Who else is pissed about the Suzuki Equator?

[maclufrontier]

I think the Equator is very cool. I like how they've tried to tie it with their line of toys (dirtbikes, quads, etc).

Originally Posted by Mainerunr

eventually, dodge will be building titans for nissan (meaning we get dodge build quality).

I read somewhere that the new Titan will be a Nissan design and that Dodge will build based on the Nissan spec provided. Have you heard the same, or is that incorrect? Either way, Dodge building it probably won't be a good thing for the Titan's quality based on what Dodge owners tell me about their issues.

[Barcin]

I can't wait to go test drive that sucker!!

[Slare]

The introduction of the Equator can't really hurt us. There are only benefits to us as Nissan owners.

- More options for Suzuki interchangeable parts
- More junkyard parts
- More owners sharing information overall
- Better utilization of production resources at Nissan to help justify keeping the truck and plant alive

But, I think the Suzuki resale values will be a lot worse. It is still a Suzuki. You still have to get warranty and service from Suzuki dealers. You are still trying to resell a Suzuki. Build and part quality may well be the same but the dealership experience (not that Nissan is stellar, by any means) is a huge part of owner satisfaction.

And added aftermarket support is a bit of a pipe dream imho. The tiny little extra volume added by the Equator won't matter. Personally I'll be on the lookout for a new set of Suzuki take-off rims and tires if they happen to be free of branding logos.

I'm way more all right with this than I am Chrysler building Nissan trucks. The mere thought of a Dakota-Frontier makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.

[mike]

Originally Posted by nismo4x4055

Anyone else think that front end looks a little tacomaish?

Yes.

[Mainerunr]

Originally Posted by maclufrontier

I think the Equator is very cool. I like how they've tried to tie it with their line of toys (dirtbikes, quads, etc).

I read somewhere that the new Titan will be a Nissan design and that Dodge will build based on the Nissan spec provided. Have you heard the same, or is that incorrect? Either way, Dodge building it probably won't be a good thing for the Titan's quality based on what Dodge owners tell me about their issues.

that may be but if it is, that means nissan is designing the new RAM too, they're not going to build a completely different truck because the plant wouldnt be tooled to do both...

[ZFenderguy]

A few facts:
1. The Suzuki is of course built in Smyrna, as are the Frontier, XTerra, Pathfinder, Maxima and Altima.
2. Cosmetic differences are all that separates these trucks.
3. The Titan is currently built in Canton, Mississippi. Upon cancelling the Titan/Armada, that plant will be converted to light commercial truck assembly (think Dpdge Sprinter competitor)
4. The new Titan will be on Dodge frame and engine/mechanical architecture, but will have Nissan designed body and interior within that framework. That is win/win for both. Nissan gets to step a little further out of the full size market and allow Dodge to use it's core competency to produce a competitive big pickup (the only thing Dodge is good at). I'm curious to see what happens to the VK56 and if Nissan will develop a new F-Alpha frame design for future mid-size use. I'd be most concerned with them moving to a unibody platform a-la Fridgeline, as that seems to be the way the winds are blowing in the industry.
5. Rumors about the Forntier/Dakota say Nissan will build the new Dakota on Nissan architecture, like the Suzuki. Dodge midsize design will go the way of the Nissan full size design. That is also win/win, because we all know Nissan >> Dodge in the small truck department.

[Peck]

The new Ram uses a 5 link coil sprung rear.....hmmmmmmmmm.

Chrysler can benefit from a Nissan developed interior cause Dodge interiors are nasty.

[Mountain Gold]

Zfenderguy....welcome...another Nissan man with Z roots !!!!