Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 1:05pm | IP Logged

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CajunJosh;

Welcome to the group. And good thinking!

Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 3:01pm | IP Logged

Aloha all,

I did a bunch of research and test driving of all manner of small trucks before buying my 07 CC LE.  I spent right at $21K for one that didn't have much more than the standard LE features. 

Here's what I found:

Honda Ridgeline - Most expensive model in class.  The interior was not what I'd hope for in the way of appointments-ultra plastic.  The body had some interesting features such as an in-bed 'trunk' and the fact that the cab was one with  the bed made the truck feel firm. (Initially if felt funny?)  Its extreme size and cost ruled it out early.

Chevy Colorado/Isuzu I-290/340 - Aside from the salesman being an idiot, the trucks seem to be comfortable and the inline-5 engine had enough power.  One thing I noted was very rough shifting ofthe tranny and a very stiff suspension. The idiot told me that's how all trucks feel. Didn't like the dealership enough that the truck wasn't a candidate for my driveway.

Toyota Tacoma - I liked it. It rode well, looked good; inside and out and the prices quoted were in the range of what I thought I'd have to spend on a Frontier.  Had good luck with other Toyota products (Lexus) so I was thinking it might rub off on the trucks.  Killer was, my wife didn't like the raised 'nose' on the hood; said she couldn't judge where the front bumper was... (Shades of those lighted sticks and curb feelers came to mind...) 

Nissan Frontier - The writing on the wall was clear.  These were the trucks my wife liked.  Now the questions were directed to XE, SE, NISMO or LE?  -  LC or CC?   The XE a good run-about - inexpensive truck.  Fleet users choose the XE. Most on the lot have manual everything and can go with a $12-14K price tag.  The SE seemed to be an XE with a bigger engine.  Same ride, same interior, more power.  Most of the SEs on the lot though, had upgrades for the windows and wipers etc. making them more 'polished'.  The NISMO is a sport truck.  Rough noisy ride - usually packed with all the options - but made for the off road.  Lastly the LE.  I especially liked this model because it had a smoother ride than the SE or NISMO, a touch of leather (Not all leather) a good sound system and other comfortable touches.  I should have gotten it with the 6-CD stereo, not so much for that feature but for the iPod connectivity.  

Bottom line: All vehicles have pops and rattles eventually.  Gas milage, Engine perfomance and Truck capabilities are three distinct discussions that are almost impossible to comment on two of them - without impacting on the third.  I'm happy with my Frontier but would have surely been happy with the Tacoma too.

Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 4:25pm | IP Logged

I bought an 07 Frontier SE with auto, V-6 and coated bed, Utilitrack, heated rear window (defrost) with Power package and a convenience package (electric windows, locks , etc).   It also has the bed divider and the bed extender with side step rails that help my wife (has arthritis) get into the truck. I went with the SE as I hunt, wanted four wheel drive, 16" wheels/tires and NO sunroof or rooftop carrier.  I am very pleased to date with the truck as it does everything I want.

I test drove a Tacoma and did not like the seating position.  My legs seemed to go straight out whereas in the Frontier they are bent more at the knee.  I also liked the ride and power better in the Frontier.  The price was better as well for all of the features.  I was a full size Chevy pickup driver for many years and wanted a smaller but very capable truck.  I too did not consider the Canyon/Colorado trucks as there are way too many negative reviews on them and I just found them lacking in quality and ride.

Posted: Jan 06 2008 at 3:09am | IP Logged

Well I like mine other than the gas miles as well! I only get 17 if I am lucky,  I was doing my math wrong before in saying 13-14. That is the best I get at 55 with cruise. I like you drive easy and I even put 92 octane with no change. I love the power and think it is comfortable. I have sustained a back injury while deployed in the military and normally find it painful/difficult to drive long distances but not with my frontier. I dont really no how to describe them they are stiff but comfy. I have always been one to believe that a truck needs to be 4x4 but it was a lot more and out of my price range. I got the 08 SE and I like it alot other than the control knobs are cheepy plastic. I am scared to put any pressure on them because the feel like they will break. I only have like 2000 miles on mine though I have had it like two weeks. Oh I did have one problem with the air bag light coming on for the passenger seat when it was not supposed to and of course dealer stated "nothing wrong there either because computer said so" Well  anyways hope your fronty keeps chuggin along problem free.