Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss

Pathfinder vs. 4Runner vs. Explorer vs. Rodeo

320 views
Skip to first unread message

Crippled Grasshopper

unread,
Feb 27, 1995, 4:50:02 PM2/27/95
to

If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
/disadvantages of each?

Thanks.


yup, i'm getting one of those soon...
--
Phil Team CHAOS t...@eniac.seas.upenn.edu
ip TIP#267 krnh...@bunghole.resnet.upenn.edu

Mark Barrett

unread,
Feb 28, 1995, 12:43:23 AM2/28/95
to
Crippled Grasshopper (t...@red.seas.upenn.edu) wrote:

: If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,


: Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
: /disadvantages of each?

I just went through this process . . .

Nissan Pathfinder - Nissan seemed to screw up in the 80's and I'm not
over it. Or maybe it was the Datsun I owned in the
70's that turned me off.

Toyota 4Runner - Nice but over priced. Insurance cost was much higher than
for the others. I liked them better when they were under
$20k.

Isuzu Rodeo - Interiors are crappy, vehicle is over priced, and I don't like
the name.

Ford Explorer w/EB package - Comes only in automatic transmission. No thanks.
Sticker prices are amazing, leaving lots of room for dealer profit. The
best part of the EB package is a duffle bag. The high end Explorer is the
Limited model. The XLT (Sport) with 945(934) package comes extremely well
equipped for a lot less.

Montero - Geez, when did they decide it was ok to price this thing at over
$30k. I bought mine new for 11k. They may have jazzed up the
interior and rounded the corners but to me its the same vehicle.

Jeep Grand Cherokee - Nice, a little small, and only comes with automatic
transmission. That rules this one out for me.

PS: I bought the 95 Explorer to replace my 7.5 year old Montero.

Mark Barrett
ma...@col.hp.com

Mark Roberts

unread,
Feb 28, 1995, 9:50:26 AM2/28/95
to
In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu>,

Crippled Grasshopper <t...@red.seas.upenn.edu> wrote:
>
>If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
>Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
>/disadvantages of each?
>

If you want to compare apples to apples, the Toyota you should be looking
at is the Land Crusier Wagon. The 4runner is more of a pickup (in ride and
driving feel) and the others you are comparing are "sports utility vehicles"
(fancy station wagons ;)).

Good Luck,

-mArk-
'94 Chev C/K 1500 extended cab

Collier Chun

unread,
Feb 28, 1995, 10:17:57 AM2/28/95
to
In article <3ivd7i$7...@ptdcs5.al.intel.com>, mrob...@ptdcs2.intel.com says...

The Land "Crusher" is definitely nicer than the 4Runner (which I have), but
it's also considerably more expensive--like in the upper $30k/low $40k range. My
attraction to the LandCrusher is the size--and the 212 hp engine.

Point well taken by another poster: Toyota's are pricey in today's market. My
5-speed almost-fully-loaded 4Runner ran just shy of $23k in early '93. But
for the bucks, you get a relatively very reliable vehicle. I think the only problem
I've had with the last three Toyota's I've owned over ten years was a starter motor in my
technology-jammed-oh-my-God-can-you-even-get-your-hand-in-the-engine-compartment
'86-1/2 Supra after seven years of flawless service.

I and a fellow employee have been very pleased with our 4Runner's except for
a lack of power even with the V6. But Toyota's just introduced the new
Tacoma pickup with a 3.4L 190 hp V6, plus the 4Runner's overdue for a body
change, so I suspect that the new 4Runner is probably about a year or less
away. If they kept their ears open, they'd stuff the new 3.4L in the new 4Runner.
THEN I'd be really impressed--and a little (not so practical) voice in the back of my head
will keep begging me to trade up.

ENZO

unread,
Feb 28, 1995, 9:53:22 PM2/28/95
to
In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu>, t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
>
>If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
>Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
>/disadvantages of each?
>
>yup, i'm getting one of those soon...

>Phil

Rodeo and Pathfinder only have part-time four wheel drive.
Where as 4Runner and Explorer have shift on the fly full-time 4wheel.
Rodeo is probably the biggest. (though Explorer is up there).
If you are a "big tire" man, Pathfinder, 4Runner and Rodeo's got some big ass
ones.
Only the Explorer has airbags (if you like that sort of stuff).
Not positive but all should have avil ABS.
Rodeo has the most powerful (of the 4) engine, 4Runner has the least hp.
Can't remeber off hand what those hps were rated at but pretty sure they are
all less than 180 or so.
That's all I can think of now....

On side note... It's the last year for 4Runners.
Why is the new Blazer/Jimmy missing from the list????

Have fun hunting.....
---------Enzo----------

Jeff Miller

unread,
Mar 1, 1995, 12:55:19 AM3/1/95
to
ate...@hawk.anselm.edu (Aaron Telage,Purgatory,7951,) wrote:

>Toyota 4Runner: dependable and little problems.
> (Negatives) stay away from the 4-cyl, can be too underpowered.

this is true (I own one), but I'd add that even the 6cyl is
underpowered. My truck has the ECT, so that helps in the Colorado
mountains. Go for the 6, if anything. *VERY* reliable truck
though!!!

>Ford Explorer: Ford dependability, tough, strong truck.
> (Negatives) High price, somewhat exaggerated body roll.

"Ford dependability"? Are you sure that doesn't belong under
the "negative" category? (I'm an ex-ford owner)


--
/\-----------------------------------------------------------------------/\
/\/\ Jeff Miller - TERRA's Systems Administrator /\/\
\/\/ http://www.terra.colostate.edu/~jmiller \/\/
\/-----------------------------------------------------------------------\/

Chad Turek

unread,
Feb 28, 1995, 12:54:09 PM2/28/95
to

I bought my Patfinder Se in August 1992 as a new car. Up to now I put
on it 38,000 miles and had no problems at all.
The milage seems to be pretty good: highway - 21, city/highway - 17,
which seems to be a little over than what advertised.
Advanteges:
rear door opens up so doesn't rain on you and inside the car (I live in
Seattle)
roomy interior
adjustable suspention (sport or pleasure)
great handling
excellent audio system ( I got the CD system with 4 speakers, now they
put 6 speakers)
very quiet
high clearence under the car
good looking (mine opinion, compared to american SUV except the new Jeep
perhaps)
price - well I made a great deal on it (I think) - 5 hours of talking to
the salespersons and the price went down from $26,500 to 21,200 with the
low interest (for that time (8%)). I got the top of the line model (at
that time SE) with all extras but the leather seats.


Disadvanteges (so far)
shift from 2X4 to 4X4 can be done only when driving 25mph or less. I
think it is still better to do it when not moving at all - goes very smooth so.


--
-------------------?-------------------
Chad Turek
tu...@aa.washington.edu
University of Washington
dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Seattle, WA
-------------------?-------------------
--
-------------------?-------------------
Chad Turek
tu...@aa.washington.edu
University of Washington

Aaron Telage,Purgatory,7951,

unread,
Feb 28, 1995, 1:14:44 PM2/28/95
to
Crippled Grasshopper (t...@red.seas.upenn.edu) wrote:

: If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,


: Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
: /disadvantages of each?

: Thanks.


From what I've heard from owners:
Nissan Pathfinder: reliable, solid, decent on gas.
(Negatives): can be a pain to shift out of 4X4, tendency to lack
traction in snow.

Toyota 4Runner: dependable and little problems.
(Negatives) stay away from the 4-cyl, can be too underpowered.

Ford Explorer: Ford dependability, tough, strong truck.


(Negatives) High price, somewhat exaggerated body roll.

Izuzu Rodeo: all around good truck, basic and simple.
(Negatives) lack of after market build-ups, older models (pre '92)
have weak power.

If the funds are available, you might consider the Land Rover Discovery,
not really that much more in $ than the Ford, and a lot better in every
way than the rest, it truely is in a class by itself. The only neg. is
a limited number of service areas, but service is little to none.

Hope this helps your decision, drive them all and talk to an independant
mechanic on his opinion.

-Aaron

Steven DiMillo

unread,
Mar 1, 1995, 1:34:29 PM3/1/95
to

Sheesh!! 30-40K for a LandCruiser? A definite bargain compared to here
in Canada. The Lexus dealership down the street here listed the latest
model at $65,000!! A loaded 4Runner goes for approx 35K (CDN of course)
so I'd take the extra 30K and pocket it.

Brian m Helman

unread,
Feb 28, 1995, 2:21:54 PM2/28/95
to
>Ford Explorer w/EB package - Comes only in automatic transmission. No
>thanks.
> Sticker prices are amazing, leaving lots of room for dealer profit. The
> best part of the EB package is a duffle bag. The high end Explorer is the
> Limited model. The XLT (Sport) with 945(934) package comes extremely well
> equipped for a lot less.
>

Look at the XLT. I have a 4-door XLT (with a 5-spd). I didn't care for the
Eddie Bauer options (although I think the EB had REAL pin stripes, but not
worth the price differential).

One note to anyone looking for a new car/truck: If you want the room and
don't have a domestic-complex, consider a 4-door. Here in Boston, my 4-door
XLT costs ~350 LESS a year to insure than the Explorer Sport (2-Door). It
will pay for itself (~$1000 difference between 2 and 4 door models) in a few
years.

brian

+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| Brian M Helman |
| Northeastern University Voice: 617.373.3246 |
| Division of Academic Computing Fax: 617.373.8600 |
| 360 Huntington Ave, 39 RI Internet: bhe...@neu.edu |
| Boston, MA 02115 |
| |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+


pat kennedy

unread,
Mar 1, 1995, 3:37:19 PM3/1/95
to
In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu> t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
>From: t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper)
>Subject: Pathfinder vs. 4Runner vs. Explorer vs. Rodeo
>Date: 27 Feb 1995 21:50:02 GMT


>If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
>Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
>/disadvantages of each?

>Thanks.


> I've owned '92 Se for 3+ years. Really had no serious problems until of late
when oil seals in trans went + variety of minor but costly items (manifold
studs, auto door loack relays, etc. ) I have +110,000kms so suppose cant
complain too much but repairs at dealer are expensive. In my opinion this
"truck" is best looking of lot and still looks good today. I got 31-10's for
tires and while they do also look good they are poor in snow and icy
condtions. All in all I've been pleased but you should know I'll provbably
replac with new Blazer, good looks also and POWER something Pathfinder and
Toyota lack.

P.Ke...@riq.qc.ca

Nicholas Nguyen

unread,
Mar 2, 1995, 2:34:28 AM3/2/95
to
In article <D4qqo...@acsu.buffalo.edu>, vp25...@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu
(ENZO) wrote:


>
> >Phil
>
> Rodeo and Pathfinder only have part-time four wheel drive.
> Where as 4Runner and Explorer have shift on the fly full-time 4wheel.
> Rodeo is probably the biggest. (though Explorer is up there).
> If you are a "big tire" man, Pathfinder, 4Runner and Rodeo's got some big ass
> ones.
> Only the Explorer has airbags (if you like that sort of stuff).
> Not positive but all should have avil ABS.
> Rodeo has the most powerful (of the 4) engine, 4Runner has the least hp.
> Can't remeber off hand what those hps were rated at but pretty sure they are
> all less than 180 or so.
> That's all I can think of now....
>
> On side note... It's the last year for 4Runners.
> Why is the new Blazer/Jimmy missing from the list????
>
> Have fun hunting.....
> ---------Enzo----------

The explorer has one airbag. The 4runner and pathfinder have 150 and 153
hp, respectively where the explorer has 160 or so, the Rodeo has 175 from
the new engine and none of these things have anything close to full-time 4
wheel drive. They all have autolocking hubs and if you try to run any of
these beasts on dry pavement, tell me what happens when you discover
there's no center diff... the Rodeo and Pathfinder have rear wheel ABS
only, and I think the same goes from the 4runner, but the 95 explorer does
have a full time system available. However, I don't think an ABS system
would work if the 4wd is engaged on a part time system.
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nicholas S. Nguyen | nguye...@osu.edu | "On the |
| The Ohio State University | | |
| Suite 1942 Lincoln House | VOC: 614/688-2596 | bleeding edge |
| 1810 Cannon Drive | | |
| Columbus, Ohio 43210-1173 | AOL:nirh...@aol.com | of education" |
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nicholas Nguyen

unread,
Mar 2, 1995, 1:05:40 PM3/2/95
to
Granted, I can see you suggesting the Grand Cherokee, but I really can't
see how you could possibly recommend the Cherokee. We had one, and were
the GC has some interesting advantages of design, the Cherokee has no
redeeming qualities save price, and that could be fixed by buying used.
Our 92 Cherokee fell apart after two years and 36000 miles. The door seals
were rotting on a car that was always garaged, and the fit and finish were
horrendous, expecially on this "Limited" model that was supposed to be
luxurious. I've seen sub $10,000 cars with a nicer interior than this car.
Unless you like naugahyde doors and chairs that you can rock in, you won't
like the cherokee interior. The only think that was redeeming about it was
the engine and that's the reason why I don't hate the GC. Fortunately the
dealer was able to play on the deluded public and give us a lot of money on
a trade to a 94 Nissan 4x4 pickup. We also have a 93 Land Cruiser, which I
really won't mention here since it isn't fair to compare to the others, it
doesn't do the same job and it certainly doesn't cost the same, but for all
who care, it is a superlative machine. Definitely look at a 95 Grand
Cherokee, I would hope that most of the kinks are worked out of that one,
and it is a nicely designed machine, Chrysler should be applauded for
offering a full-time viscous 4wd system on a machine in this class, to get
it anywhere else you have to have a Discovery, a Bravada, a Range Rover, or
a Land Cruiser with ABS, and that would need serious $.

Philip J. Tait

unread,
Mar 1, 1995, 2:35:56 PM3/1/95
to

In article <3ivo01$3...@nntp1.u.washington.edu>, tu...@curtis.aa.washington.edu (Chad Turek) writes:
|>Disadvanteges (so far)
|>shift from 2X4 to 4X4 can be done only when driving 25mph or less. I
|>think it is still better to do it when not moving at all - goes very smooth so.

- Unlocking the "automatic" hubs requires stopping, and backing up 10 feet.

- Power windows and door locks are known weak spots.

--

Philip J. Tait AlliedSignal Engines, Phoenix, Az +1 602 231 7104
GED::B12635 p...@pelab.allied.com Phili...@phxase.allied.com

Paul Ziajski

unread,
Mar 2, 1995, 11:47:43 AM3/2/95
to
If you want to purchase a *real* 4X4 SUV, why not consider the one where it all began?
Why not consider Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee? IMHO I don't think Japanese can
make a SUV as good as Americans (no, I'm not a patriotic freak and I own a Toyota too) -
for the most part Japanese SUV are highly overpriced (Montero over $30K) although Chrysler
is making a pretty good profit on the Grand Cherokees as well. Take a look at 'em!

Paul
'94 Jeep Grand Cherokee SE I6

Ahmer Mohammed Ibrahim

unread,
Mar 1, 1995, 4:26:40 PM3/1/95
to
ENZO (vp25...@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu) wrote:

: In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu>, t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
: >
: >If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
: >Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
: >/disadvantages of each?
: >
: >yup, i'm getting one of those soon...

: >Phil

: Rodeo and Pathfinder only have part-time four wheel drive.
: Where as 4Runner and Explorer have shift on the fly full-time 4wheel.

: Rodeo is probably the biggest. (though Explorer is up there).

The 4dr Expolore is bigger than the Rodeo, but the 2 dr Explorer is
smaller.

: If you are a "big tire" man, Pathfinder, 4Runner and Rodeo's got some big ass

: ones.
: Only the Explorer has airbags (if you like that sort of stuff).
: Not positive but all should have avil ABS.

The Rodeo only has rear ABS and it is standard. The Explorer has 4 wheel

Andre Cheply

unread,
Feb 28, 1995, 11:20:35 AM2/28/95
to
In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu> t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
>From: t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper)
>Subject: Pathfinder vs. 4Runner vs. Explorer vs. Rodeo
>Date: 27 Feb 1995 21:50:02 GMT

>Thanks.

======================================================================

Hi ;

You are asking a question that would take the whole evening to answer.

You didn't mention Jeep Cherokee. I have one for 5 years now.
I would recommend a Jeep.

Good luck .

P.S. You can buy a buyer's guide which will answer most of your quetsion.


Andre
ach...@cam.org

Stuart Bobb

unread,
Mar 4, 1995, 11:13:17 PM3/4/95
to
Nicholas Nguyen (nguye...@osu.edu) wrote:

: The explorer has one airbag.

Incorrect, 1995 Explorers have dual airbags.

Stuart

Alex

unread,
Mar 1, 1995, 2:24:50 PM3/1/95
to
In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu> t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
>From: t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper)
>Subject: Pathfinder vs. 4Runner vs. Explorer vs. Rodeo
>Date: 27 Feb 1995 21:50:02 GMT

>If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
>Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
>/disadvantages of each?

>Thanks.


After several weeks of agonizing over the same question I came up with the
Nissan Pathfinder as the biggest bang for the buck. The Explorer came in a
close second with the 4Runner third and the Rodeo fourth. I didn't chose the
Explorer simply because it was comparable in quality with the Pathfinder
(according to Consumer Reports) but cost more. I didn't choose Rodeo because
I didn't see enough history on them to suit my requirement plus I have this
overwhelming fear of car manufacturers that start with 'I'.. but seriously, I
can't bring myself to pay THAT much for an Isuzu. The 4Runner was in the
running until I test drove one and noticed that I couldn't move my arms or
legs and pictured rescue guys cutting my new Toyota up with the jaws of life.
The Pathfinder, on the other hand, got good ratings from Consumer Reports plus
the price was reasonable (as reasonable as a SUV price could be I guess).
Also, the Pathfinder seemed to have good arm and leg room and the body styling
turned my crank. I wouldn't be surprised if, through your research, you
decided on the Explorer... beautiful vehicle. If any Pathfinder owners out
there had trouble, please add to the discussion ('cause I'm gonna git one
soon).

- Alex O.

Yusef Albader

unread,
Mar 4, 1995, 4:37:37 PM3/4/95
to

: Ford Explorer w/EB package - Comes only in automatic transmission. No thanks.

: Sticker prices are amazing, leaving lots of room for dealer profit. The
: best part of the EB package is a duffle bag. The high end Explorer is the
: Limited model. The XLT (Sport) with 945(934) package comes extremely well
: equipped for a lot less.

I have been the proud owner of a 92 ford Explorer XLT for the past
3 years, and i have been very satisfied with its preformance, comfort,
and maintanence needs. I have driven the car 27,000 miles already
(it would have been more but i didnt have my car up in Worcester last
year) and other than taking it for oil changes and check-ups i have
really never had any trouble with it at all maintenance wise. The car
has been put through its paces with about 5000 miles of interstate
driving, city driving in DC, Boston, and Worcester, very bad winter
conditions (New England style), 120 degree summer days (in rush hour
traffic ofcourse =>). I havent had much problems with top-heaviness
which is a problem i noticed in many 4*4 SUV (a friend of mine owned a
93 4 Runner and the problem was much more pronounced in that car than
in my Explorer according to my friend that is). It has a very
comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The engine itself is very
smooth running, and not too noisy even on the interstate, and even
after a long New-England winter it still starts up the first time all
the time. I havent had any problems with the 4*4 system either. The
shift into 4*4 is very smooth, and is done quickly (clocked at 5-6
seconds or so). Handling in 4*4 is kind of heavy but that is to be
expected (and power steering helps a lot in this situation).
As for the transmission, well i would have liked to get a manual
transmission Explorer (if they existed.. but they dont) but i really
havent been too disappointed in the automatic version, plus many
people find it hard to drive manuall cars after a lifetime of driving
automatics. My only advice for you if you are looking to buy an
Explorer is basically stay away from the Eddie -Bauers because they
are very very overpriced. I got my XLT fully optioned for about 22K,
where as the same dealer was selling the Bauers for 28K (the only
thing missing from my car are leather seats, and a racing stripe.. and
that is DEFINATLEY not worth 6K).

just my 2000000000000000000 cents worth
--
***************************************************************************
, \ / ,
/ \ )\__/( / \
win...@wpi.wpi.edu / \ (_\ /_) / \ Yusef B. Albader
__________________/_____\__\@ @/___/_____\_________________
| ______ |\../| |
| ''|| \\ _____ \VV/ _____ ____ |
| || || //|| || \\ //|| || \\ // \\ \\ // |
| ||=='' // || || || // || || || || || \\_// |
| || //==|| ||=='' //==|| || || || || // \\ |
| || // || || \\ // || ||__// \\__// // \\ |
|__________________________________________________________|
| /\ / \\ \ /\ |
| / V )) V \ |
|/ ` // ' \|
` V '
"What was, what will be, and what is may yet fall under the shadow"


Jerome A Dubois

unread,
Mar 5, 1995, 12:10:50 AM3/5/95
to
In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu> t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
>
>If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
>Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
>/disadvantages of each?
>
>Thanks.
>
>

They are all over priced and are Japonese Rice burners!

GET A GRAND CHEROKEE LERADO or LIMITED!
thats all i gotta say
jerome

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ Jerome A. Dubois | Luv Ya BLUE! GO OILERS! "Now selecting, ~
~ ja...@kepler.unh.edu | with the 3rd pick in the 1995 NFL Draft, ~
~ | the HOUSTON OILERS!" ~
~ I alone tempt you, | Ladies, and Gentlemen.... ~
~ I alone love you, | LET THERE BE HOCKEY! GO 'DIQUES! ~
~ Fear is not the end of | Allen to Marshall, DAMN WHATA SLAM UCONN!~
~ this!" - Live | Game, Set and Match, Monsieur Chang... ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let there be no discussion: Givins = God ~
~ "Moon throws to the back of the endzone... TOUCHDOWN MINNESOTA?" ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Christopher Hylands

unread,
Mar 5, 1995, 6:00:31 PM3/5/95
to
In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu> t...@red.seas.upenn.edu
(Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
> If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
> Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
> /disadvantages of each?

(Hopefully this won't degrade into a Mac's are better than IBM's war
but . . .)

I've take a few Explorers off road in Nevada, and I would never
consider taking one I owned off road. The ground clearance was
abysmal, and I was in abject fear that I was going to take a rear
shock mount off on a rock. The rear mounts are very exposed, check it
out the next time you are behind one. However, if you are just
looking for something to drive in the snow, the Explorer seems ok.

I took a Mitsubishi Montero over the same part of Nevada, expecting to
be disappointed, but the Montero handled fine, and left me with a good
overall impression. The cab seemed roomy, with a lot of headroom, and
the we had very few clearance problems. The Montero also handled mud
reasonably well.

-Christopher
--
Christopher Hylands University of California
c...@eecs.berkeley.edu 558 Cory Hall #1770
ph: (510)643-9841 fax:(510)642-2739 Berkeley, CA 94720-1770
home: (510)526-4010 (if busy -4068) (Office: 493 Cory. US Mail: 558 Cory.)

Alex Curylo

unread,
Mar 5, 1995, 11:12:39 PM3/5/95
to
In article <CXH.95Ma...@markov.berkeley.edu>
c...@markov.berkeley.edu (Christopher Hylands) writes:

> > If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
> > Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
> > /disadvantages of each?

Pathfinder: Small. Comparatively poor on-road performance.
4Runner: Expensive and underpowered.
Explorer: Smashed the suspension on my test drive, in a quarry. Ho ho.

What I ended up buying was an Isuzu Trooper. Magnificent city driving,
damned
nice suspension offroad too, even at the speeds I drive (How *did* they
manage
that trick?), and enough cargo space to make a Range Rover owner change
the
subject.

95,000K on it since May '92, most of that extremely abusive mileage
hauling a
full load of paragliders up extremely steep deconverted logging roads
at high
speeds, and it handled everything thrown at it with great aplomb ...
until
Thursday afternoon when the tranny started leaking, apparently it blew
a seal.
Grrrrgrrrrgrrr. But given the typical usage profile and the Swiss
cheese the skid
plates are carved up into, the surprising thing is that it almost made
it to
100,000 with no problems whatsoever.

Alex Curylo first....@mindlink.bc.ca (604)451-5323, fax -1359
*** First Ascent: Mac programming, UP paragliders, indie CDs ***
-- Draining Faces CD Release Party: March 7, Greg's Place, Chwk --

Mark Barrett

unread,
Mar 6, 1995, 2:09:27 AM3/6/95
to
Keith Raker (BFL...@prodigy.com) wrote:
: This information is great ... just what I've been looking for, except I
: have one
: question about this statement about the 1995 Ford Explorer. You mention
: that you bought a 1995 Explorer to replace your Montero and you stated
: later that you would only have 5-speed Manual transmission. The brochure
: states that if you get the XLT w/945A, you MUST take all items in the
: 945A package ... one of those items is 4-speed automatic. Which Explorer
: did you get? If it's the XLT 4DR 4WD w/945A, how did you get 5-speed
: manual?
: Post response please ... Thx.

You are correct. The XLT 945A package only comes with an automatic. I
bought the XLT 941A package. Found out later that the 945A package is an
additional $3500 list which essentially includes electronics crap, power
seats, and automatic transmission. I don't think so. From what I can tell
the XLT 945A is very similar to the Eddie Bauer, except the EB costs
additionally thousands more. I haven't figured that one out.

Mark Barrett
ma...@col.hp.com

Keith Raker

unread,
Mar 5, 1995, 12:51:29 PM3/5/95
to
ma...@col.hp.com (Mark Barrett) wrote:

snip 1 ...

>
>Ford Explorer w/EB package - Comes only in automatic transmission. No
thanks.
> Sticker prices are amazing, leaving lots of room for dealer profit.
The
> best part of the EB package is a duffle bag. The high end Explorer is
the
> Limited model. The XLT (Sport) with 945(934) package comes extremely
well
> equipped for a lot less.
>

snip 2 ...

A. Dykema

unread,
Mar 5, 1995, 1:01:44 PM3/5/95
to

> In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu> t...@red.seas.upenn.edu
(Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
> >From: t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper)
> >Subject: Pathfinder vs. 4Runner vs. Explorer vs. Rodeo
> >Date: 27 Feb 1995 21:50:02 GMT>
>
> >If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
> >Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
> >/disadvantages of each?
> >
I have had an '87 Pathfinder (first year made) for the last year and a
half and have not had any major problems. I drove it on many trips last
summer. It has 68,000 miles on it, however,fewer miles than most. My
other Pathfinder owner friends have also had good experiences.

Benjamin Cristi

unread,
Mar 6, 1995, 3:48:01 PM3/6/95
to
I've got a '93 Pathfinder, and it's been great so far. We've taken it
off-road all over the Sierra's, Mojave Desert, and a 2 week expedition
into Baja, Mexico. It's been 100% reliable, even on Mexican gas.

Ben

Gerry McFatridge

unread,
Mar 5, 1995, 2:50:47 PM3/5/95
to
fran...@simware.com (Francois Gauvin) wrote:
>

>
> One thing to remember don't ever, ever get 31 inch tires if you
> plan to drive in snow or on wet or dry pavement.


I am curious why you would make this statement. What 31 inchers
do you have? My experience is that 31's are fine for all the above
depending on tread pattern.

Ger

Keith Raker

unread,
Mar 6, 1995, 7:17:17 PM3/6/95
to
chal...@aaa046.ED.RAY.COM (Robert Chalmers) wrote:
>
>In article 7...@acsu.buffalo.edu, vp25...@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu (ENZO)
writes:

>> In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu>, t...@red.seas.upenn.edu
(Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
>> >
>> On side note... It's the last year for 4Runners.
>
>
>Come again? Why would Toyota discontinue such a popular vehicle? or
is
>the 4Runner just going to be renamed? I was planning on buying a
4Runner
>next year, so this *obviously* concerns me...
>

This statement is not exactly true. The 4Runner "as we know it today"
will be gone in 1996. They are basically redesigning it for more cargo
space, safety, etc. (kinda wonder if it'll look like a Land Cruiser!). I
too have pined for a new 4Runner for the last couple years, and this is
what the Toyota dealer told me. So if you love it like it is now, buy a
1995.

Todd A. Karriker

unread,
Mar 6, 1995, 1:02:16 PM3/6/95
to

I agree 100% !!!!!

I looked at all of these vehicles, including the Grand Cherokee
and the Trooper, a year ago and ended up purchasing the
Trooper. The Trooper is an excellent vehicle and I have had no
regrets. It is great on-road, off-road, and in the snow.
Plenty of room, hp, etc. I would recommend the trooper over
all other SUVs mentioned, except maybe the Land Cruiser (if you
have the $$$).
--
Todd A. Karriker
Sr. Programmer/Analyst
University of Virginia
Medical Center Computing

Andras Nagy

unread,
Mar 6, 1995, 2:12:48 PM3/6/95
to
: > Pathfinder: Small. Comparatively poor on-road performance.

: > 4Runner: Expensive and underpowered.
: > Explorer: Smashed the suspension on my test drive, in a quarry. Ho ho.
: >
I have purchased a 94 4runner, after which I have also looked the pathfinder,
it is cheaper, BUT. One dealer friend told me that 4runners a being bought
at dealer auction at the blue book price. You always get what you pay for.
By the way if you get v6 it is enough. If you want power get a v8 toyota :)
for what,40-45 k.??

Robert Chalmers

unread,
Mar 6, 1995, 3:31:10 PM3/6/95
to
In article 7...@acsu.buffalo.edu, vp25...@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu (ENZO) writes:
> In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu>, t...@red.seas.upenn.edu (Crippled Grasshopper) writes:
> >
> On side note... It's the last year for 4Runners.


Come again? Why would Toyota discontinue such a popular vehicle? or is
the 4Runner just going to be renamed? I was planning on buying a 4Runner
next year, so this *obviously* concerns me...

---
| Rob Chalmers __o Views expressed are mine. They do not |
| Raytheon Electronic Systems _`\<,_ necessarily reflect those of Raytheon. |
| chal...@ed.ray.com (*)/ (*) |
+---------------------^-^--^^--^^--------^^-^---------------------------------+

Gangsta Boogie

unread,
Mar 3, 1995, 10:33:44 AM3/3/95
to
Francois Gauvin (fran...@simware.com) wrote:
: In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu>, t...@red.seas.upenn.edu says...
: >
: >
: >If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,

: >Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are
: advantages
: >/disadvantages of each?
: >

: If you want a 5-spd get a Rodeo; the 24 Valve engine is just the best in
: class. (Almost as much fun as my XR4Ti was!). One thing to remember don't

: ever, ever get 31 inch tires if you plan to drive in snow or on wet or dry
: pavement.

What's wrong with 31's on snow? Or more seriously for that matter wet or
dry pavement? Are you talking from experience here? Do you have 31's on
a Rodeo?
--
Joey Manansala
aman...@emerald.tufts.edu

Ken

unread,
Mar 7, 1995, 1:39:46 PM3/7/95
to
I took a friend out in the mud and snow, my truck has aggressive mud/snow
tires and his montero had only some well worn all season radials. I was
quite impressed with how well he was able to keep up. His montero has a
v6 and preformed really well considering the tires. We never hit too much
mud, but a good deal of deep snow. I think the montero's are somewhat
underated they're a pretty good rig.

Christopher Hylands (c...@markov.berkeley.edu) wrote:

[snip]

: I took a Mitsubishi Montero over the same part of Nevada, expecting to

Gerry McFatridge

unread,
Mar 7, 1995, 7:31:47 PM3/7/95
to
first....@mindlink.bc.ca (Alex Curylo) wrote:
>
> In article <CXH.95Ma...@markov.berkeley.edu>
> c...@markov.berkeley.edu (Christopher Hylands) writes:
>
> > > If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
> > > Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
> > > /disadvantages of each?
>
> Pathfinder: Small. Comparatively poor on-road performance.

Small? Okay the cargo area is somewhat lacking in feet cubed but thats what
a cargo box on the roof is for!

Comparatively poor on-road performance? Compared to what? A Lexus?
A Vette? The Pathfinder has the finest road manners of any of the SUV's
in it's class. Could use a few more hp but all of them could.

Oh, btw, I happen to own a Pathfinder but that doesn't deny the facts!

Crispin Cowan

unread,
Mar 7, 1995, 9:54:50 PM3/7/95
to
In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu>,

Crippled Grasshopper <t...@red.seas.upenn.edu> wrote:
>If comparing top of the line models of Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner,
>Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Package) and Isuzu Rodeo.... what are advantages
>/disadvantages of each?

Ok, I did this research a month or so back, so here's my 2 cents:

Ford:
Positive: -on the fly 2 to 4 WD shift
-space
Negative: -drives like a fat-assed American car, i.e. very loose
steering
Summary: -Blech!

Nissan:
Positive: -nice interior
-reliable reputation
-with the back seat *removed*, you get 6'6" length in
back, making it suitable for me to sleep in
Negative: -expensive
-under-powered
-if you don't remove the back seat, you only get 5'6"
length in back, i.e. I can't just go sleep in it
without knowing in advance
Summary: -ok

Toyota:
Positive: -largely like the Nissan, except that it has 6' length
in back
Negative: -6cyl is kinda under-powered, 4cyl is *way*
under-powered
-rear door is the stupid old station wagon style: have
to use a key to engage a motor to wind down the
electric window before you can open the gate
Summary: -the power and the rear-door are show-stoppers for me

Isuzu: I bought this one
Positive: -lots of power
-handles nicely
-handles *great* in icy conditions, but I only
discovered that after purchase, so no comparison was
made to the others
-has 6' length in back without removing anything
-much cheaper than the others for what you get
Negative: -no cup holders
-not enough storage pockets in general
-not enough history for a really good reputation

I have no idea where this mythology came from that you "can't" drive on
dry pavement in 4WD. I was told by the inspector I had check the truck
before purchase that I should drive it around in 4WD once a week or so
to keep the parts lubed. I do so, and have observed no problems other
than slightly slower acceleration. I spent 4 days in 4WD when Portland
had it's big storm three weeks ago: truck worked great, handled like a
cat on the ice when I was driving around all the butt-heads in Caddys
slipping around on the ice.

Summary: for 1993's or so, get the Isuzu. Both Toyota and Nissan
could trivially change their designs to make them better trucks than
the Isuzu, but as it stands they're inferior for my purposes.

Crispin
-----
Dr. Crispin Cowan, CS post-doc, Synthetix Project
Oregon Graduate Institute | Electronically:
Department of Computer Science | analog: 503-690-1265
PO Box 91000 | digital: cri...@cse.ogi.edu
Portland, OR 97291-1000 | URL: http://www.cse.ogi.edu/~crispin/
Ask not for whom the Bell Curves, it Curves for Thee!

Thomas Moorer

unread,
Mar 8, 1995, 2:08:51 PM3/8/95
to
Having put about 94K on my trooper using 31's, I can
tell you the reason is that you'll never be satisfied with
anything else on your machine.

the opinions expressed above are my own and don't reflect those
of my employer.

Gangsta Boogie

unread,
Mar 14, 1995, 1:48:00 AM3/14/95
to
Crispin Cowan (cri...@helix.cse.ogi.edu) wrote:
: In article <3ithea$t...@netnews.upenn.edu>,

Whoa, I know you from the snowboarding group. Do you read all the same
groups I do? Then on top of that I find out you have the same car I do.
Nice. I ride a Burton twin 158, what about you? You're probably a
freerider huh? Later, Joey

94 Rodeo
95 Burton TwinTip 158
GT Timberland
Mako 224
--
Joey Manansala
aman...@emerald.tufts.edu

0 new messages