4Cyl Tacoma Vs. Frontier

[SpikedLemon]

I'm going out of my mind here. I'm looking only at the 4cylinder manual transmission trucks and the Frontier and the Tacoma are at the top of the list. I have a Tacoma on order conditional on the test-drive (they didn't have a 4-cyl in stock anywhere around me) and I've been reading up, again, on everything.
The main purpose for this truck will be to transport my motorcycles to-and-from the track (and the shop if one happens to die on me). Beyond that; it'll be my commuter vehicle for days that I don't want to ride the bike into work (like the winter)

The bent tailgate issues I've been hearing a lot about disturbs me. As does the numerous issues of funny noises, water leaks, poor paint, rusting bumpers etc... And let's not start on the non-standard tire size that comes on the 4-cylinder trucks.

The biggest plus to the Tacoma is the bed material and the tie-down rails followed by the slightly more powerful engine.

I currently have a Chev Cavalier. I've had my share of crap and just want to be rid of this car and move on; I don't want a repeat of buying a junk vehicle.


Can I get some advice from you guys on why you went with the Tacoma over the Frontier? (beyond "it's a Toyota!")

[05XRunner]

I dont think Nissan has a 4cyl in their frontier.
Who would want a Nissan anyway

[Deviant]

I don't like the boxy shape of the Frontier...

Also heard that the cab rattles quite a bit on the road. I dont' thin it was a major issue, but it could get pretty irirtating after a while.

And what 05 says, I haven't heard of a 4 cyl version of the Frontier either...

[tim.powerbook]

they have a 4-cylinder. it's got 154 HP ( i think).

i'm planning on buying a 4-cylinder tacoma in May. i wouldn't go with a frontier. i don't like the tires on either of them, but at least the tacoma prerunner comes with bigger tires. some even come with 18's i might try to get one with them if i can.

[05XRunner]

Only taco with 18's is the XRunner

[d1live]

Originally Posted by Deviant

Also heard that the cab rattles quite a bit on the road. I dont' thin it was a major issue, but it could get pretty irirtating after a while.

And what 05 says, I haven't heard of a 4 cyl version of the Frontier either...

No cab rattles on my 06 SE 4x4, Nissan offers a 4cyl. XE 2wd KC, but all 4x4's,SE's,LE's and NISMO's have a 4.0 V6.

[tim.powerbook]

Originally Posted by 05XRunner

Only taco with 18's is the XRunner

that is wrong. you can get a prerunner access cab 4x2 manual 2.7L with 18in Enkei Alloy Wheels/Tires

[tacoma-05]

Originally Posted by d1live

No cab rattles on my 06 SE 4x4, Nissan offers a 4cyl. XE 2wd KC, but all 4x4's,SE's,LE's and NISMO's have a 4.0 V6.

dont worry man you will get them soon. my friend didnt have any rattles at first but now thats what he complains about on his 2005 frontier. quality in nissan is dirt cheap. the plastics in the truck reminds me of GM's dilemma back in the 90's where everyone would comlpain about the cheap feeling of the plastic in the interior.

[d1live]

Originally Posted by tacoma-05

dont worry man you will get them soon. my friend didnt have any rattles at first but now thats what he complains about on his 2005 frontier. quality in nissan is dirt cheap. the plastics in the truck reminds me of GM's dilemma back in the 90's where everyone would comlpain about the cheap feeling of the plastic in the interior.

My cousin's 05 Frontier has 35K on it, NO squeaks rattles or problems so far, the truck is rock solid, my neighbor bought an 05 Tacoma Sport KC, drove mine yesterday and is pissed because he didnt drive one before he bought his Toyota, he has alot rattles, I informed him that one of them may be the Cab-Mounts and another the leaf-springs, hes keeping his Tacoma and Iam keeping my Nissan, both are great trucks.

[tacoma-05]

Originally Posted by d1live

My cousin's 05 Frontier has 35K on it, NO squeaks rattles or problems so far, the truck is rock solid, my neighbor bought an 05 Tacoma Sport KC, drove mine yesterday and is pissed because he didnt drive one before he bought his Toyota, he has alot rattles, I informed him that one of them may be the Cab-Mounts and another the leaf-springs, hes keeping his Tacoma and Iam keeping my Nissan, both are great trucks.

I LIVE IN A TOWN WHERE THERE ARE ALOT OF F**KED UP ROADS AND MY TRUCK TAKES THE POT HOLES BETTER THEN HIS THATS WHY HIS STARTED TO RATTLE SO MUCH. THE FRONTIER CANT TAKE THE HEAT.

[tim.powerbook]

back on topic,

i think the 4-cylinder toyota is a better choice. i currently drive a 2003 nissan xterra, and i must say, i can't wait to trade it in for a tacoma. the xterra is a V6, and the 4-cylinder tacoma feels more responsive (i test drove one). and toyotas are the most reliable trucks around, and they have the numbers to prove it.

[tacoma2.7]

Originally Posted by tim.powerbook

i think the 4-cylinder toyota is a better choice.......
toyotas are the most reliable trucks around, and they have the numbers to prove it.

Agreed!
I am dealing on a 4 cyl currently.
Just to nail your impressions. I got the following from www.edmonds.com ,other than curb weight:

Frontier vs Tacoma
Base Engine Type & Cylinders inline 4 inline 4
Base Engine Displacement 2.5 liters 2.7 liters
Horsepower 154 hp @ 5200 rpm 159 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 173 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm 180 ft-lbs. @ 3800 rpm
Weight 3675 3455 lbs

Less weight more power . 220 lbs is significant.
I too am having a hard time finding a truck.
Dealers are saying the next white access cab 4 cyl manual sr5 will arrive in 2 months, in all of Canada!
Good luck finding yours.

[PiercedTiger]

I've been watching Nissan and Toyota since the first 4-door version came out in 2000. They've both made improvements since then. I know toyota has done at least 2 redesigns since then. Consumer reports (among others) rates the tacomas higher than most other mid-sized trucks, and I have yet to experience any of the problems people mention on here.
Before anyone says anything I'll have 4,000 miles on it by then end of the week. That's 4,000 miles in a month over highways, city streets, one-lane dirt back roads, and some off-roading. All the dirt roads (and most of the city roads too) are ripped to hell around me. The pot holes are worse that driving thru a corn field! So the truck has been shaken quite a bit and no squeaks or other odd noises.

[timodena]

I personally think that while the issues with the Tacos mention on this forum are great pieces of info to know and help all of us, it shouldn't distract from the fact that the Tacos are the best trucks available. After all we're not hearing a lot of talk about major things like blown trannys at 60,000 miles or less. I was thinking of buying a Mini Cooper with a CVT. Look at their forums. Or look at forums on the New Beetle. Junk!

Timo

[tacoma2.7]

Originally Posted by timodena

I personally think that while the issues with the Tacos mention on this forum are great pieces of info to know and help all of us, it shouldn't distract from the fact that the Tacos are the best trucks available. After all we're not hearing a lot of talk about major things like blown trannys at 60,000 miles or less. I was thinking of buying a Mini Cooper with a CVT. Look at their forums. Or look at forums on the New Beetle. Junk!

Timo

Agreed. My "Toyota Vibe" has been awesome (GM sucks though but that's another story) so another Toyota was a natural.
<donning flame proof suit>
All the Japanese nameplates have taken over all the segments with quality vehicles. Consumer reports rated Japanese vehicles as the tops in reliability.
The strange part is most of them are built in North America so our workers are fine, it is the domestic manufacturers at fault. Sad but it seems true.