I make little secret of my admiration for Toyota and its vehicles. If they can be kept from rusting away, a Toyota pickup truck will provide the longest service life and the best value of any.
The Tundra I drive is a synthesis of half and three quarter ton truck. More capacity than a domestic half ton without the discomfort, weight and fuel use of a three quarter. There are now 3 Tundras that have done a million miles. One was re-purchased by Toyota’s San Antonio plant for examination. All had untouched original V8 engines, one transmission on 1 truck, two on another and a few alternators and water pumps. (See Youtube for details).
The Nissan Hardbody was a good truck with a good powertrain. Nissan always had a great V6. They were likely close to as good as an equivalent Toyota. But they were not a Toyota, not in reliability stats, owner loyalty or resale value. As long as Toyota makes a truck (that fits your needs) there is no reason to buy one made by others.
However, I do recall that Pathfinder based on this platform to be a hell of a good SUV, with good AWD and off road ability. Yet the Toyota version of anyone else’s car or truck will always be a better business deal, all things considered.
Danny Plotkin
