[topgut]

Hi Dave,

A few months back I test drove the Tacoma and the Frontier on the same day.

What I liked about the Tacoma:
Under the hood everything is where it should be and plenty of room to work under the hood. The oil filter was accessable from the front of the truck. You don't even have to climb under to change the oil filter (or the oil drain plug if you use a vacuum oil remover). Everything/fluids are at arms reach.
I have not seen a better layout under a hood.

The interior was ergonomically excellent and unmatched by any other vehicle I test drove (Taco, Frontier, Colorado, Dakota). I loved the way the back seat converts to under storage and flat space for mutts etc.

I did not like the manual trans which surprised me. The 5sp auto delivered the power to the road way more efficiently especially on an on ramp situation.
I liked the auto trans shifter that easily bumps from 5 to 4 which would be great in towing situations.
This surprised me and I prefer a stick. Also, the Auto can tow 6000 the manual can tow 3500.

I live in the winter rust belt. I loved the composite material box due to that.
The cargo box quarter panels are screwed in place not spot welded. Hence, dented or rusted they can be easily replaced without major body shop hours.

In the truck bed, the adjustable cargo hooks ON THE SIDES not the bottom are the way to go. The power inverter in the truck bed and the compartments in the sides of the bed are the iceing on the cake also.

I can't find anything bad to say about this vehicle. I would buy one if Mahi were not coming.........I hope..........Will wait until Sept but not longer.

Now the Frontier:

The engine was great and more powerful than the Taco. Auto trans was great also.

The interior was good but not as good as the Taco.

I did not like the cargo hooks in the bottom of the truck bed since I think debris will fill the slots and cause problems.

Still, a very good truck and several $k less qouted on price.

I would buy the Tacoma if it was my choice between the two.

Evaluate! Evalutate! Re-Evaluate then buy.........Good luck.