I have a soft spot for Nissan. My first car was a Datsun 510 wagon. I had two 720 pickups (this model ended production in 1986). Then I got myself a '95 Toyota PU. I test drove a bunch of Nissan hardbody pickups (the Frontiers were still pretty new then). The build quality of the Toyota was definitely apparent.

Granted my experience doesn't cover the more modern Nissans, but I would say that the Toyotas have a longer term history of reliability (that frame issue is screwed up, though). You don't see the Nissans with 300k+ miles on them with as regular an occurrence as Toyotas. In comparing a 4Runner to a Xterra, the 4Runner has a definite higher build quality. I have to think that the Tacomas/Frontiers would be in a similar position.

Use this information as you wish. I'm still on the lookout for a Datsun 510. Hard to find these days. I'd still buy a Nissan over a Ford or Chevy.

MadCityRich

 

All you have to do is slam the door once on the Frontier and you'll see the difference. They are not nearly as solidly built as a Tacoma. My good friend had one and it was loud and rattled going down the road. It just felt cheap.

 

The question then should have been, "what makes the Tacoma better than the Frontier?"

 

Reliability, aftermarket support, better off-road equipped from the factory, better motors, interior fit & finish, yada yada yada.

 

My first truck was an 85 Nissan pickup, and it was one of the best vehicles i've owned, I beat the crap out of it, and took it places it never should have gone. That said, There was absolutely no aftermarket support for it and I have to assume it hasn't got much better. I would recommend a Nissan to anyone, right underneath a Toyota.

 

I wouldnt say the Toyota engines are better than nissan--Nissan still has one of the greatest V-6 engines ever!! You couldnt even begin to compare V-6's until Toyota made the 3.4 (Yamaha designed the heads right?).

I did see nissans going over the 300k mark but it was the rest of the car that became the problem.

One place i did see nissans do better than toyotas was on their 4bangers--Nissans didnt start to eat oil like Toyota motors--None the less Toyotas just kept running....but new toyota to new nissan--Toyota

 

Your friend can't go wrong with either truck. I've owned both and wouldn't hesitate to buy another Nissan or another Toyota.

If your friend wants to tons and tons of aftermarket support and is concerned about resale value, then the Toyota is the better bet.

If your friend wants a lot of truck for a good value and has the same features and quality as a Toyota, then the Nissan is the better bang for the buck.

Both Toyota and Nissan are going to have trouble in any mass produced vehicle. The hood on my Toyota vibrates at speed on the highway....I never has those kinds of fit and finish problems with my 1995 hardbody.

Nissans trucks run just as long as Toyotas. Hands down. Visit Nissanoffroad.net and see if they complain about their engines. The complaints just aren't there.

I loved my Nissan hardbody. I had it 5 years and over 50,000 miles and now my buddy loves it just as much as I did. I also love my 1995 Toyota truck and plan to drive it until it dies.

I say tell your friend to buy the truck with the lowest price, lowest miles and cleanest body and frame. He'll be happy with either brand.