Created at Nissan's U.S. design facility in La Jolla, California, this was one of the
first compact pickups to anticipate the trend toward a slightly rounder, more
aerodynamic front end. A major redesign is just around the corner, but that design
still looks good today--sturdy, functional and tough, with just the right veneer of
civilization.
Sporty side graphics are available, as well as blacked-out chrome trim and dark tinted
glass. If image is the goal, you can also add the optional aluminum alloy "cool
wheels." You know they're cool because it says so right there in Nissan's promotional
literature.
The Nissan is offered in two wheelbase lengths--104.3 in. for the standard cab version,
116.1 in. for the King Cab. A longer wheelbase almost inavariably adds up to better
ride quality, and we found this to be the case with our test truck, an XE King Cab
with 4wd.
With a new truck nearing production-readiness, Nissan has eliminated a long-bed option
for the +96 model. Cargo beds on King Cab editions are a couple inches longer than
those behind the standard cab, but both qualify as shortbeds. The cargo box features
double-wall construction, and a plastic bedliner is available as an option. Rated
payload capacity is 1400 lbs. across the board, and towing capacity is 3500 lbs.
The engine is a 2.4-liter single overhead cam 12-valve 4-cyl. with adequate horspower
and good torque characteristics, thanks to its 3-valves per cylinder design--two
intake, one exhaust. This engine has been in the Nissan truck inventory for quite
awhile, and has very good durability credentials.
If you want a V6 engine, you'll have to shop elsewhere. If you want a V6 engine in a
Nissan truck, you'll have to wait until the new one comes along. The next generation
is expected to offer the same new 3.3-liter V6 used in the new Nissan Pathfinder. In
the meantime, Nissan chose not to make the investment that would have been required to
update the old V6 to the next level of federal and/or California emissions standards.
Development delays in the new engine program have spawned consequent delays in the
arrival of the new trucks.
Transmission choices include a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic.
Considering the power limits of the 4-cyl. engine, we recommend the 5-speed.
If towing is on your agenda, Nissan produces one of the more comprehensive towing
guides we've seen from any manufacturer. It includes clear definitions of various
hitches and their applications, as a wiring section with diagrams for Nissan vehicles
with clear explanations of the best places to tap into the electrical system for
trailer lighting and brake systems.
King Cab or regular, the Nissan Pickup is available in thre trim levels--the very
spartan Standard truck, the mid-range XE and the sportier, better-equipped SE.
Nissan Pickup cabins are comfortable, nicely finished and functional. As you'd expect,
the King Cab provides extra room up front, as well as just enough space for two behind
the front seats. Instead of a conventional bench seat in back, which would be
extremely cramped, Nissan's King Cab provides two small jump seats that fold down from
the sides and face toward the center of the truck.
The jump seats wouldn't be a comfortable place to roost for a long trip, but they work
fine for a jaunt to the beach or getting a small crew to a work site. And without
passengers, the seats can be folded up, creating a good-sized space for storage of
stuff you don't care to stow in the cargo bed.
Driver and passenger seats are supportive and comfortable. Once we figured out how to
work the tilt option on the steering column, we were able to get the relationship
between the seat and various controls arranged in a configuration that was more car-
than truck-like.
Nissan has installed a better grade of cloth upholstery on the '96 models, and
cupholders have been integrated into the center storage console in King Cab models.
The control and gauge array is logically and visibly positioned save for the dashlight
dimmer control, which required some searching to find. Nissan added a driver's airbag
for +96, but dual airbags won't be available until the new truck rolls out.
Ventilation in the King Cab is excellent. The rear side windows swing out, and the
rear window has a slide-open feature. Using a combination of side and rear windows,
it's easy to achieve an excellent flow of fresh air without any buffeting.
Nissan lists air conditioning as an "accessory," rather than an option, but the net
result is the same. You pay extra for it, something that's true of every
comfort/convenience feature you can name as far as the Standard truck is concerned.
The sound system in our test truck was an optional AM/FM/cassette unit with two
speakers--not exactly orchestral, but it did deliver a good range of sound and
maintained a tenacious hold on radio station tuning.
Although it's well made and nicely appointed, the absence of a V6 engine definitely
diminishes the appeal of this truck. The 4-cyl. engine is adequate in most normal
driving conditons, but begins getting buzzy at higher rpm and has to work hard to
propel the truck up steep grades at highway speeds.
Although its payload rating is respectable, we think performance with 1400 lbs. of
cargo on board--or a 3500-lb. trailer hooked on behind--would be sub-standard.
On the other hand, ride quality was surprisingly good for a 4wd pickup truck, and the
truck felt stable at all speeds.
Pickups equipped with 4wd have a high center of gravity, which doesn't lend itself to
agile handling, and so it was with our test truck. However, its responses to quick
maneuvers are about average for 4wd trucks in this class. The same can be said for
braking performance, although ABS--a feature that's showing up on more and more
pickups--is available here only on the rear wheels. It's standard equipment, but a
4-wheel ABS system simply isn't offered.
The 4-wheel drive system is of the on-demand variety, with a separate shifter for the
transfer case. Like virtually all pickup truck systems, it's designed for occasional
use, rather than full-time.