by Gabrielle DeSantis

While the Nissan Frontier hasn’t seen many changes or model updates, the 2022 Nissan Frontier has benefitted from a complete redesign. But is the new Nissan Frontier’s redesign have what it takes to impress the team at Consumer Reports? Maybe, but maybe not too. In fact, there are a few things Consumer Reports just didn’t like about this new pickup truck. 

The 2022 Nissan Frontier got a brawny makeover

First things first, let’s talk about the Nissan Frontier’s redesign. According to the automaker, the Nissan Frontier has been re-invented for 2022 and “embodies everything that is great about midsize trucks.” Its standard 310-hp 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine boasts best-in-class horsepower ratings. Meanwhile, its 9-speed automatic transmission is “tuned to maximize efficiency and provide strong acceleration.” The truck’s max towing capacity is rated at up to 6,720 pounds too.

Perhaps what’s most appealing about the all-new Nissan Frontier is its redesigned exterior. Inspired by the iconic Nissan Hardbody, the 2022 Frontier is led by a powerful front end featuring a massive grille and a chiseled hood. This year’s model is also offered in nine eye-catching exterior colors: the new Boulder Gray Pearl, Tactical Green Metallic, Baja Storm, Cardinal Red Metallic Tricolor, Deep Blue Pearl, Red Alert, Glacier White, Gun Metallic, and Super Black.

What Consumer Reports didn’t like about the 2022 Nissan Frontier

Now, there’s no denying that the 2022 Nissan Frontier benefitted from the redesign. That being said, Consumer Reports had a few bones to pick with the truck. First, the organization wasn’t a big fan of the new midsize truck’s redesigned hood. It increased 2 inches in height after the redesign and, unfortunately, is high enough to hinder some drivers’ visibility.

Heaving steering was a problem too. While Nissan claims to have tweaked the Nissan Frontier’s steering for the better, Consumer Reports found it’s just too heavy for its liking. “It becomes lighter as speed increases, but piloting the Frontier could become fatiguing, especially while maneuvering at slow speeds through parking lots,” the organization said.

Consumer Reports wasn’t exactly impressed with the 2022 Nissan Frontier’s part-time 4×4 system either. Unlike other new trucks on the market, the driver must manually engage four-wheel drive as needed. In trucks like the Jeep Gladiator, that’s not the case at all. Instead, 4×4 can be left on all the time. 

There were a few things the organization did like about the new truck

While Consumer Reports was disappointed with the Frontier’s hood, steering, and part-time 4×4 system, it was a fan of the truck’s new engine. Not only does it generate more horsepower than its rivals but it also makes the Frontier easy and predictable to drive.

Ride quality and responsiveness were a hit for the organization too. In fact, Consumer Reports claims that the Nissan Frontier has been “transformed from one of the worst-riding compact pickups to one of the best.” The organization found that the redesigned Frontier even drives better than the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma. 

Is the 2022 Nissan Frontier worth checking out?

When it came to test driving the new Frontier, Consumer Reports did take issue with a few things. However, the Frontier’s horsepower ratings, ride quality, and overall responsiveness did impress the organization. But does that mean the 2022 Nissan Frontier is worth checking out? Well, it’s definitely worth a test drive, at the very least. 

RELATED: Close Look: The 2022 Nissan Frontier Has 1 Surprising Strong Point

The post The 2022 Nissan Frontier and Everything Consumer Reports Didn’t Like About It appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With the recent re-emergence of Japanese sports cars like the Acura NSX, Toyota Supra, and now, the Acura Integra, we’re sure there are plenty of enthusiasts daydreaming about owning any one of them. We don’t blame them, as we love the sound of turbochargers, the feeling of high-RPM power, and the thought of reliability all wrapped into one package as much as the next enthusiast. However, those aforementioned cars are very pricey.

For anyone that can’t afford a $50,000 to $100,000 Japanese sports car, there’s always the used car market to turn to. And in doing so, we found that there are plenty of deals to be had for certain popular Japanese platforms. As such, here is a list of five used Japanese sports cars that you can find for less than $10,000.

1. 2007 Mazda Miata – $7000-$9000

A nationwide search on CarGurus reveals that you can still find 2007 Mazda Miatas for around $7,000 to $9,000, depending on the car’s mileage and condition. Hot Cars reports that the 2007 version of the Miata “checks all of the right boxes” when it comes to reliability, handling, and general driving fun. The Miata was updated for the 2007 model year and many of the kinks were worked out from the previous year, making it a good vintage to search for.

2. 2005 Toyota Celica – $3,000-$7,000

The Toyota Celica was canceled after the 2005 model year, which is why we suggest looking for that particular vintage. In its final year, the Celica came in a GT and GT-S trim level. The latter was powered by a high-revving 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 180 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque and can be found with either a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Those specs might not sound like much by today’s terms, but Edmunds called it a “distinctive and entertaining sport coupe,” which we thoroughly agree. Don’t knock it until you try it. Fortunately, you can still find them in your local classifieds selling for anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000.

3. 2013 Scion FR-S – $9,000

We admit that you might be a little hard-pressed to find a 2013 Scion FR-S for under $10,000, but rest assured that they do exist. The Scion FR-S was the love child that resulted from Toyota and Subaru working together. As such, it has a Subaru engine that produces 200 hp and sends it to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

That’s a recipe for a lot of tail-sliding fun in an attractive sports coupe. Just be aware that the FR-S is basically a two-seat car as its rear seat area is very cramped.

4. 2000 Honda Prelude – $2,000-$5,000

The Honda Prelude was around for a couple of decades before it was discontinued after the 2001 model year. A nationwide search on CarGurus revealed that many Preludes are selling for around $2,000-$5,000, which is a bargain for what you get. Sure, it’s front-wheel-drive, but the 2000 Prelude’s 200-hp, 2.2-liter engine is a blast to drive, especially when it’s connected to a five-speed manual transmission.

5. 2005 Acura RSX – $3,000-$9,000

Just like the Acura Integra that came before it, the Acura RSX provided plenty of front-wheel-drive fun with its high-revving engines and slick-shifting transmissions. If you’re OK with having a 160 hp, then the base RSX could be for you. However, if you crave the high-RPM fun that Hondas are known for, then we suggest looking for an RSX Type-S. That model came with a 200-hp, 2.0-liter engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission.

Running a nationwide search for any RSX should yield prices below $10,000. However, if you find a really clean one, then you can expect to pay closer to that budget limit.

Used Japanese sports cars can still be found for a bargain

While the re-emergence of some of the most popular Japanese sports cars from the 90s came with higher prices, it doesn’t mean that you need to pay an arm and a leg for some nostalgic fun. Instead, check out CarGurus or your local classifieds to find one of these aforementioned cars. You never know, you might just strike the deal of the century on one.

RELATED: 10 of the Fastest Japanese Cars For Under $10,000

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