cons of Rangers and Frontiers, etc in an informative way. But face it, Vince is here to troll and stir up the pot. Always has been. I've seen Vince on these boards for years and in every room he does exactly what he does here. And I still can't figure out why Vince has a problem (nor do I care) with Nissan adding a supercharger to the Frontier, but is silent as a mouse when Ford Motor Company is adding one to the weak 3.9 V8.
And why is the 2001 Ranger being outfitted with all the same options the Frontier already has??? Blueoval can provide you more info (and while you're there Vince, check out all the articles on the lawsuits consumers have against Ford. Frightening).
In preparation of cygnusx1's post 535. Here are instructions vince to answer to his post.
>>And I still can't figure >>out why Vince has a problem (nor do I care) with >>Nissan adding a supercharger to the Frontier, >>but is silent as a mouse when Ford Motor >>Company is adding one to the weak 3.9 V8.
Instructions: 1.) Read the post, comprehend it (if you have trouble understanding it, I will pay for the hooked on phonics course) 2.) Make intelligent response to the question, not an exagerated, Ford sells 5 to 1 over Nissan (you see, that response does not answer the question, this is where your comprehension comes in) 3.) Press post, and if you have followed the instructions, more readers will be willing to listen.
Oh, and we want to see more pretty pictures of you backing up your real life experiences, you known the ones. Maybe one that you are actually on a trail (using the 4x4 feature)
DO NOT SKIM THIS RESPONSE YOU NEED TO READ THIS ALL THE WAY THOROUGH!!!!!
What's wrong with your brain, man? Is the air up there too thin? You should have a cat-scan done to see if they can help your brain abnoramalities.
How dare you say you are going to look at the Nissan Maxima this weekend. DON'T YOU DARE!!!!! You or your family don't deserve that privilige. How can you possibily say you are even thinking of looking at a Nissan after (going out of your way to pick fights with cncman) posting links, quotes and the such about the Renault issue! You're last post really put the nail in the coffin, if anybody out there thought you might be heading toward a point...they just saw the light! I can't believe you tried to sugar-coat your reponse by throwing in the Maxima...hahaha...you might want to have someone proof-read your reponses before you post them!
By the way, when you don't repond to a certain point and dodge it the way you do and end up having to leave the other person dangling...uh you got SHUT DOWN!
Well everyone beat me to it, I guess that's what happens when you are busy selling those lousy nissans oops I mean Renaults, or whatever Vince says they are this week. It looks like I was right on the bet, did anyone take me up on it? Well I think you guys are right, we devote too much energy trying to explain things to Vince that he will never understand. Vince you said you would answer all of the questions if we answered yours, so what's up with that? And where are the great posts you already said you had? But seriously, I hope you have a great time car shopping, if you want a real driver's car, then the maxima or passat are better choices, and the camry and accord really don't stack up against that maxima, you would be better off comparing against a 3.2tl or an Es300. But why would you look at a Nissan if you think they are going to go under soon?
Well back to the intelligent discussions, Salt, sounds great, many years of enjoyment with your frontier, how did you end up getting it? PS could you share with us your reasons for not going with a ranger again, it doesn't sound like you had problems with it or anything I would be interested in your views on this.
I forget who originally asked about the towing with the 4 cylinder, I towed with my 4x2 4cylinder x-cab 5spd my friend's boat twice, he figures with the gear it is just over 3,000 lbs. It did really good, kept its speed going up the bridges, and accelerated ok on the straight aways, I only tow occaisionally, but I think if I were to tow more often, I would go with the 6, just maybe for wear and tear reasons.
Well things have been going great for us this year, the Xterras are still flying off of the lot, the crew cabs are getting to be in short supply now too, the new sentra has received an overwhelming response, and the other vehicles are still going strong too, I can't wait for the new 01 frontiers to come out, should be alot of fun. I hope someday we get some of the nice vehicles in Japan, anyone seen the new Silvia, I think it is one of the best looking cars I have seen period, check out freshalloy.com, I think i like the hardtop better though, kinda looks like a ferrari roofline. Well that's all for now, Later.
Ok vince I will believe that you do not have wheel hop.You have either spent the money to have the SPRINGS AND SHOCKS (you did say you had heavy duty shocks)changed to an aftermarket ie Rancho etc.OR your truck does not have enough power to spin the rear tires and load the suspension.That should not be the case after all the stuff you posted about HP.I know for a FACT that your truck with the stock option of the off road package will hop the rear suspension.I have 1999, and 2000 Rangers in my fleet and they have ALL of the options and they ALL hop.The ones that we have to use extensively off road we change out the springs and shocks.It helps quite a bit. vince,as far as your pics go,WHAT A JOKE.They prove WHAT?NOTHING except that somebody took a half way decent picture of a truck.That proves nothing.You have given NO REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES.You have not said anything to crrelate anything you have EVER said.The statement of I go out and 4x4 each weekend means nothing,because there is no substance to it.All you have is somebody else's article,experience,review,etc.NEVER anything from you.I stand corrected,once you did say something with substance that was from you. It is funny that you want to look for 4x4 data.If you have so much experience,why do you have to LOOK for the data.You should already know it.I know I do.
Has anyone ever thought of the Ford modo? "Have you driven a Ford lately?" It's almost as if they are admitting they have or had bad quality.
Why is it Vince I hardly see people complain about their Nissans, but see Ford Complaints all the time (even Salt bought a Frontier after getting rid of his Ranger)? Why is it that it seems to be 5 to 1 ratio of Nissan Frontier Owners to 1 Ranger owner in this topic even though you stated ranger out sells 5 to 1 over the frontier. You and cthompson are the only ones I ever see fighting for the ranger.
And it's not hard for me to take a 4cyl 4x2 to a trail, park it in front of a sign, spray mud on it and get it dirty. Then take a picture and say I went offroading and I have experience. WOW, that is some real life experience. I can't stand people who always have to exaggerate and lie to be right (or at least appear right). So by me taking a 4cyl 4x2 out, getting it dirty, and saying I'm experienced does not make me experienced just because I take a picture (it just so happens that if I took my 1980 jeep cj7 out and did the same thing it would look more believable), and trust me Vince, just because you have a 4.0 4x4 ranger, I and everyone else in no way shape or form can believe you can even jump a curb.
Hey everyone. Just wanted to pass on that last week I had the extra 12v adapter put in my XE, where the blank already is by the airbag shutoff switch, it is not that expensive, it was only $7 for the parts and I paid my tech $20 to put it in, sure comes in handy, now I can run my radar detector and charge my cell phone.
SUperjim; yes they did, we had oppossing views starting around post490 and 494, did you have something new to add?
Back in March I ordered a 4x4 SE CC automatic, sand dune, with grey cloth. A few days later the dealer called to say that the grey cloth was no longer available for 2000. He said he would be able to order a 2001 in April. With a 90 day delivery date I should have it in July. I really did not want the beige cloth, and I like the new design. So I decided to hold out for the 2001. Here it is mid May and the dealer still is not able to order the 2001's. Does anyone know when the factory stopped 2000 production and when they will start up the 2001 frontier assembly line`.
Comments
I prefer the automatic over the stick in most cases.You have to insure that the heating of the trans is taken care of.Once that is accomplished,the trans should give you good service.I usually shift my auto manually so I can keep it in the power range when I need it.
anything like a camper or whatever back into the bush. I think it's all personal preference though. Just as many auto trannys can fail as standards. But for me, an auto is much more convenient/easy when out I'm out in the woods somewhere.
sand roads that were real muddy at the beach, I downshifted when I need the torque, and upshifted so I wouldn't spin the tires. I may be trading mine in on an Xterra or the new desert runner when it comes out later this year, if I do, I will probably go with the auto because it tows more and I may be getting a bigger boat than what I have been towing around. Plus then I will have the LSD,
so I think that will negate the advantage of being able to up shift to keep from getting stuck.
I've got an old V6 Ranger, I'm picking up a new truck sometime this summer. I need to tow about 3000lb and wondered if th 4cyl Frontier would do the trick. I prefer manual for the better MPG and cheaper price. Ditto 4cyl versus 6cyl.
I have a 5spd manual in my Ranger with 3.73 limited slip rearend. And contrary to popular belief I do have plates the protect my gas tank, and diff. I have heavy duty shocks too, so I don't get this "wheel hopp" everyone speaks of.
Believe me, this weekend I will take time.....
Why is it ok you bring in the new 3.5 on the pathfinder, but when I mention other Ford engines I get slammed?? The 3.5 will compete more with the V8's offered in the Explorer's. All in all Nissan is but a little nat in comparison to Ford. If I remember right, Ford didn't need bailing out...
The wheel hop on your Ranger.The heavy duty shocks will not take it out.It will minimize the severity.The only reasons I can come up with as to why you do not experience it is:
1.You do not know what it is.
2.Your truck does not have enough power to spin the tires in the dirt
3.You are telling a bald faced lie.
You get slammed becuse you cannot seem to get your stories straight.If the topic is narrowed to just the engines available in these 2 vehicles you bring in other engines on other vehicles.When there is a response to that you cry foul.
Make up your mind where you want the topic.
3000lb seems like a heck of a lot for a 4cyl with 154 ft/lbs torque. If it's a boat you're pulling then I'm sure you'll need the V6, otherwise you'll have problems getting it out of the water.
For what it's worth, I agree with steveeast. If you have a boat get the V-6, even if you stay with the std. tranny you'll have more torque for pulling up ramps.
Salt,
Congrats!!!!!! You'll be lookin' for excuses to drive it now.
Why do you guys even bother trying to reason with vince8. I think somebody posted this earlier, but he comes in and gets everybody worked up in this frenzy then disappears for a while,then we all have meaningful discussions with each other while he's gone, then he pops in spurts off a comment(usually directed at cncman) then reads the rebutal( I know he does) then disappears...and on and on. We know he can't comprhend what he reads, because I shut him down several times in this topic and the S/T v. C.C. topic, as have the rest of you. Yeah, I know this topic is Ranger v. Frontier and there's nothing wrong with discussing the differences between the two models or brands for that matter(in fact I find it very informative) but, this guy Vince8 never makes sense never, never, never. He doesn't understand the following: Marketing, Sales, Source of Research, Answering questions(it would be nice if the answers had a point, but I won't push it), Admitting that another view might be correct because the prior staement made by him was premature and made without comprehension of every article that he posted! I think the only area he's might be capable to discuss reasonable is maybe tooling but who knows.
The Supercharger is a bandaid for the 3.3, as much as you don't think it is. Without it Nissan would get absolutly stomped by both Ford, Toyota, and Chevy in the engine HP/Torque department.
Hmm... also funny how the Ranger continues to outsell the Frontier almost 5 to 1!! Ranger is ranked 4th sales/popularity, Frontier didn't even rank! LOL. The consumer rules! And I'll be back with 4x4 data, not 4x2.
Once again, as far as wheel hop, I DON'T have it. You just can't face the fact that someone is a Ford fan and has real life experience to back it up with pics!
You all may think I'm this Ford fanatic. I bought my wife a 1998 Contour SE V6 5spd and I am ready to get rid of it. Car runs fine, drives fine, just too small for the family, and I got a 10% raise!!. So, time to move up the food chain. Going this weekend to look at a Honda EX, Camry LE, Maxima, Saturn LS1 and a VW Jetta. My wife likes 5spds so it seems as though many of the Domestics are out of the picture. See, I'm not so narrow minded as some of you are!
>Ford fan and has real life experience to back it >upwith pics!
Heh, I had plenty of real life experience with Ford and needless to say, I'm not a fan of any Ford product, particlarly the Ranger with all the tranny problems. But I don't mind talking pros/cons of Rangers and Frontiers, etc in an informative way. But face it, Vince is here to troll and stir up the pot. Always has been. I've seen Vince on these boards for years and in every room he does exactly what he does here. And I still can't figure out why Vince has a problem (nor do I care) with Nissan adding a supercharger to the Frontier, but is silent as a mouse when Ford Motor Company is adding one to the weak 3.9 V8.
And why is the 2001 Ranger being outfitted with all the same options the Frontier already has??? Blueoval can provide you more info (and while you're there Vince, check out all the articles on the lawsuits consumers have against Ford. Frightening).
"Ford and Mazda plan to lay off 945 workers at their joint-venture plant in Flat Rock because the cars made there aren't selling."
945 workers! Yikes!
>>And I still can't figure
>>out why Vince has a problem (nor do I care) with
>>Nissan adding a supercharger to the Frontier, >>but is silent as a mouse when Ford Motor >>Company is adding one to the weak 3.9 V8.
Instructions:
1.) Read the post, comprehend it (if you have trouble understanding it, I will pay for the hooked on phonics course)
2.) Make intelligent response to the question, not an exagerated, Ford sells 5 to 1 over Nissan (you see, that response does not answer the question, this is where your comprehension comes in)
3.) Press post, and if you have followed the instructions, more readers will be willing to listen.
Oh, and we want to see more pretty pictures of you backing up your real life experiences, you known the ones. Maybe one that you are actually on a trail (using the 4x4 feature)
What's wrong with your brain, man? Is the air up there too thin? You should have a cat-scan done to see if they can help your brain abnoramalities.
How dare you say you are going to look at the Nissan Maxima this weekend. DON'T YOU DARE!!!!! You or your family don't deserve that privilige. How can you possibily say you are even thinking of looking at a Nissan after (going out of your way to pick fights with cncman) posting links, quotes and the such about the Renault issue! You're last post really put the nail in the coffin, if anybody out there thought you might be heading toward a point...they just saw the light! I can't believe you tried to sugar-coat your reponse by throwing in the Maxima...hahaha...you might want to have someone proof-read your reponses before you post them!
By the way, when you don't repond to a certain point and dodge it the way you do and end up having to leave the other person dangling...uh you got SHUT DOWN!
Well back to the intelligent discussions,
Salt, sounds great, many years of enjoyment with your frontier, how did you end up getting it? PS could you share with us your reasons for not going with a ranger again, it doesn't sound like you had problems with it or anything I would be interested in your views on this.
I forget who originally asked about the towing with the 4 cylinder, I towed with my 4x2 4cylinder x-cab 5spd my friend's boat twice, he figures with the gear it is just over 3,000 lbs. It did really good, kept its speed going up the bridges, and accelerated ok on the straight aways, I only tow occaisionally, but I think if I were to tow more often, I would go with the 6, just maybe for wear and tear reasons.
Well things have been going great for us this year, the Xterras are still flying off of the lot, the crew cabs are getting to be in short supply now too, the new sentra has received an overwhelming response, and the other vehicles are still going strong too, I can't wait for the new 01 frontiers to come out, should be alot of fun. I hope someday we get some of the nice vehicles in Japan, anyone seen the new Silvia, I think it is one of the best looking cars I have seen period,
check out freshalloy.com, I think i like the hardtop better though, kinda looks like a ferrari roofline. Well that's all for now,
Later.
vince,as far as your pics go,WHAT A JOKE.They prove WHAT?NOTHING except that somebody took a half way decent picture of a truck.That proves nothing.You have given NO REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES.You have not said anything to crrelate anything you have EVER said.The statement of I go out and 4x4 each weekend means nothing,because there is no substance to it.All you have is somebody else's article,experience,review,etc.NEVER anything from you.I stand corrected,once you did say something with substance that was from you.
It is funny that you want to look for 4x4 data.If you have so much experience,why do you have to LOOK for the data.You should already know it.I know I do.
"Have you driven a Ford lately?"
It's almost as if they are admitting they have or had bad quality.
Why is it Vince I hardly see people complain about their Nissans, but see Ford Complaints all the time (even Salt bought a Frontier after getting rid of his Ranger)? Why is it that it seems to be 5 to 1 ratio of Nissan Frontier Owners to 1 Ranger owner in this topic even though you stated ranger out sells 5 to 1 over the frontier. You and cthompson are the only ones I ever see fighting for the ranger.
And it's not hard for me to take a 4cyl 4x2 to a trail, park it in front of a sign, spray mud on it and get it dirty. Then take a picture and say I went offroading and I have experience. WOW, that is some real life experience. I can't stand people who always have to exaggerate and lie to be right (or at least appear right). So by me taking a 4cyl 4x2 out, getting it dirty, and saying I'm experienced does not make me experienced just because I take a picture (it just so happens that if I took my 1980 jeep cj7 out and did the same thing it would look more believable), and trust me Vince, just because you have a 4.0 4x4 ranger, I and everyone else in no way shape or form can believe you can even jump a curb.
Just wanted to pass on that last week I had the extra 12v adapter put in my XE, where the blank already is by the airbag shutoff switch, it is not that expensive, it was only $7 for the parts and I paid my tech $20 to put it in, sure comes in handy, now I can run my radar detector and charge my cell phone.
SUperjim;
yes they did, we had oppossing views starting around post490 and 494, did you have something new to add?
this topic has been "frozen." Please continue these discussions in Topic 1932 Frontier vs Ranger - II. Thanks!
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