Well, I had some time after dropping off a product to a vendor, so I stopped by the local Carmax since they are a Nissan dealer as well. I've owned an 89 2WD hardbody, a 94 4WD reg cab, 1 97 PF, and currently a 01 PF.
I tested a 4WD Crew Cab. My opinions:
outside it really does look like a downsized Titan. The ads aren't lying to you. It's no longer a compact truck, it is mid-sized. Styling crosses over pretty well. The plasticky addons from the previous gen are gone (fenders, bumpers, etc) It looks more solid and refined. The only thing I don't get is on the front wheelwell, there's no inner flap/piece between the wheel and the inner workings of the suspension/lower engine bits, as on my current PF. Seems like that's just asking for early corrosion and breakage if you ever do do any wheeling.
The frame is powdercoated (?) a gloss black. Hopefully that will stop any frame rot wayyy down the line. Bed is lined already, and theres tracks in the floor and on the side to anchor. Tailgate is not lined tho, has a plastic back.
Inside: it's very spacious. I like more of a cockpit feel, and there's just a lot of space in there. Not bad, just it's spread out. Seats are the best part, very comfortable, and fabric is a sporty weave. Rear seats are comfortable as well, and fold up completely against the rear wall. Very nice. Bins underneath come out, but leave holes. Plastic on doors and dash is very very hard, and doesn't feel thick. Easy to clean, but feels cheap. Stoagre bins in doors are big and should be easy to stick a vacuum into unlike my PF. Rear windows roll all the way down, perfect for dogs sticking their heads out the windows.
Engine: drove the 6 speed. Didn't get on it too much, but it feels very linear, and smooth, much like the VQ series. It's not a rocket, but it's fast enough. I forgot there was a 6th gear, sems like an overdive. Shifting was a bit notchy, but it was brand new too. Very light pedal feel and not a long shift throw either. No more shift lever for 4WD, a turn dial instead, under the radio.
Noise: kinda loud. from Edmund's review, I was expecting PF-like quiet. Not so, it's still not as bad as my old hardbodies, but I think it's still a little intrusive. But it's not luxury oriented either, it's a truck, so I guess it's a moot point.
Driving: tight ride. bumpy, but that's to be expected. Body roll is not very pronounced around turns, gave me some confidence to give it some gas on the on/off ramps.
Overall, I liked it. It made me miss my hardbody, tho. If I had the money, I'd rather pick up a old 94 and try to swap a VQ engine in.
But for 23,6 this seems like a really good truck. Tempting.
Well, I had some time after dropping off a product to a vendor, so I stopped by the local Carmax since they are a Nissan dealer as well. I've owned an 89 2WD hardbody, a 94 4WD reg cab, 1 97 PF, and currently a 01 PF.
I tested a 4WD Crew Cab. My opinions:
outside it really does look like a downsized Titan. The ads aren't lying to you. It's no longer a compact truck, it is mid-sized. Styling crosses over pretty well. The plasticky addons from the previous gen are gone (fenders, bumpers, etc) It looks more solid and refined. The only thing I don't get is on the front wheelwell, there's no inner flap/piece between the wheel and the inner workings of the suspension/lower engine bits, as on my current PF. Seems like that's just asking for early corrosion and breakage if you ever do do any wheeling.
The frame is powdercoated (?) a gloss black. Hopefully that will stop any frame rot wayyy down the line. Bed is lined already, and theres tracks in the floor and on the side to anchor. Tailgate is not lined tho, has a plastic back.
Inside: it's very spacious. I like more of a cockpit feel, and there's just a lot of space in there. Not bad, just it's spread out. Seats are the best part, very comfortable, and fabric is a sporty weave. Rear seats are comfortable as well, and fold up completely against the rear wall. Very nice. Bins underneath come out, but leave holes. Plastic on doors and dash is very very hard, and doesn't feel thick. Easy to clean, but feels cheap. Stoagre bins in doors are big and should be easy to stick a vacuum into unlike my PF. Rear windows roll all the way down, perfect for dogs sticking their heads out the windows.
Engine: drove the 6 speed. Didn't get on it too much, but it feels very linear, and smooth, much like the VQ series. It's not a rocket, but it's fast enough. I forgot there was a 6th gear, sems like an overdive. Shifting was a bit notchy, but it was brand new too. Very light pedal feel and not a long shift throw either. No more shift lever for 4WD, a turn dial instead, under the radio.
Noise: kinda loud. from Edmund's review, I was expecting PF-like quiet. Not so, it's still not as bad as my old hardbodies, but I think it's still a little intrusive. But it's not luxury oriented either, it's a truck, so I guess it's a moot point.
Driving: tight ride. bumpy, but that's to be expected. Body roll is not very pronounced around turns, gave me some confidence to give it some gas on the on/off ramps.
Overall, I liked it. It made me miss my hardbody, tho. If I had the money, I'd rather pick up a old 94 and try to swap a VQ engine in.
But for 23,6 this seems like a really good truck. Tempting.
I haven't checked the local dealers to see if they have the 05 in stock, but I'm planning to. Motor Trend had a pretty good article on it and gave it high marks, noting that it was a kind of downsized Titan, which by the way they gave very high marks on. I'm driving an 04 cc lb 2x4 v6 now and I love it.
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