4Runner fighter
- Thread starter JSlack
- Start date
dingo
New member
snap315 said:
I respectfully disagree. I find that Pathfinder's interior is a little dated and bland. I'm not digging that steering wheel either. Whoever designed the rear end also certainly needs to be smacked (who likes a flat @ss? - nobody)
...On the other hand, the 4Runner looks much sportier and refined (yes, I'm bias as hell)...and that @ss! So sexy - it has curves, definition, and muscles (like any good behind should).
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dingo
New member
Thai said:Uhhhh, you've been spending way too much time with your 4runner....
I think you're right, Thai. I guess that's what happens when I spend almost 4 hours a day in the 4runner. All to spend quality time with my fellow commuters. My wife complains I spend more time buffing the 4runner's @ss than on hers. Difference is the 4runner doesn't complain about it. I guess I should also stop using the Porter Cable on her @ss as well (the wife). Seems to work on the truck though for that extra @ss shiny. Can I even say that here? @ss @ss @ss.
Oh sorry, back to topic. Umm...Pathfinder ugly. Not as @sstastic.
Thai said:Really??!!It may look better, but the materials are certainly not. Nissan interiors use cheap materials. Toyota & Honda are clearly ahead of Nissan in the materials that they use.
Not sure I'm with you on that one... the interior of my runner is scratched and dinged all to hell from absolutely nothing. The black plastic on the console shows every little nick, especially in the sun, the glovebox door and raer cargo area seem to get scratched by just about everything that touches them, the clear plastic covering the speedo/tacho is gettng less clear by the day, and the silver plastic.... ugh! What were they thinking? Makes the interior look like a kids toy.
As for the Nissan, I kinda like the styling... OK, so its butt is ugly but I'm a fan of boxy styling and I'm not a fan of the acres of overhanging plastic at each end of the runner. The Nissan interior is rather dull looking but the interior of the runner is waaay too busy IMO.
Camprunner
New member
I took both a 4runner and a Pathfinder over night at the same time before I bought my runner. I compared them in every way and the main reason I picked the runner was it just drove more like a car then the P-finder. It was a little quicker off the line (V6 compairo) it stopped better it went around corners better and was just plain old more sporty like.
The Pathfinder just feels more truckish when you drive it and for some people this is not a bad thing.
The Pathfinder just feels more truckish when you drive it and for some people this is not a bad thing.
4Runner fighter Part II: I see that the Hummer H3 is getting a V8 this summer, 295 hp and 320 or so torque. For the true off-road enthusiast, the H3 Alpha is going to be very interesting. It's already very off-road-worthy, but with a smallish engine I couldn't justify any serious interest. But now with 6000-pound towing capability, plus all that serious trail-ability...I think they'll gain some ground in the midsize 4X4 market-share department.
What can Toyota do to up the ante and maintain their superiority? Sure, there are 4Runner lovers or Nissan lovers or H3 lovers, but for those who are not strictly brand conscious and are looking for the best combination of elements for a real-live off-roader with decent road manners and decent cargo area (which the H3 lacks), does Toyota keep with a "more of the same" philosophy or do they push the envelope and do something to really stand out in the ever-growing crowd?
For the record, I recognize that some will see the new H3 Alpha as more of an "FJ fighter" than a 4Runner fighter. Perhaps the FJ is the future of rugged off-road-worthiness in the world of Toyota.
What can Toyota do to up the ante and maintain their superiority? Sure, there are 4Runner lovers or Nissan lovers or H3 lovers, but for those who are not strictly brand conscious and are looking for the best combination of elements for a real-live off-roader with decent road manners and decent cargo area (which the H3 lacks), does Toyota keep with a "more of the same" philosophy or do they push the envelope and do something to really stand out in the ever-growing crowd?
For the record, I recognize that some will see the new H3 Alpha as more of an "FJ fighter" than a 4Runner fighter. Perhaps the FJ is the future of rugged off-road-worthiness in the world of Toyota.
Thai
Elite Member
Joel, i must admit that the H3 Alpha will be one hell of a off-road ride. Two major problems with the current H3: weak engine and weak front aluminum diff. With the Alpha, Hummer has cured both problems.
I think that, although Alpha is a good thing, it is coming at a bad time when fuel prices are once again going up. If prices continue to go up, then Hummer brand will once again get a bad reputation, like they do now with the H2.
If i were in the market, then the H3 Alpha vs. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is what i would look at. The FJ Cruiser & Xterra (both in stock form) is clearly the underdog when it comes to off-roading rigs. You need to modify both of them significantly to match the stock capability of H3 Alpha and Rubicon. (Unfortunately, Toyota did not address this when they came out with the TRD FJ Cruiser.)
I think that, although Alpha is a good thing, it is coming at a bad time when fuel prices are once again going up. If prices continue to go up, then Hummer brand will once again get a bad reputation, like they do now with the H2.
If i were in the market, then the H3 Alpha vs. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is what i would look at. The FJ Cruiser & Xterra (both in stock form) is clearly the underdog when it comes to off-roading rigs. You need to modify both of them significantly to match the stock capability of H3 Alpha and Rubicon. (Unfortunately, Toyota did not address this when they came out with the TRD FJ Cruiser.)
1st_runner
New member
Falls said:
I couldn't agree more. This is my first & that happening would make it my last.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Even if Toyota didn't address a few things with the FJ it hasn't hurt sales and that's the bottom line and I'd rather take the cheaper FJ (non-TRD) and invest a little and still spend less than the Alpha Hummer will cost and get reliability. I'd never buy a GM product for off roading.
Thai said:
Thai,
When it comes to fuel prices, I am not of the opinion that they will perpetually be @ $3+ per gallon, and if temporarily high gas prices scare customers away from otherwise desirable off-road products, I would personally see that as good news for me, from a really blatantly selfish perspective. A: Better selection of vehicles from stock, and B: auto manufacturers would feel the heat and start throwing rebates or other incentives at customers. Bring it!
I feel the pinch at the pump as much as the next guy, but I think gas prices will always fluctuate, and won't always be scary high. But that's just me. It's a trade-off I am willing to make every day of the week for the vehicle that best suits me. Not to make light of the hardship high fuel prices make for folks, but you pays your money and you takes your chances. There are lots of high-mpg vehicles out there to choose from if it becomes too much of an issue.
TheBlueWave
New member
My choices came down to the 4runner, pathy and I chose the runner because:
1. Even with live rear axle, it rides better on road than the pathy and performs better off road and towing.
2. Feels sturdier than the pathy.
3. Toyota v6 much quieter and seemingly smoother (Nissan VQ is a great engine, though) even though it is less powerful (I didn't look at v8 runners) and the pathy v6 needs premium fuel.
4. Pathy is bigger, less mpg.
5. Styling - what's up with the rear door handles. That was enough to drive me away right there. That grill is bad, too. See, I didn't even mention the rear end... oops!
6. Resale value - enough said
7. Reliability - Nissan is known as a reliable brand historically, but my friend's Titan has been in the shop for all kinds of stuff, while my other friend's Sequoia never has exept for maintenance.
8. Reseach and reading customer feedback.
I like my ride. Even though it lacks many features you others have, it is just fine for me, nice and sturdy like all Toyota products I owned in the past (except for that damn driveshaft).
The 5.6 L will be coming out at the worst possible time. I would bet that people will still buy them, and then complain about MPG's. Really annoying when people who drive big cars and trucks bitch about that.:bash:
1. Even with live rear axle, it rides better on road than the pathy and performs better off road and towing.
2. Feels sturdier than the pathy.
3. Toyota v6 much quieter and seemingly smoother (Nissan VQ is a great engine, though) even though it is less powerful (I didn't look at v8 runners) and the pathy v6 needs premium fuel.
4. Pathy is bigger, less mpg.
5. Styling - what's up with the rear door handles. That was enough to drive me away right there. That grill is bad, too. See, I didn't even mention the rear end... oops!
6. Resale value - enough said
7. Reliability - Nissan is known as a reliable brand historically, but my friend's Titan has been in the shop for all kinds of stuff, while my other friend's Sequoia never has exept for maintenance.
8. Reseach and reading customer feedback.
I like my ride. Even though it lacks many features you others have, it is just fine for me, nice and sturdy like all Toyota products I owned in the past (except for that damn driveshaft).
The 5.6 L will be coming out at the worst possible time. I would bet that people will still buy them, and then complain about MPG's. Really annoying when people who drive big cars and trucks bitch about that.:bash:
