By today's standards, the Nissan Truck seems tame. It has rounded corners
and bulging fenders, all neatly executed. The shape's longevity can be
attributed to its basic understatement; unlike most faddish styling jobs,
the Nissan Truck was, and still is, free of obsolescence-prone add-on frills.
This year all Nissan Trucks are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder
engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. This engine generates
134 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 154 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. It gives
away some smoothness and power to some of the competition in return for
bulletproof reliability and low cost. The Nissan can tow trailers up to
3500 lbs.
This is one of the most powerful standard engines among the compact
trucks, though it's topped by the Toyota Tacoma's 142-hp engine.
The V6 engine offered last year is not available this year due to emissions
regulations.
XE and SE models come with two- or four-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line
King Cab SE is fitted with automatic locking front hubs, while XE models
require the driver to get out and engage the front hubs manually before
going off-road.
Power steering and rear-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard on all models.
All 4X4 models with manual transmissions come with a clutch-interlock cancel
control that allows you to start the engine on hills without pressing the
clutch pedal.
Cabs and cargo beds are offered in two sizes. The Standard cargo bed
is just over six feet long; the Long Bed adds more than 15 inches to that.
Two colors were added to this year's palette: Autumn Sunburst and Starfire
Blue Pearl, which join Aztec Red, Cherry Red Pearl, Pacific Blue, Vivid
Teal, black, gold, gray and white.
The Regular Cab is just that; it provides space for two or three people,
with little storage space behind the seats. Regular Cab trucks come with
cloth bench seats, which are advertised as, but not very comfortable, for
three riders.
The King Cab is larger, providing a 14.4 cu. ft. cargo area behind the
seats or, when optional jump seats are installed, temporary accommodations
for two more passengers. King Cabs get cloth bucket seats.
The Standard Regular Cab 4X2 Truck is stark and utilitarian to the extreme
with a vinyl-covered floor.
The Regular and King Cab XE models and the top-of-the-line King Cab
SE are far cozier with full carpeting and a premium grade of cloth. A wide
range of options are offered to further civilize the cab, but appearance
and comfort basics are in place regardless of model.
Whether Regular or King, the Nissan cabs are comfortable and attractive.
A car-like dashboard houses a speedometer, a fuel gauge and a water temperature
gauge. Higher trim lines include a tachometer.
A driver's-side airbag, three-point seat belts and side intrusion beams
are standard.
On or off the highway, Nissan Pickups are pleasant to drive. The power
steering combines low effort with good feel, the ride is firm but not unpleasant.
Like most pickups, these trucks ride better with a load in the bed than
when empty.
The suspension consists of independent struts with torsion bar springs
and a 23-mm anti-roll bar up front with a solid axle and leaf springs in
the rear. This sturdy combination gives the Nissan a smooth, car-like feel,
while giving it the ability to conquer the most challenging off-road terrain.
With their stiff suspensions, the 4X4 models feel a bit bouncy when going
over bumps and road irregularities.
While the 4X2 Regular Cabs can turn around in a 33.5-ft. circle, the
4X4 King Cab requires 38.7 feet to do the same, which requires a little
getting used to.
For many people, all-day trips in pickup trucks are not comfortable,
but the Nissans are much better in this regard than most other small trucks.
They are, of course, equipment-sensitive: You will want the King Cab
with its bucket seats if long hours behind the wheel are anticipated. For
a personal use truck and general transportation the King Cab is the way
to go. Regular Cab trucks are best used primarily as work trucks.
Other, more practical matters to consider when choosing a Nissan are
construction details. Long Bed and 4X4 models have additional reinforcement
to their steel ladder-type chassis, a good feature to have in times of
heavy loading or off-road stress.
All Nissan pickup beds are double-walled for strength. The King Cab
models come standard with plastic bedliners, which are available as a dealer-installed
accessory package on the Regular Cab models.
Beyond practical considerations, there's little to do except look at
the various equipment levels, plus individual and package options. Some
represent genuine good value: The XE Value Truck package is a no-cost option
for all XE models that includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/cassette sound
system, aluminum alloy wheels with P215/70R-14 tires, black windshield
molding, black grille, black bumper, variable intermittent wipers, locking
glove compartment, ash tray, glove compartment lights, tachometer, trip
odometer and digital clock; that package cost $995 last year, adding considerable
value. The Comfort Package that comes with it adds a tilt steering column
and cruise control.
The SE King Cab is Nissan's best-equipped and most luxurious truck.
It comes with everything in the XE Value Package plus power windows and
door locks, cruise control, alloy wheels and a sunroof. This makes the
SE is an excellent choice for weekday and weekend use.