Who almost bought a Frontier?

I know this would probably get more feedback in the 2nd gen side, but I'm only interested in the first gen taco. I have driven a few newer Frontiers - 2008 seems to be when the transmission issues were worked out. I don't love the way they drive, but on paper, the truck makes a lot of sense. Anybody here look into a 2nd gen Frontier seriously before buying their first gen Tacoma? Or has anybody had both?

 

I drove a few in the past but they always felt cheaply made to me and that deterred me from owning one. The older ones with the 3.3 V6 were a joke too power wise, but the 4.0 ones seem pretty snotty for a truck. Nissan makes excellent vehicles, but I never cared for any of their interiors, reminded me of Chevy trucks that fall apart on the inside after a few years of ownership.

 

I feel ya. Honestly, I hate the Frontier steering wheel so much. Sounds silly, but it's just terrible. Being 6'2", I appreciate the Frontier's increased leg room, but the drive is weird. It almost feels too stiff. Not sure if that's the shocks/struts or the fully boxed frame. It also seems to have some pretty serious blind spots.

 

I agree that they feel so cheaply made. My friend had a newer one and he loved it then he traded it in for a Jeep. I always thought there was way too much plastic in the cab.

 

Been saving up for a Tacoma since my Freshman year of high school. Back in December I finally found a well maintained example a few hours away and drove out to get it. There was a slightly newer Frontier at a dealership here in town that my dad was trying to convince me to get instead, but I hate how Frontiers look and I prefer Toyota interiors over Nissan.

 

I've owned mostly Nissans and almost bought a 2016, but there's no way I could live in that sea of tan on a daily basis. The late-model interior is something special. Otherwise I liked them. The 3.3 is a tank. 4.0 has a lot more power but it's less friendly to maintain.