Tacoma Vs Frontier

I don't think it was ever actually a "recall".

What there was, was an unfortunate consequence of the NUMMI arrangement, which basically shared resources with GM from 1995 to whenever the NUMMI deal fell apart. That means that a lot of the resources (including Dana as a frame manufacturer) put into those years of Tacoma were the typically poor quality of what GM used on their own trash (of which I did own one -- first and ONLY vehicle I ever owned that RUSTED THROUGH while still under the original rust perforation warranty.) Even my Nissan was something like 13 before it had rust holes and frame patches, and 22 before its frame actually collapsed.

Ford, I understand, also used to outsource frames to Dana, and they were also subject to the same rust problems. Just do a quick google for "f150 rust" and see hundreds of pictures of ford frames rotted through. And even bodies, which weren't Dana. Some real cringe worthy stuff, like 2010+ with body panels basically eaten completely away.

Toyota is the ONLY ONE that ever stood up for the product, which has the unfortunate side-effect of bringing focus to the rust, because people don't see it as Toyota looking after their customers, but rather taking it as there being a problem with Toyota vehicles.

So here I am, after my last 2 trucks from different manufacturers both rotted away to varying severity, in a now 9 year old Toyota without a single spot of rust anywhere that I can detect. Yes, I do look after it, probably better than previous vehicles as a consequence of some well established paranoia, but the reality is that although I've seen lots of pictures of 2005's with rust holes in the frames (and only the frames, not the body), those frames are now going into their 15th winter. That's a LONG TIME to sit in the salt.

 

OK that makes more sense because all I've heard about toyota issues is "ooo watch out for the rust" but ive seen so many big 3 trucks that were rotted out in the midwest compared to some yotas

 

Thats what I was really curious about was stock off roading capability

 

I think with a good lift it would do better, but the breakover angle is horrible, easily get high centered. It would need at least a 4" lift to have the clearance under the frame comprable to a tacoma.

 

We had an 06 Pathfinder, which is basically a Frontier SUV. The engine / transmission combination was awesome, but the suspension was terribly spongy. The radiator defect grenaded the transmission in 2012, which luckily Nissan covered, but we never took it on a long trip after that for fear of getting stranded.

We replaced it with a Dodge Durango in 2014. I’ll never buy another Nissan again.

 

From 2009-2015 I owned an '06 Tacoma SR5, 4.0L, Auto, 4wd, Access cab. When I sold it I bought my '10 Frontier Pro-4x, 4.0L, 6spd, 4wd, King cab which I still own. The Frontier has been the better truck by far, It's built very well and drives great. I really can't see myself ever owning another 2nd gen Tacoma unless I finally buy the RCSB 2.7L 5spd 4x4 I've always wanted.

 

Tacomas look better. It's that simple.

 

The Ford Ridgeline? At least cosmetically?

Park them next to each other, stand a few feet back and their side profiles look a lot alike.

If you're like most Tacoma owners that 4wd is an occasional snow-on-pavement and HD convenience vehicle, a Ridgeline might actually be a good choice.

 

I use 4wd pretty often when roaming in the mountains on weekends.... I guess I'm just excited for more mid sizes to enter the market and make toyota have some competition.

 

I havent driven it or even seen it in person but I have heard mixed results of people either like it a lot or think it's not nearly as capable as our tacos. And I would choose reliability/capability over looks and mpg

 

GAT Damn? 4ins? fuck that lol this is making me appreciate my taco more and more.

 

Probably already answered, but they stack up pretty well against a Tacoma. They actually have better stock tires than the Taco, in my opinion. That package also has a locking rear diff. TFL Truck did a comparison a while back. I'm sure you can find it on YT.
For the record, I owned an 04 Frontier. It served me well, but did feel under powered on hills. I eventually had an issue with oil leaking into the starter or something weird like that and the repair was expensive. When looking at getting a new truck I really considered getting a Pro 4x. I obviously opted for a Tacoma and I've been very happy with my decision, but I often encourage for people looking for a mid size truck to check out the Frontier. I think they are are probably the best value in the segment.

 

A stock Pro-4x is quite good offroad.

Decent approach angle and break over angle as there's nothing hanging below the frame rails. E-locker, VDC (traction control), Bilstein 4600 shocks, 265/75R16 Hankook Dynapro ATM tires, obligatory skid plates, 43:1 crawl ratio with the 6spd, clears 285's with minimal mods (remove front mud flaps, melt mod on inner fenders). Good aftermarket support and lots of Titan parts bolt on.

They weigh more than a Tacoma, the rocker panels don't have as much clearance, turning radius is bigger and there's less suspension travel up front. But some of the stuff I listed above is superior to the 2nd gen Tacoma.

 

Thank you, this was the objective response I wanted!

 

Truck trend did a long term review of the Frontier PRO-4X a few years ago. It did really well from what l remember.