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Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier
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Comments
I had trouble locking the truck into 4X4 until I pushed the clutch all the way to the floor. No more problems. I used super unleaded for a couple weeks, but with gas prices where they are, I cheaped out. Have not had a single ping, hesitation or anything else, plus I get a half MPG better. Until I am shown a disadvantage I will stay with cheaper gas. Someone complained about how hard the rear seat is to fold down and how little space is left. I had to read the directions (where to put the head rests), but after that the average 2nd grader can do it in 10 seconds or less. Maybe they were not talking about the crew cab. I honestly am not familier with the other cab configs. I did not even consider the Nissan (or any other truck) because the Tundra was so far superior to any other vehicle I have owned (well over 30) that I was looking for another Toyota. The last Nissan I really spent any time with was my buddy's 86 Hardbody when it was new. Certainly saw nothing to discourage ownership with that. If Toyota is a homerun, that was definately a triple.
thank you all. Hey, hking! Thanks for such an informative & thorough review.
I was looking at the LE and the Nismo when I bought my truck. I was leaning toward the Nismo and ordered one. My main reason was because I wanted the avalanche
white with the blue interior. After placing the order the dealer said that there no white
with blue interiors avaliable.
He did find a white with tan interior LE and that is why I am driving the LE now. I had
some reservations about the Nismo as I do no off roading and I did not want the skid
plates, thought they would just add weight and I would never use them.
I also did not like the Nismo decals which I would have removed if I had gotten one.
I also did not want the stiffer ride nor the more aggressive tires.
In retrospect, I am glad that I got the LE, I only wish it had been available with the blue interior.
OkieScot
My '90 needed an internal engine leak fixed at 178K. It was the first truly significant repair needed. I wish I hadn't spent the money to fix it, cuz the cost was the same as the truck's KBB value...I probably should have just traded it in for a new truck, but wasn't ready for the price tag. Otherwise, it essentially drives the same as it did when new, it starts without priming with the gas pedal on a cold winter morning, and gets 25 MPG (it was getting 27 until I hit about 90K or so). I'm on my third set of tires (Cooper Cobras on Outlaw II rims), second set of brakes (about 10K away from needing new), fifth pair of headlamps (I always drive with lights on, and replace both when one blows), second windshield (got a huge crack last winter, dammit...), third battery (needing replacement soon, I suppose). Heck, my sound system is about the same value on the used market as my truck, but I did my best to keep it maintained, and as long as you do that, these Nissans won't quit on you. The only time this truck ever came to a complete stop on me was when I ran out of gas...and that was 14 years ago when I was still young and stupid.
Thanks for this tread, btw...I've been looking for a new truck, and these two models are my bigger considerations. I bought Nissan over Toyota 15 years ago cuz of power, driver leg-room, and superior price tag...looks like things haven't changed, except that now I have to spend nearly three times as much money. But this time I'm going with AC and four doors (won't make that mistake with AC a second time, and the extra doors are for potential kids the wife wants)
I would be pulling about 3000lbs dry.
I have a V6 '05 Tacoma with the factory tow package, rated to tow 6500. 3000 pounds feels like there's nothing there!
:shades:
Using a bumper-mounted ball, I think it'll tow 3000 or 3500 lbs., if I recall correctly.
Either truck will tow well.
I really am leaning toward the nissan, but the towing issue is a big one for me. I know the toyota will do the job and has everythink I need, but for whatever reason, I would like to go with the nissan (maybe it's the premium gas issue, or that the toyota tow package cannot be gotten without going with all of the other options..).
I think the transmission is good. I have had many Honda/Acura vehicles, which have very good manual shifting, so I am used to short-ish throws and very little notchy feel. The truck is not nearly as good as an Integra, for example, but it is reasonably good, in my opinion, for a truck.
I have heard the automatic is very good.
I like the truck. It feels pretty solid, and the engine is certainly more than sufficient. It is comfprtable, but you still know you are driving a truck.
I hope that helps. enjoy.
The tacoma has an inferior chassis with more flex. The tacoma has a plastic bed. Many prefer a metal one. The frontier handles better. The tacoma prefers premium fuel.
Any one of us could carry on about the pluses of our chosen vehicle. All vehicles have negatives. I think the frontier has plenty of room in the wheel well, and has greater ground clearance as compared to the tacoma, if I am not mistaken. Suspensions are supposed to move. Either truck will excel off-road, for a stock vehicle.
I had an 04 tacoma; Nice truck. I have an 05 frontier; Nice truck.
Others have a new tacoma; Nice truck.
Drive what you like and like what you drive.
Plastic doesn't rust or dent. Of course the bed isn't plastic, it's a fiberglass-reinforced polymer composite. Strong as a steel bed (same payload cap. as the Frontier) and lighter too (see article). Guess that's why the mpg and the 0-60 time is better with the Tacoma (don't argue they aren't, these are researched numbers, not opinions). Despite not having that ever so important 20 HP extra.
http://www.autocomposites.org/autocomposites/pdfs/multiplestrengths2005aca.pdf
I'm not going to even touch the "inferior chassis" comment. Not sure where you pulled that from.
"Many prefer a metal one (bed)." According to who? It wouldn't surprise me if Nissan puts in an SMC bed for the '07 Frontier models. In some way, shape or form, this is the future, like it or not.
Car and Driver did rate that they thought the Frontier had better handling. Absolutely correct. I don't do the slalom too often but I think I'd enjoy tighter steering wheel response.
Runs fine on whatever gas you put in. I personally use 89, don't ask why because I don't know. No one that actually owns a Tacoma has reported any problems or a significant drop in mpg or performance by using regular fuel.
Yup, every truck has it's positives and it's negatives. However, if you own a Frontier, talk about it's positives since your negative Tacoma claims have no basis in reality or experience and are pure speculation and opinion (yours or someone getting paid to tell you theirs). This board, although I am not exactly sure why it was created, is supposed to help future buyers decide based on current owners experiences.
It's sad really. This entire board turned out like a presidential debate. No one says anything good about themselves (or their trucks). It's all negative stuff about the other guy and then rebuttals defending the inane attacks and slander. What have you done for me lately?
Centralcal, I miss you sweetheart. Let the rants begin!
Well said, I did look at the Tacoma when I bought my Frontier. I honestly did not see very much difference between the two for the type of driving and hauling that I do.
My wife drives a 2000 Toyota Solara and it is the best car I have ever owned. For
that reason I was leaning toward the Tacoma , but I had a heck of a time trying to figure out the option packages they offered. The salemen were not much help with that
either.
The real clincher was the price difference. I was trading in a very clean low miles Frontier XE KC. Nissan offered me a $6000 better deal than Toyota.
I do like the looks of the Frontier better, but that is personal taste and there are just as many that prefer the Tacoma.
My only exception to your post is that I do like the metal bed better than the composite
bed. Probably just my age telling on me. I feel that you are probably correct with the statement that Nissan will go that route in time.
I do not worry about rust in the bed as I had a 1977 Datsun KC for 24 years and it
hauled a lot of stuff. There was some rust on the sides of the truck, but never any in the bed area. That was a heck of a good truck now that I think about it.
Let us all enjoy our trucks and smile when we meet on the road.
OkieScot
Unfortunately, your response perpetuates excatly what you say is wrong with this board.
The stuff about the metal bed, fuel octane, etc... is what I consider to be over-debated.
Basically, my point is that both are good vehicles, as noted in the subject and the end of my post. There are good points and less-good points to each, but Tacoma or Frontier; a buyer should be pleased with either.
Things I like about the frontier:
Plenty of power, smooth, but still truck-ish ride, decent payload capacity, decent mileage (~20-21).
Dislikes: I think the tires on mine are a little cheap.
Best to all.
government crash tests (30+mph)
http://www.hwysafety.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=75
http://www.hwysafety.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=229
http://www.hwysafety.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=234
highway offset crash tests(40+mph)
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=9470&page_number=8
acceleration times
http://trailerboats.com/output.cfm?id=944533
towing times and outcome vs. other midsized trucks
more options. better acceleration times towing or not, More safety... previous gen on JD powers top 10 list of vehicles which dont deplead in resale value as much.... Nissan is below jd powers industry average for initial quality... just a few reasons...
Facts vs. Opinions :P
I have read most of it before - very interesting. There is not much difference in the two, based on only those links, IMHO.
For me, though, a steel bed was preferred, and I wanted a more basic truck. I have a 6-spd, 4x4, x-cab (King cab) with ABLS and bed liner, so the extensive options were not really a factor. Also, to get the few features I wanted, it would have cost me about $3,000 more for the Toyota, as they are packaged.
The infomation you post will undoubtedly be valuable to people reading this to decide between these two trucks. Some magazines/web-sites do feel the frontier is the better choice. Some see the Tacoma as better.
I'd sacrifice a few seconds off of my 0-60 time towing 4500 lbs for $3000 bucks. Both vehicles are more than capable of towing that weight with little difficulty.Rarely would one be racing with that load behind them. Really, though comparing 0-60 on a pickup; maybe if the difference were 2 or 3 seconds (not towing), it'd be more of a factor, but both are >8 seconds. I think that is pretty good. Lots of cars can't do that. How quick does a pickup need to be?
The quality of mine seems to be pretty good, though I have only had it for 6500 miles.
I respectfully maintain that either is a good choice. They are the top two options in this class of truck.
As far a JD power: http://www.jdpower.com/cc/auto/ratings/vehicles/FindJdAwardsResults.jsp
Also, when looking at kellybluebook's website, they have 90 day quality results from JD power showing a huge dropoff vs the 04 Taco. They don't have anything on the Frontier. But they also have a cost of ownership site favoring the Taco. Just more wood for the fire.
Anyway, I won't get into a drawn out discussion on my Tacoma problems. I will say this, to many people are using Toyota's past glory to justify its higher price and vehicle preference. My Tacoma was a partial lemon and the higher price did not solve that issue. Is the Toyota a bad truck? No. Would I consider a new Tacoma? No. I have two main reasons: 1. My past experience with the Tacoma. 2. A Tacoma out fitted to my requirements doesn't fit in my garage. The 2005 Frontier is better when I factor in past experience, the price and it fits in my garage. Plenty of folks out their use their garage as storage but I actually like my vehicles in the garage.
- Maverick
Don't believe me? Go to Toyota's website and check out the new specs on the Tacoma: 236 power and 266 torque.
Tacoma Specs
The bottom line is this: the Toyota die-hards (used to be one myself) are most likely going to buy the Tacoma because its a Toyota. For those who are open minded, the Frontier is obviously more powerful and agile. The Tacoma engineers drained all the fun out of driving with loose steering and marshmallow handling. The body lean is scary, and if you've test driven it, you know what I mean.
Are there areas where the Tacoma outshines the Frontier. Sure, there are some. I really like that power outlet and the interior is a more refined, but overall, the Frontier is hands-down the more capable truck. More power+better handling=a better driving experience.
And the cherry on top is: The Frontier costs between $1500 and $3000 less depending on the options you choose.
With 265 HP and 284 LB-FT, the Frontier holds the crown for most powerful mid-sized truck. Nissan did their homework folks. There is a new sheriff in town.
The '06 Tacoma still has the same engine that has a better 0-60 time than any other midsize truck on the market. Until every car manufacturer complies with this new procedure, HP claims and comparisons are bogus. I'm glad that they finally made a uniform test for everyone. Hopefully this will curb cheating the system. In my opinion, the SAE made a mistake by making this testing procedure voluntary.
Kudos to Toyota for having some balls and complying. Even though they knew they would probably risk some sales due to showing a "decrease" in HP. The Frontier had 20 more HP then and I still bought the Taco. The question is, what does Nissan have to hide? They sure do love their HP claims, featured in every commercial for any Nissan car or truck.
Last time I checked the score was 110,482 to 48,883. Your move Bobby Fischer.
When Nissan finally reviews all it's specs, the '07 Frontier HP will drop as well.
Inflammatory enough for you?
If you want to keep "score," the F-150 would be the best truck on the road, and I think we all know that's not true.
Engine's don't have 0-60 times, vehicles do. The Frontier's engine is more powerful and thats a fact. The Frontier has a stronger and heavier F-Alpha frame, that's a fact. The Frontier has a stronger and heavier bed, thats a fact. All this extra weight let's the less powerful Toyota engine carry the lighter Tacoma to 60mph .1 seconds faster than the Frontier (and don't forget thats 92 vs 87 octane). I can live with that .1 seconds considering all the advantages that extra weight gives the Frontier. It doesn't matter anyway, at 80, 90, 100 mph the Frontier is a half truck length ahead easily. Throw a couple curves in the road, coupled with the Frontier's tighter, more responsive handling, well you get the idea...
http://nissannews.com/nissan/news/products/20050816020219.shtml
Yup, you read it right: * All horsepower ratings are per SAE J1349 JUN1995. The OLD testing procedure.
You Frontier owners are pretty funny. Again with the defensive talk. "But the F-150 sold more". Hey, what's the title of this forum? Losers make excuses.
I'll take a lighter truck and it's 22 mpg any day. Why? Because what your talking about is payload and towing capacity. Those ratings haven't changed. Still towing and hauling just as much, but using less of that $3 a gallon gas. Yes, vehicles have 0-60 times and my vehicle is still faster than your POS, whether the SAE says it has 245 HP or 236. I own a Tacoma and I do forget that it's NOT 92 octane. Please read the previous posts.
Go back and eat your Cocoa Puffs. You've been served.
Edit: The actual HP is actually a lot closer than the claims:
http://www.jackphelps.com/frontier/dyno1.htm
http://www.kandn.com/dynocharts/63-9025.pdf (the blue line, soon to be the red line for me)
If I drove on the highway a lot, which I don't, I would have picked the Tacome hands down. It has a much more comfortable seat for my particular size and weight.
I do not see how either side can say the other drives junk. Both trucks are way above
average and you have to be looking to please a particular quirk in your personality to
be able to say one is better than the other.
Depending on what is most important to me I could have picked either truck and been happy. For my criteria the Frontier was right for me, but tomorrow if there were some
changes in my driving patterns the Tacoma would be right for me.
Let us all be glad for having the choice between two very good trucks and respect the
choice the other guy makes.
OkieScot
Regardless, Frontier's new ratings will still be higher than the Tacoma (the big three in detroit are actually increasing specs under the revised J1349).
Like I said, more power, better handling, stronger frame, better truck. I get 22 mpg on the highway as well. Don't forget, your not saving any money when you need premium fuel.
And don't even dare compare Dyno's from different operators, in different environments. You know better than that.
Bottom line, the Frontier is a more powerful, more agile truck. And it costs much less than the Tacoma. Whats that you say? You use regular fuel. Oh no, there goes another 10HP on the Tacoma. I guess my Frontier will be ahead of your Tacoma at 50, 60, 70, and 80+ mph. The Frontier doesn't need the extra octane for full power.
Nissan Frontier: the most powerful midsized truck on planet earth.
Toyota Tacoma: the most powerful second place truck (well third place if using regular octane, rotflmao)
Where do you think they get these HP ratings from? You think Nissan and Toyota get together and have a "dyno party". If K&N gave a crap about the Frontier, I'd use there dyno tests as well. But they don't and there isn't any such tests, so I used one of your fellow Frontier owners tests (if you're insinuating that one of them may be off, it's probably error in your favor). A dyno is the only way we have to control variables or as you so hastily pointed out "environment".
I'd love to point out that there is no noticeable change in HP using 87, 89 or 91 octane but you don't "believe" in dyno testing. There is a slight difference in mpg but according to actual Tacoma owners with their real-world experiences, it's not even worth noting. If you owned a Tacoma and had an owner's manual or at least did a little educated research you'd see that premium fuel is recommended but not required. Furthermore, if you read the previous posts you'd notice I use 89. :P
You'd also have read what I just posted, less than a week ago, about how much I hate people like you posting negative claims about information and opinions you have no actual knowledge or experience of.
Stick to why the Frontier is so great. Not why you think a truck, you don't own and have barely driven is so much (insert negative comment) than yours.
The Frontier is now the leader based on it's merits and not just blind brand loyalty. It's more robust with its fully boxed frame, has standard four wheel disk brakes (not rear drums like the Tacoma), much more power, and a tighter, firmer handling. It's just a better truck period. The Tacoma is good, the Frontier is better. My buddy who is a Toyota fan even conceeds that the new Frontier has it all over the new Tacoma. He has a Tundra "work" model, and he even admitted he likies my Frontier better than his Tundra.
Sorry Tacoma fans. I know it must be upsetting to be in 2nd place. You can always trade up to a Frontier.
Hope you Nissan guys gonna step up & talk when your trucks have problems too(and they will) But just in case..us lowly Tacoma owners will stick around to remind you.
P.S .."Much more power"....."The frontier has it all over the Tacoma".... "2nd place"...."Trade UP to a frontier".. LMAO!!
P.S.S. Those rear drums been stopping Toyota's for years!!!
Love my Frontier!!
by any nissan dealer and see how many of those "beauties" are sitting around. The frontier is
almost as ugly as a chevy Colorado. Fifteen more horsepower, whooptie dooo!
Certain individuals on this board seem to have to convince themselves that they made the right choice in purchasing whichever vehicle. In the process, they think counterpointing every contrary view/fact/opinion on the subject is going to help others make a good decision on which vehicle to purchase.
That type of person will never cease running their mouth (keyboard). Inability to compromise or to see that what is best for one person may not be best for another indicates some level of insecurity.
Negativity could deter people from wanting to be a part of this forum.
At any rate, both are great vehicles. I've said it before, and I'll maintain, despite all the meaningless argument about which is better, that both are good choices. Pick which one suits your tastes and needs, and you'll be pleased with the choice.
Folks argue that sales numbers indicate a better truck. Greater sales don't necessarily indicate a superior product.
Would I buy my Frontier again? Yes, because it was the best value and meets my needs quite well.
Best to all.
So let me get this straight, you wouldn't respond to me if I said the following:
The Frontier sucks. It gets 15 mpg on premium fuel. That utility track system in the bed couldn't hold 20 pounds. It's butt ugly. The bed is going to rust out in one year because it's sheet metal. You couldn't take that thing to the drive-in without it getting stuck or bottoming out. The chassis are weak. Sunroofs are for sissies. It has pizza cutters for wheels. The Frontier has so many bugs, dash rattles, exhaust rattles and every single one has a paint problem. It's only bought by old men who use it as a daily driver.
Please stop me any time now. Don't kid yourself, you want to say something. This is the type of crap I read every single time I look at this board. Not only is it not factual, it's not even about their truck. Tell me that you wouldn't want to correct any of these (mostly) false opinions.
You are right about one thing, "Negativity could deter people from wanting to be a part of this forum".
I never see one Frontier owner say anything good about their truck. It's all negative garbage about the Tacoma. I'm sick of it. I'm done with this forum, it's the same fight everyday, that I apparently can't win. It's a sad day in America when freedom of speech dies and libel and slander rule the day.
Look it's already started, again. I didn't even finish my post. More regurgitated opinions, name calling and for god sakes give up on the Car and Driver article! You get one good write up and you'd think it was written by god himself.
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Motor Week's Best Mid Size Truck Award goes to...
The Tacoma's 0-60 time is a "who cares?' 16 year olds who race trucks?
I'll take the heavier, fully boxed frame, 4 wheel disks, raw power and integrity of the Frontier over gaudy fake chrome, and 0-60 lightweight truck street race times.
Frontier sets the standard.
a frame needs to flex... Have you ever seen a big rig with 80k? the frame flexes... a Big rig doesnt use rear disc brakes and if they were bad then why do they come up with lower stoping times vs. a rear disc brake vehicle(comparable). lol old technology sometimes is better...
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