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Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier
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Comments
The Tacoma is not on a "car platform," in fact, I never said car platform. I have yet to read a review on how Nissan's platform is better or vice versa. Simply stated my opinion.
I was reading Consumer Reports Used Car/Truck guide thats on the newstands right now. NO Toyota's were listed as bad used vehicle choices. Last years Frontier was listed as a bad choice, oh, but that's last year! Maybe the pendulum has swung completely to the opposite end for 2005?
Interesting, which magazines state faster times for the Nissan? I have read many and none cited faster times for the Nissan.
In regards to the transmission, I simply stated the differences that indicate higher quality. Take a look! That higher quality is obvious in almost every part of the Tacoma.
I am ending my thread and my opinions about these trucks. I cannot agree with anyone who says the Frontier is better quality. For some of you it may be more practical and it does have a lower price(also higher rebates in the past). Anyone who is curious about the two trucks, can go take a look for themself and read the reviews.
Have fun and stay safe.
Also, the Lexus GX470 which is related chassis wise to the Tacoma was not recommened by Consumer Reports in its first year (2003). Oh yeah, a not recommended Toyota vehicle; get your facts straight. Lastly the producion plant for the Frontier is more proven, and there seems to be less nagging problems out of the chute than with the Tacoma. The quality difference between these two trucks is still up in the air unless you have your head buried in the Toyota sand.
I have looked at both trucks and they both look good and each has advantages, but I give the nod to the Nissan overall.
How dare you blaspheme the Toyota name with mere facts? Do you not know that blind faithfulness to Toyota is all that matters?
You should be so blessed as to not be able to get your truck into 4 low. Is not that glorious logo good enough for you?
May the Toyota god smile on loeb1 and leave a TRD in your path! Repent and kiss the tranny fin.
I wouldn't consider a production plant proven if the last years model is a model to "avoid" by consumer reports. It was the last of that particular line of vehicles. If it was the first, then thats more acceptable. The Frontier isn't a bad truck regardless and if it's your choice then great, not mine.
From the same issue of MotorTrend that features Tacoma as truck of the year:
Acceleration tests: 0-60 mph: Frontier 7.6 sec, Tacoma 8.7 sec
As I said, the numbers are a mixed bag, but to say that the Frontier has never earned a faster acceleration time is outright false. Go and confirm the results for yourself in the Feb. 2005 issue of MotorTrend. (Whether their data is false is another matter, but if it is then the rest of their data is also up for questioning.)
You say, "PS: The new Tacoma has a lower first gear...hopefully that clears up my typo on "4.7."
OK, but what is the Frontier's first gear ratio? You cannot claim that the Tacoma's is lower without knowing BOTH numbers. And you still didn't say what the Tacoma's ratio actually is, either, just that it is not your 4.7 "typo". Also, where are you getting the numbers from (sources)? After all the other facts that you have conveniently overlooked, you're going to have to provide some verifiable sources to regain credibility. And the gear ratios have to compare apples to apples: TRD 6-spd to NISMO 6-spd. Maybe even extended cab to extended cab or crew cab to crew cab, because it is possible they have different gear ratios and/or axle ratios. The t-case ratio is the same.
I am beginning to think you have a vested interest in disseminating misinformation. Own a lot of Toyota stocks, maybe?
Did those cheap plastics include the inner bed? Oh, wait; have to use the word "composite" instead of plastic because it has some fiberglass "reinforcements" in addition to plastic! You do realize the real reason Toyota used that plastic inner bed was becaue it's MUCH CHEAPER TO MANUFACTURE? How about swirls in the glovebox? (which I consider pretty darned minor, BTW). Bland instrument panel is subjective (I preferred it over Tacoma's Darth Vader center section but that would never deter me from buying Tacoma if I liked its driving characteristics better).
Not enough storage in the extended cab--so did you buy Tacoma Double Cab? Both extended cabs are similar size.
Tailgate not closing you never mentioned before. That's an interesting one. Did it have the sprayed-on liner? (All the ones I opened and closed worked fine, with or without liner.)
Even though I'm thrilled with my Tacoma, I was very curious about the Frontier Nismo CC. In person I thought that it was a very nice looking truck. It has nice pull off the line. Very snappy. Maybe the Tacoma has a bit more midrange pull but all in all the trucks seem comparable in overall power. The sport seats in the Tacoma are freakishly comfortable. Especially for my 5' 9" 200lb body. The Frontier seats were different and not so perfect for me but just fine for sure. The Tacoma has just a bit more elbow room for the left arm of the driver. Comparing interior styling is purely a subjective excercise. They're both different and just fine. I like the low set wraparound interior of the Tacoma. Very comfy for a truck and I'm used to it. The Frontier interior was fine in my opinion. The only *but* for the CC Frontier was the backseats. Here's where I really felt that much better about my choice of the Tacoma. Those Frontier backseats are in such an upright position that I felt uncomfortable quickly. It reminded me of a schoolbus seat. In comparison the Tacoma backseats are rather comfortable immediately even with the lack of footspace under the front seats. The backseat is a big thing for me as I will be back there occasionally on long trips to the mountains.
In a world where I didn't need a long bed, I still would've chosen the Tacoma CC over the Frontier CC strictly on backseat comfort alone.
In a world where I only needed and extended cab model, I would most likely have chosen the Frontier this time around for the superior value(options vs. price) and the fact that I love my Infiniti G35.
I realize that this is a rather simplified comparison and that one could sift through every aspect to justify one over the other. As I see it both trucks are a nice leap up from the past models. Either choice is a good choice.
they're both Nice trucks,Give us Nissan owners a BREAK AND GET OFF OUR BACKS ALREADY!!
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/New/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/- 38259/Act/Roadtest/
I'm looking hard at both trucks, but the killer is this, I can buy the Frontier (CC, Auto, 4x4) with a simple power package (All I really want is the cruise control anyway) plus floormats (WHY are they not standard on every truck?!?!) for an MSRP of $25860.
The Toy? You can't get one here without a minimum of the SR5 Pkg #8 ($2965) for a minimum MSRP of $28,410. That's over $2500 for options that I don't need. If they would simply offer the base truck with a simple power pkg (Cruise control, power windows and locks) and get the price down comparable with the Nissan, it would be a much tighter race.
You can buy the smaller cab versions this way, so why won't they do it on the double cab?
That's the main reason I'm looking more seriously at the Nissan. I really like the Toy, but can't really justify the extra $$. And since I'll be driving this truck for a couple hundred thousand miles, I don't think trade value in is going to be an issue.
So, if Toyota's listening, please put together a less expensive option package so guys like me won't shy away from the sticker shock.
Total Taco sales in Feb 04 vs 05: down 6%
Frontier Feb 04 vs 05: up over 30%.
Very interesting.
www.theautochannel.com/F/news/2005/03/01/000545.html
"Tacoma is currently the second-most-researched vehicle on Edmunds.com,'' said Mike Chung, an analyst for the Santa Monica, California-based company, which draws 5 million users a month. ``I'm not aware that the truck has ever been in our top five, let alone number two.''
- I guess that explains why we are all here... :-)
Thanks for the links. Extremely interesting January/February 2005 sales results for Tacoma vs. Frontier. Very disappointing from someone like me who paid top dollar for one of the first 2005 Tacomas off the line. In my humble opinion, these numbers are the result of Toyota's falling quality standards (at least with respect to the Tacoma). Consider three facts:
1. the current JD Powers ranking cited by Jim Press [according to Toyota's U.S. C.O.O., Jim Press, in this month's Automobile magazine, "Toyota currently ranks 28'th out of 39 brands in J.D. Powers initial CSI ratings"];
2. the volume of problems with the 2005 Tacoma THAT TOYOTA HAS NEITHER ACKNOWLEDGED NOR RESOLVED that have been mentioned on Edmunds and TundraSolutions message boards [the comparable message boards for Frontier have nowhere near the number of problems cited]; and
3. the the fact that the Tacoma is so heavily researched on the web [second most researched vehicle on Edmunds according to prior message on this board].
In other words, attention to quality and service has waned at Toyota relative to Nissan as evidenced by objective surveys and anecdotal message board chatter, and careful buyers who do their research are hearing about this. No wonder the trend in Tacoma sales is down and the trend in Frontier sales is up.
I'd love to be disproven by objective evidence, but that's the way things appear to me right now.
And by the way, this has nothing to do with concerns about vehicles manufactured in Tijuana, which simply don't figure into the quality mix as yet. My guess is quality at the Mexican plant will get much attention and the vehicles coming off the line there will be better than the Fremont vehicles.
One thing to consider is that MotorTrend's SUV of the year is a LandRover...I think that shows how little consideration is given to long-term reliability!
112k. This has been the best vehicle I've owed.
I have been waiting for Toyota to put the a V6 back in a reg cab 4X4 with an automatic. Don't
guess it will happen. I want the V6 to tow my boat.
I really wanted another Toy. Decided to test drive the Tacoma access cab. I'm 6'1" 240lb [must lose some weight] I hit my knee on the
steering wheel when exiting even with wheel tilted all the way up. Has anyone else had this
problem? To me the Tacoma feels to big.
I wasn't, considering the Frontier but decided to test it. I like it, feels better and don't have
any trouble getting in and out. It looks like the
Frontier will be my next truck. Now will it be the Nismo or the LE?
I went to Nissan of Reno(NV.) and Toyota of Reno.Nissan guy was much more knoledgable than Toyota guy. Took a much longer and more through drive in the Nissan, and was offered an off road course to try in the Frontier(will try next week)
Toyota was out of gas,low gas light came on 1/2 way through test drive. Getting on the freeway the nissan accelerated much smoother than the taco(20 more hp?) Much less road and wind noise in the nissan. Better visability in the nissan. The back window in the tacoma is useless with the head rest on.In the nissan it is one piece and has a defroster. This will be good in my area(Truckee/ Tahoe) Don't know if the taco has this as well. The taco rear seats have more recline, but foot room is less than the nissan.I also like that the nissan has an oil pressure gauge on the dash.Also the nissan has an O/D lock out on the shift lever , I don't think the taco has this. I have been following the post's for these two trucks on this site and I don't think the nissan felt "cheap"compared to the taco. They are different but that's ok with me.
Both are great truck's but I think the nissan might be better for me.
As a side note I have a 1987 nissan hardbody with 260,000 miles(original clutch)SEV6 King Cab . This truck has never let me down ! .So maybe I should give Nissan my business. ( also a previous70/71 510 owner) Awesome car!!!
Tell me your thoughts
Thanks
Goodluck!! bud
Both of those trucks are awesome. Hopefully we will get all the quirks worked out as they come up.
Anyone who test drives the 6 speeds, try bogging the motor under 1000rpms in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc and listen to the transmission/engine because it tells a story. Try starting in 2nd gear as well. There are differences and you could literally drive the 2 trucks that are exactly the same and notice one as better than the other(quality control).
At the end of the day she picked the Nissan hands down. The Taco is much noiser at highway speeds 60+MPH and didn't have the "get up and go" the Frontier had. The engine also sounded like it had an exhaust leak from the manifold to the block as it just kept ticking. She also sighted how much easier it was to see over the hood of the Frontier versus the Taco and we didn't even test drive the TRD sport edition (Nismo vs. TRD off road both 4X4 - DCs)
At this point, it looks like the Frontier is the better truck even though I'm not to found about driving another Nissan for 3+ years. If we had kids it might be a different story as the back seat is better in the Taco.
What does everyone else think?
Since I started this topic, I did choose. I ended up with a Tacoma, but really my decision was made for me due to the lack of 4cyl Nissans when they first started coming out. Wasn't one in the state.
leob,
Did you mean "the 2 trucks" as one a Nissan and one a comparably equipped Toyota, or 2 of the same trucks from the same manufacturer?
If I was buying as a commuter rig and did not have 6 months of winter with which to contend, 4cyl 2wd would most definitely be the way to go.
The folks who like the Nissan are missing the fanatic religiosity and will generally base their decision on open minded comparison and seem to be surprised with their choice.
The advantages of the Nissan as far as I can tell:
-Fully boxed frame for Nissan. Toyota no.
-4 wheel disk brakes for Nissan. Toyota no.
-Nissan probably has the superior motor as it has been ranked in the top 10 for the last decade AND RUNS ON REGULAR GAS while giving considerably more hp.
(So far this is the chassis, motor, and brakes. Not bad, especially if you ignore logos.)
-So far I cannot find as many problems reported on the Nissan as with the Toyota. Some problems with the Toyota seem pretty serious. (4 low problems with transfer case, windshield leaks)
-The bed material, interior, exterior, etc. seems to be a matter of subjective choice, which the taco lovers will fanatically tout as being the supreme factor.
-Price and options seems to favor the Nissan.
Personally, after having driven them, I like both but will wait till next year to give the manufacturers time to work out the bugs.
I, like you came to this discussion trying to get some input from others who might be able to shed some light on the two models. What I got is a sort of religious faith (light?) from the Toyota side, which bothered a few I noticed.
By the way, if you guys think the Toyota fans are crazy and love their trucks, you should visit the Honda Ridgeline discussions!!
1. It saves money for the manufacturer, as well as the consumer.
2. You don't need disks on the rear of most vehicles. 80% of your braking is done with front brakes.
My Chevy truck has 110,000 miles on the original rear drum brakes with plenty left over. The front disks are a different story.
From my experience, I think rear discs help A LOT with braking when towing a heavy trailer that does not have its own brakes. Otherwise, yes, they seem to be of little benefit.
If I don't kiss the Toyota logo, I am a Nissan salesperson? You people are beginning to scare me with your blind fanaticism. I'm getting visions of those wierdo zombies in that movie Omega man.
I SAID I LIKED BOTH TRUCKS. I guess that is blasphemy to the Toyota religion. Add to that the advantages of the Nissan that I pointed out and I become a real heretic to those of the Toyota faith! Well, check this out.
THERE IS NO TOYOTA GOD. YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED IF YOU LOOK AT ANOTHER GOOD TRUCK.
Fact is, I may still get a Tacoma if they can get it working right and if I can accept buying mexican and premium gas. (Got a Toyota salesman in the family.) Even if I do I will not be a follower of Toyota, but rather it's master.
No lightening bolts. I'm still here.
well I think our Nissan did a A+ job ,considering only one problem with a alttle noise and it seem the tecks are aware of now,so 1.out of 4.problems compared to the Toy is pretty darn good,I'm leaning towards the Frontier,love them trucks,Toys are nice but too much$$$4 the$$$,whay can't they realise you catch more flys with honey.This will be my 3rd truck in July since toys are too$$$ ,but thanks to nissan I was sold on their trucks back in 1989 since I couldn't even look at Toys, their base 4*4 Modles were too much,I paid $15838.78 for my Se V6 It was loaded to the gills.So I tip my glass too NIssan and their co.workers Great Job and thanks.Thoe I bought a Chevy in 2001s-10,ZR2 ,worst Truck I ever bought.I can't wait too unload it!!any takers LOL...
Badness,East Coast,NJ,Go Yanks!