Toyota Tacoma v. Nissan Frontier

Hello all, I am new around here. As far as my background goes there is not much to know. I am an ROTC Cadet in NM getting ready to ship out to LDAC and Airborne school this summer.

Anyway, I am considering upgrading from my 2004 2.4 Nissan Frontier. It's a good truck, but I find myself desiring more like 4WD and a Crew Cab.

Right now the decision is between a Toyota Tacoma and a Nissan Frontier. Both of them the newest body style, besides that it's up in the air. It seems to me that a Toyota set up similarly to a Nissan costs a decent bit more.

I prefer the following: 4WD, V6, Crew Cab, Standard Transmission, Power everything, short bed. I will compromise on the transmission though. I would also like a nicer sound system but any head unit without aux. will end up being replaced.

So I know this is a Toyota forum but what makes the Tacoma better than the Frontier? It will be used mainly for commuting with minor weekend offroad excursions and hunting trips. I might do some minor tweaking on it because I like that kind of stuff but nothing crazy.

BTW Right now I'm looking at an 06 Frontier NISMO w/ 29K for $21K (totally loaded including sound system) or an 05 Tacoma TRD Sport w/ 39K for $22K. Might also look into a basic no frills 05 Tacoma DC 4x4 w/ 51K for $19K. All are crew cab trucks.

Thank you!

 

Its a Toyota?

So everything.

 

A Tacoma wouldn't have power seats. But a Frontier doesn't have awesomeness.

 

I suggest you go and test drive both vehicles.... buy the one that suits your needs better.....

 

I'd say you get just a hair more value out of the frontier, but in my opinion, Nissan's quality is a little bit below Toyota standards. You'd probably be fine with either.

 

I considered doing a complete and thorough comparison but decided I liked the look of the Tacoma more than the Frontier. My comparison ended there.

I'm sure I would've been happy with either choice and would probably be a member of www.FrontierWorld.com if I went with the Nissan. The only American choice that entered my consideration was the F150 but I decided it was too big for my needs.

Your options are a bit limited because you are buying used. Look at color, miles and price and go with whatever fits your budget and preferences the best.

No matter what you choose, you are not going to regret it (unless you get the Colorado or Sport Trac).

 

From what I have heard there isnt very much leg room for the front passenger in the Frontier. If you are tall or have a tall friend, my suggestion is you test out the leg room there.

 

I can't speak for performance numbers but as for reliability I think you get a bit more with toyota. Both choices are good and seem to suit your needs so I would say test drive them and choose which one you are most comfortable with.

However if you get a tacoma, check out all the mods you can do to make it your own (from cheap to expensive)

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/4838-cheap-free-mods.html

 

"I'm sure I would've been happy with either choice and would probably be a member of www.FrontierWorld.com if I went with the Nissan. The only American choice that entered my consideration was the F150 but I decided it was too big for my needs."

ditto.

 

Nissan is really French. Need I say more?

 

Tacoma all the way. They look better, are more reliable imo. I love mine and will continue to have one. I have the jbl speaker package and it fits my needs. And the trd seats are oh sooo comfy

 

my dad has the nismo frontier with banks exhaust and afe intake and my brother has an identical tacoma trd straight up the frontier has more power, but it seems the toyota rides somewhat better and still has enough power. car and driver did a comparison of the 2 and they rated the nissan above the toyota, i guess it really depends what your doing with it

 

Consumer Report rates the Tacoma higher than the Frontier so go figure.

The Frontier has more power, but it weighs a good chunk more for a similar set up. Sure you get power seats, but that's an extra 100-200lbs of equipment you're always lugging around.

 

If you decide on the Frontier (I prefer the Tacoma ofcourse) you should look at the Suzuki Equator. It's the same truck with a longer warranty. I think the base price is a few hundred less too. Forget what I just said... GET A TACOMA.

 

I had to make a similar decision myself. I found that the Tacoma felt better put together, provided a better ride, a much more pleasant interior, and had a better options package for my needs (similar to yours - mostly commuting, but with trips offroad for camping etc.).

The Tacoma has slightly better ground clearance, and I like the composite truck bed for durability. Sure the frontier has 30 extra ponies, but it weighs 3-400 pounds more!

 

I agree completely! I had the same dilema when I was shopping, but as soon as I sat myself in the back seat...the choice was made...tacoma. It's obvious just by looking at the rear doors. Tacoma's have full size doors, Frontiers don't. I may be a little bias, but I couldn't be happier with my decision!

 

It all depends on what you like best to suit your needs. Also $$$ is a factor, get the best of your choices for the least money. We have a Nissan Pathfinder which is like the Frontier and we're happy with it. Obviously we also have a Tacoma and so far I am very happy with it also. We even had a Ridgeline which is a funny looking "truck" but as far as comfort goes, the Ridgeline beats Toyota and Nissan and it's actually very functional and it has power but it's just not for any real off road expeditions. It's like minivan only higher up and with a bed. I bought the Tacoma because it offers me a good all around package on and off road. You really just got to take both trucks on a extended test drive. I know some dealership will let you take it for hours or even days just to sell you a one.

 

I had a Nissan Xterra for 3 months, and I sold it after that. I got it up on 2 wheels turning onto a freeway at 30mph, which is unacceptable for me, as I like to turn corners at high speeds, and the mpg was awful for a small V6. Also, I felt like the car was cheaply made. So I sold it, and I got my tacoma and now all of those problems are fixed! So after owning that Nissan, that pretty much put into perspective why I won't buy another Nissan. And I'm basing my opinion on what I think, not just because I'm on a toyota forum. Go with the Tacoma and you won't ever think you made the wrong decision. But also, you need to test drive both vehicles and decide which one you like better.

 

In the world of mid-sized trucks, the choice is easy. Clear your mind and look at the next 5 pictures. You decide what you like better.

1,2,3 = crap
4 = not bad
5 = awesome