Originally Posted By: itguy08
Originally Posted By: NDL
My main issue is that I will likely get a base truck, with a 4 or V6. GM is the only manufacturer that makes a V6 specifically for it's trucks.
You do realize that all the past trucks have had "passenger car engines" in them, right?
Ford 302/351 - Car engines
Ford 300 6 - Car engine
Ford 4.6 - car engine
Chevy 350 - Car engine
Chevy 4.3 V6 started off life in the 78 Malibu.
Can't speak for Mopar - never have any interest in them as they are not worth the steel.
Of all the things to worry about "car engine" would not even be on the list.
Great post. Actually, my Ranger is equipped with a car engine - the 2.5L Lima. Of all of the engines you listed, I am surprised that the Ford 300 was at one point used in cars.
Here's my issue with engines that are not designed specifically for trucks:
"Car" engines of yesteryear were largely made of iron, as opposed to today's aluminum engines. And there was always an abundance of information (via brochures, magazines, etc.), on how "such and such" engine was beefed up for severe service/duty. Invariably, a catalog would have cutaway pictures, and graphs illustrating torque curves.
Today's marketeers shy away from that, preferring to appeal to "active" lifestyles, or creature comforts. Absent real information, while viewing spec sheets that show high revving engines with high torque peaks...doesn't leave the best impression.
Quote:
If you're looking for affordable, and OK with midsize, take a look at the Nissan Frontier. I was in a similar position recently and ended up with the Frontier. I really thought I wanted the F150 with the 5.0, but loved the Frontier for its price+features and size. If you need something larger that eliminates that option fairly quickly. I think you can get SV models with the 4.0 V6 and 4x4 well under 30k. They are dinosaurs in terms of mechanical tech - no direct injection, turbo, cylinder deactivation, start/stop. But because of this the 4.0 seems pretty reliable with most bugs sorted out.
I notice you are mainly looking at American brands. The Nissan Frontier and Titan are both built in the US (from sourced parts but still). Only driven mine about 2,000 miles so far but I actually love it. Fuel economy has been so-so, mine being the Pro4x model it does slightly worse. But it also takes regular fuel. I'd say its biggest weak point would be rear passenger comfort. The seat is pretty upright.
Best of luck with your new truck. I don't know if the Frontier has the legroom I need, but I have had my eye on it - especially in light of the fact that they're coming out with a new model, which means substantial discounts on the current truck.
The Frontier is a contender for sure. Nissan makes a nice vehicle.
Originally Posted By: drtyler
I would look at the Toyota Tundra as well. Base model has a proven 4.6 V8. I realize you are looking at V6 and 4 cylinder engines, but nothing wrong with these trucks.
The Tundra is a nice truck, though I prefer the efficiency of a four or a six...enter the Tacoma.
Originally Posted By: NDL
My main issue is that I will likely get a base truck, with a 4 or V6. GM is the only manufacturer that makes a V6 specifically for it's trucks.
You do realize that all the past trucks have had "passenger car engines" in them, right?
Ford 302/351 - Car engines
Ford 300 6 - Car engine
Ford 4.6 - car engine
Chevy 350 - Car engine
Chevy 4.3 V6 started off life in the 78 Malibu.
Can't speak for Mopar - never have any interest in them as they are not worth the steel.
Of all the things to worry about "car engine" would not even be on the list.
Great post. Actually, my Ranger is equipped with a car engine - the 2.5L Lima. Of all of the engines you listed, I am surprised that the Ford 300 was at one point used in cars.
Here's my issue with engines that are not designed specifically for trucks:
"Car" engines of yesteryear were largely made of iron, as opposed to today's aluminum engines. And there was always an abundance of information (via brochures, magazines, etc.), on how "such and such" engine was beefed up for severe service/duty. Invariably, a catalog would have cutaway pictures, and graphs illustrating torque curves.
Today's marketeers shy away from that, preferring to appeal to "active" lifestyles, or creature comforts. Absent real information, while viewing spec sheets that show high revving engines with high torque peaks...doesn't leave the best impression.
Quote:
If you're looking for affordable, and OK with midsize, take a look at the Nissan Frontier. I was in a similar position recently and ended up with the Frontier. I really thought I wanted the F150 with the 5.0, but loved the Frontier for its price+features and size. If you need something larger that eliminates that option fairly quickly. I think you can get SV models with the 4.0 V6 and 4x4 well under 30k. They are dinosaurs in terms of mechanical tech - no direct injection, turbo, cylinder deactivation, start/stop. But because of this the 4.0 seems pretty reliable with most bugs sorted out.
I notice you are mainly looking at American brands. The Nissan Frontier and Titan are both built in the US (from sourced parts but still). Only driven mine about 2,000 miles so far but I actually love it. Fuel economy has been so-so, mine being the Pro4x model it does slightly worse. But it also takes regular fuel. I'd say its biggest weak point would be rear passenger comfort. The seat is pretty upright.
Best of luck with your new truck. I don't know if the Frontier has the legroom I need, but I have had my eye on it - especially in light of the fact that they're coming out with a new model, which means substantial discounts on the current truck.
The Frontier is a contender for sure. Nissan makes a nice vehicle.
Originally Posted By: drtyler
I would look at the Toyota Tundra as well. Base model has a proven 4.6 V8. I realize you are looking at V6 and 4 cylinder engines, but nothing wrong with these trucks.
The Tundra is a nice truck, though I prefer the efficiency of a four or a six...enter the Tacoma.
