2011 Nissan Frontier vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2011 Nissan Frontier is a full size larger than some rivals like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado.

The two models closest in size would be the Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota.

The Tacoma is presented the same way, with a choice between four-cylinder and V-6 engines; it's not as attractive as the Nissan, but it has an enviable reputation for longevity as well as even more feature possibilities.

The Dodge Dakota is being discontinued after this year; it's a competitive truck purely with respect to performance and capability, but its interior feels bargain-basement in places and ride and handling are a step behind its peers.

The Honda Ridgeline is a different animal entirely; it's softer and more carlike in the way it rides and drives, even though its uni-body design does just fine for occasional hauling.

Some might never warm up to the odd styling, though.

And there's one other alternative: Suzuki is selling a rebadged version of the Frontier, called the Equator; as it's virtually identical to some trims of the Frontier, you might be able to find a great deal.