Evals: For a late model, what is the Bomb?

[mr_cheevus]

Looking at a new vehicle for the early spring. February like. I want a 4x4... not for SERIOUS rock crawling... I would never buy a newer vehicle for that, but I want to be able to get up say 90% of the rougher trails around. I like a box, but it has to seat at least 4 adults comfortably. Here is the list of possibles: let me know what you think of the potential for some light mods and durability.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ford F150 Crew Cab
Dodge Durango (not likely because of $$$, but for comparison's sake)
Dodge Dakota Crew Cab
Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

Anything else comparably priced I haven't listed? Make your case!

[Wes Rempel]

For 90% of the trails around here you are going to need 33" tires and some good flex. Not to mention some excellent driving skills considering your vehicles of choice. Perhaps even a locker?

Take into account that most of the trails are more firendly to compact size vehicles, that leaves you with the Sport Trac and the Frontier. The larger the vehicle, the more likely you are to do body damage (but not necessarily be forced to stop from finishing the trail)

Both would need a lift to get the 33s under it. I have not seen a Sport Trac or Frontier on the trail, but have driven a fair number of Sport Tracs around town.

The Sport Trac is very similar to the Ranger which does awesome (right Leo?). The only real difference in its suspension is that the Sport Trac is spring under rear and the Ranger is Spring over rear. IMHO the spring over is superior.
To lift it to fit 33s, I would get some kit (seen the superlift ads) for the front and do a spring over in the rear to improve ride and flex.
Throw on the 33s and go and have fun.

Rock rails would also likely be necessary. Even for the not so difficult trails.

IMHO
Wes

[MANCINATOR]

go toyota...either 4runner or landcruiser. not their brand new stuff thouhg....their 2003 models are all crappily made (basically big station wagons with crappy clearance liek all the other brand new suvs out there this year). for my money, a 2000 or older land cruiser with a v8 woudl do it quite nicely....and its got a ton of room and they arnet near as big as a fullsize.
:canadian

[Joe M]

My vote is for a supercharged nissan frontier :D

[MuddyJeep]

I'd steer away from the Nissans. The Motor is gutless, even with the small supercharger, no flex, parts are very pricey, and can be hard to come by. And these vehicles are not user friendly to service.

my 2c