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Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier

1446 messages,  Last post on Nov 08, 2010 at 12:40 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Car Comparisons, Truck

Messages Page 36 of 145

#349 of 1446 Toyota diesel Hilux vs Nissan diesel Frontier by gillies

Jun 17, 2005 (10:09 pm)

I live in the Republic of Panama and am trying to make a decision for a new truck. The Toyota Hi lux (4x4) has a 2.5 liter turbo diesel with a single cab and sells here for $19,500. The Nissan Frontier(4x4) also with a single cab has a 3.2 liter naturally aspirated diesel and sells for $16,900. The Toyota diesel has a timing belt that needs to be replaced every 100,000K whereas the Nissan diesel has gears. Toyota just changed this year to a turbo. In the past they used a 2.8 liter naturally aspirated diesel which also had the belt. Toyota is the number one seller here but I am leaning towards the Frontier because of price and the fact that a turbo is more expensive to repair if there are any problems. It seems the Frontier can carry a bigger load. Both trucks have 5 speed manual transmissions. Because of fuel costs almost all new trucks are diesel here. I would appreciate any ones opinion.

#350 of 1446 Re: Toyota diesel Hilux vs Nissan diesel Frontier [gillies] by etoileb

Jun 17, 2005 (10:21 pm)

Replying to: gillies (Jun 17, 2005 10:09 pm)
Timing belt replacement is standard on most Toyota's - no big deal.
 
Over here in Europe the HiLux 2,5d is an icon If you don't believe me check out this link and click on the Toyota HiLux photo.
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/downloads/
 
Both are excellent trucks.

#351 of 1446 Re: June 05 Car & Driver [aztechian] by danielacosta

Jun 18, 2005 (1:14 am)

Replying to: aztechian (Jun 17, 2005 12:27 pm)
Taking into account Toyota's recommendations and all the auto magazine reviews, it sounds like to get the full 245 hp from the Tacoma V6 you need premium, but you can run regular and settle for less power. For awhile Honda and Acura had a similar thing going where you got 10-15 more hp by running premium; I think most of the newer Hondas and Acuras are tuned for maximum performance with regular.
 
The 05 Frontier is tuned for maximum performance on regular. IIRC, there is a guy (reverendbiker) on the Nissan forums who has done dyno tests of the 05 Frontier V6 and measured no performance gains on premium, so it lived up to Nissan's claim of max performance on regular. Anyone seen any performance tests on how much of the 245 hp you lose running the Tacoma on regular?

#352 of 1446 Re: im sorry [skytop1] by na_alii90

Jun 20, 2005 (6:13 am)

Replying to: skytop1 (Jun 11, 2005 9:55 am)
I just recently purchased an 05 Frontier King Cab 2WD. Since this is my first truck purchase I wanted to research the differences between Toyota and Nissan. After about a month of reading reviews, spec's, and talking with a friend (a member of TTORA, AZ chapter), I decided to go out and test drive some trucks.
 
Since I don't go off roading I was looking for a truck that looked good, had good pick up with gas mileage, and to haul stuff when I need to for home projects. So the models I test drove was the 2.5 Frontier King 5SPD, 2WD, and 2.7 5SPD Tacoma Access Cab. First, I want to mention that between these two models the Tacoma offered more options ( swing out rear qrtr windows, limited slip diff, power windows, telescopic steering adjustment, etc.). The Tacoma had a smoother ride with no noticeable bounce. Although the Tacoma has 10 more HP/Torque600rpms lower, the Frontier defintely had better acceleration from a stop. Both trucks felt equally comfortable but the Frontier sits higher. Which made it feel more like a truck than a car. For the exterior the Tacoma has more color options, but the Frontier has a more of a truck look. Probably because of the higher ground clearance and bigger tires. The Tacoma's interior and gauges looked nicer over the Frontier.
 
At first this was a hard decision until I went to three Toyota dealerships and received poor customer service. First they wanted to give me less on my trade than the listed KBB trade in value. Then, they tried to pressure me by sending out another sales person, following two sales managers, and a finance manager. Finally, they wanted me to look at the certified used trucks.
 
I only visited two Nissan delearships and both were great. The last delearship especially. The whole process from the time I got out of my car to delivery took 2 hours, and I only meet with sales and finance. They gave me full trade in value and $300 about invoice.
 
As for reliability, I feel both are about equal for my purpose. I owned a Toyota and a Nissan in the past with no problems. Also, my father in law had an 81 Nissan truck until recently. That truck never gave him any problems. He retired it not because it wouldn't run, but because Hawaii have annual vehicle safety inspections, and it would cost more than the truck is worth to pass inspection. If it was here AZ it would still running.

#353 of 1446 Re: Toyota diesel Hilux vs Nissan diesel Frontier [etoileb] by gillies

Jun 20, 2005 (10:39 pm)

Replying to: etoileb (Jun 17, 2005 10:21 pm)
Thanks for your reply. I think I will go for the Frontier mainly because of the price difference. Also the new Hilux is now for the first time being assembled in Argentina whereas the Frontier is 100% Japanese. At least this is true for the models being sold here in Panama.

#354 of 1446 Re: Toyota diesel Hilux vs Nissan diesel Frontier [gillies] by critter1

Jun 21, 2005 (12:01 pm)

Replying to: gillies (Jun 20, 2005 10:39 pm)
Toyota is great truck,But Nissan will deal more and you get about as good a truck
at better price. Toyota dealers have a take it or leave attitude. Nismo is awesome
offroad truck at a good price.
 
                                                Git'r DONE!

#355 of 1446 Re: im sorry [imin2mx] by critter1

Jun 21, 2005 (12:19 pm)

Replying to: imin2mx (Jun 14, 2005 7:33 am)
Toyota is real good no doubt,But 2005 Nissan Frontier Nismo is much different then
past Nissans not that there bad. I have 1994 Nissan XE 4X4 with 5 speed / 163,000
miles. I've looked and drove the Toy TRD and Frontier Nismo both king cab auto 4X4 and they are very close believe it. Nissan has little more power,but still close.
I'm leaning toward the Nismo to replace my 1994. The Nismo is just a better buy,Toyota dealers won't deal as much and their truck isn't any better now if at all.
2005 Nismo is awesome truck, will probably get one before months up. But it's all
taste if you like the Toy buy it, I just think Nissan is as good and better price.
 
                                                GIT'R DONE!

#356 of 1446 Suspension by kittythedog

Jun 22, 2005 (3:30 pm)

I drove a Frontier 2WD and a Tacoma PreRunner today and the Tacoma seemed to be way rougher on the bumpy roads; I was getting carsick in the driver's seat. Can anyone tell me how the suspension compares on the Frontier Nismo 4X4 and the Tacoma TRD OffRoad pkg 4X4? I don't like being carsick.
 
I am leaning towards the Frontier because of the price and being able to see over the hood. I was happy to see that I am not the only one to notice that! The Tacoma dash does not appeal to me, but that is not a decision-maker.
 
Also, are there camper shells available for the King Cab Frontier? It seems that Leer and Snugtop only make them for the Crew Cab??
 
Thanks.

#357 of 1446 Re: Suspension [kittythedog] by jpr_71

Jun 23, 2005 (10:22 am)

Replying to: kittythedog (Jun 22, 2005 3:30 pm)
I thought the NISMO suspension felt stiffer than the TRD. Probably better for off-road, but for highway driving the Tacoma rode better. As I test-drove around the city and hit potholes or crossed a set of railroad tracks, the Nissan seemed to have more of a jolt. You're right about seeing over the hood on the Tacoma, it's high. Tacoma dash is Ok, but Frontier is LOADED with plain black plastic (in NISMO version.)

#358 of 1446 just purchased a 2005 4x4 Frontier by rutzman

Jul 02, 2005 (9:15 pm)

I just bought a '05 4x4 Frontier 6spd. I'll have to say I did go in the market leaning towards the Toyota, but the styling(exterior) and interior, not to mention the Ford-like engine compartment (way to big and wasted space) were turn offs. I just traded my '92 Nissan 4x4 2.4 liter 4cyl with 225,000 miles (rot issues, you'd only understand if you live in New England), it was hard to part with, but i wanted to go with a Jap Truck no doubt. The Nissan seemed to hold onto its old stylish values. I'll have to say since the time I acquired my old nissan I did admire the toyota trucks through the 90's thats why when I considered a new 4x4 I leaned to Toy, but again what an ugly truck the '05 is.
 
what happened to the old 9inch clearance and narrow look. between the Toy and Niss I choose Niss, no problems with my old '92 4x4 , except the regular maintance of brakes, exhaust, etc, never changed the tranny lube or clutch and the original battery lasted 11 yrs. I drove it when it had 140,000 miles to Mexico, then to the pacific Northwest, putting 16,000 miles on it in 2 months. During that trip I drove straight for 23 hours only stopping to gas up (only time to pee) acquiring 1,200 miles. I pushed the 4WD to its limit and it still wouldn't die.
 
I'd still own my old Nissan if oxidation wasn't a killer of Jap Trucks, the frame was rotted and cracked, the brake and fuel lines were ready to dissipate. It got to the point , in order to pass MA inspection I would have to put more money into it.
 
Long live Nissan, sorry Toyota people, I tried to kill mine, thats with use , not abuse, and it wouldn't die. I hope with the same luck with my '05

Messages Page 36 of 145

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