4WDTraveller.com

Another Ute of the Year: Isuzu D-Max

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Down under, Australian 4WD Action magazine recently named the Isuzu D-Max the 2009 'Ute' of the year. Yes, for those North Americans reading this: Isuzu still makes 4x4s. And darn good ones it seems.

A Ute (pronounced yute) is essentially a 4 door pickup with some additional off-road utility build in. They are all the rage in Australia, and are the workhorses of the outback and the city dwellers 4x4 of choice for urban posing, hauling, and weekend exploring.

Congrats to Isuzu. Many worldwide lament the end of production of the venerable Trooper / Bighorn to this day, so it's good to see the Isuzu D-Max continuing the tradition of excellent Isuzu 4x4s.

4WD Vans: Chevy Astro/GMC Safari

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:23:00 +0000

One of the most legendary 4WD Vans ever produced in North America, the Chevy Astro / GMC Safari, is largely unknown outside of this continent.

That is, unless you go to Japan where the Astro enjoys a following nothing short of cult-ish. I've even seen Astro vans sitting in used car lots in Japan selling for more than a Landrover Discovery of the same vintage and condition.

That may seem unbelievable, but the 4WD Astro / Safari is pretty darn unique for what it is. And what is it, exactly? Well, it's many things: a medium-mini mini-van that's smaller than a full size but larger than a mini-van. It's a camper. A commercial hauler. A family traveler. A truck-like van, a car-like van, an under-appreciated workhorse, and more.

In 4WD form, the Astro came surprisingly well equipped: leaf springs out back, throaty V6 engines producing up to 200hp, easily lifted suspension, a 5000lbs+ towing capacity, and even an optional limited slip rear differential. This dog hunts, as they say down south.

But being a GM product, when failures occur they can be pretty monumental. And the 4WD Chevy Astro / GMC Safari van was no exception. Hundreds of torsion bar failures caused the front suspension to collapse requiring costly repairs, and premature front suspension idle arm repair was all too common. In additional to a plethora of smaller build quality issues, this made the 4WD Chevy Astro / GMC Safari something of a hobbyist's 4WD van.

Despite its shortcomings, the 4WD Chevy Astro / GMC Safari van is still a popular choice for those looking for an inexpensive camping, travel, and daily hauling rig--in North America, at least. In Japan, they can be as expensive as a Landrover Discovery. Who knew.

If you're planning a drive across continent or way down "the Mexico way", this could be the 4WD Van you need. Reliable enough, simple and easy to repair, well equipped and capable, relatively inexpensive, and available in plenty of different configurations, 4WD vans don't get much better. Unless of course you want a diesel, but that's another post.

Overland 4WD Lounge: Newest Memeber

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:13:00 +0000

We've just added another member to the growing Overland 4WD Lounge, a place for overland travellers to post a short bio, photo, and link to their 4WD travel related website--for free! Check out the newest members, Emiel and Saskia, who will be driving their Landcruiser to Uganda from the Netherlands.

4WD Vans: Toyota Hiace

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Launched way back in 1967, the Toyota Hiace is more than just a 4x4 van. It has been available in so many variations, and with so many accessories and trim levels, that it is a worldwide 4wd van phenom not unlike the venerable Toyota Landcruiser in its appeal.

Most commonly powered by Toyota diesel engines, the Hiace has since its launch been one of the primary movers of people and cargo throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Although a Landcruiser is a more capable vehicle in extreme off road conditions, the Hiace is arguably a more capable and practical all around 4WD vehicle.

Huge seating capacity like most vans, respectable cargo capacity, and Toyota toughness have won the Hiace many followers. It's seen service as a minivan, a taxi, a minibus, a pickup, an ambulance, and even a motor home straight from the Toyota factory.

While not as distinctive or single purpose as a Mitsubishi Delica (which was essentially a van body on a Pajero chassis), the Hiace's strength is its versatility. It comes very close to being all things to all drivers.

While never available in North America, Toyota Hiace's are now being imported into Canada under the "15 Year Old" importation rule, and a few are making their way Stateside. Those in the market for an expedition vehicle or great all rounder should give the Toyota Hiace a look.

Diesel power and four wheel drive make it a great alternative, and Toyota engineering makes it a great choice for those who need a lot more space in a trail-capable 4WD vehicle.

New Toyota 4Runner Review (Hilux Surf)

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Over at 4WD4X4Reviews.com, they've just added a review of the venerable Toyota 4Runner.

If you're interested in knowing more about the 4Runner--or Hilux Surf as it's also known--check it out:

Toyota 4Runner Review

See what the pros think...

Top 5 Used 4X4 Bargains

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:01:00 +0000

4WD 4X4 Reviews.com has just published their list of the top 5 best used 4x4 bargains. Given the current economic situation, cost of fuel, and everything else that's going on, a good used cheap 4X4 might be on a lot of people's minds these days.

Check it out: Top 5 Used 4X4 Bargains

4WD Vans: Mitsubishi Delica

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:33:00 +0000

The Mitsubishi Delica is to 4WD vans what the Toyota Landcruiser is to SUVs: a global 4WD icon--for those who want a van that does pretty much everything an SUV can do.

While a 4WD van might not be every off road enthusiasts cup of tea, there's something to be said for 8 passenger seating when it's combined with locking differentials, turbo diesel engines, skid plates, long travel suspension, and a low range transfer case.

While the Mitsubishi Delica might look at home in a Godzilla movie, it's actually right at home on rough trails, 4x4 access roads, and third world byways all over the planet. This is a van that climbs, crawls, and gets you where you need to be.

Early Mitsubishi Delica's (the L300s) were very basic unibody vans most often powered by a 2.5 diesel engine, but the later L400 Delica was essentially a van body bolted on to the very refined Mitsubishi Pajero chassis (complete with 2.8 litre turbo intercooled diesel engine).

Today the new Delica D5 is only sold in Japan, but older models are very popular grey market imports in countries around the world, from Canada to Austrailia--but not in the United States unfortunately, due to protectionist grey market import rules.

Responsible Four Wheeling

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:57:00 +0000

This time of year, as we all gear up and pack up for trips on the trail, it's always good to be reminded of the importance of respecting and protecting the great outdoors. And who better to remind us all than the folks at Tread Lightly! who have published this handy guide to responsible four wheeling (and several other useful guides as well).

The guide can be downloaded here, or you can read it online here. There is also a short 1 minute video that can be viewed here.

Hey, when it comes to responsible four wheel drive and off road adventure, you can never have too much info...

4WD Vans: The Mazda MPV (89-98)

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:08:00 +0000

If ever there was an underrated and oft maligned multi-purpose vehicle, it was (and still is) the Mazda MPV Mark I (1989-1998).

Off-road purists may scoff, but the Mazda MPV remains one of the most useful and capable 4WD SUVs ever built. And there's not a sliding door in sight...

With a truck-influenced, car-inspired reinforced uni-body platform, the 4WD MPV might not sound like a true-blue off road machine--and admittedly, it's not a rock crawler or Baja dune tamer with body-on-frame, solid-axle front end, or low range transfer case.

But don't let the soft edges throw you off. When it comes to multipurpose, the MPV 4X4 makes one of the best travel vehicles on the planet (especially when cost is factored in). The 4WD MPV comes with shift-on-the-fly 4WD good on road and off, but also has a tasty DIFF LOCK button on the dash. Depress the diff lock and the MPV turns into a mountain goat.

The solid axle, Mazda truck rear end handles the bumps out back and puts the traction on the ground, and the almost front to back skid plates help stop damage from rocks, mud, and stumps. Four wheel disk stoppers mean the MPV can easily ford small creeks and puddles and still have the stopping power needed to slow the heavy beast.

In terms of versatility, the Mazda MPV can be easily converted into a cargo carrier, camper van, family hauler, or decent tow vehicle. On the roads (where, let's face it, every street legal 4X4 spends about 95% of its life) it shines, with car like handling, a smooth ride, and plenty of amenities.

Powered by either a Mazda 3.0 litre V6 (most common), or in some markets a Mazda/Mitsubishi 2.6 litre I4 or Mazda diesel, the MPV is fairly efficient when mated to either a 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto box.

Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, sterling for sterling, Euro for Euro, Yen for Yen, the Mark I Mazda MPV is one of the most affordable, practical, and infinitely useful used SUVs available today. Sold in many markets worldwide for the better part of a decade, no matter where you are, if you need a multipurpose vehicle, the Mazda MPV jsut might be the perfect overland travel companion.

Modern 4X4: Kia Sportage

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:13:00 +0000

This is the first post in our new Modern 4X4 series. While we're big fans of classic 4X4s, it's hard to keep track of all the new 4WD SUVs and trucks that are coming out. So with that in mind, here's our first Modern 4X4 review:

2010 Kia Sportage
The poor Kia Sportage. In North America at least, it got off to a very rough start indeed. Initial models were reportedly plagued with quality and reliability issues. Wheels fell off. Axles came apart. Interior plastic broke. Brakes wore out. Or so they said.

While we're not sure how true all of these types of claims were--the Sportage has been one of the most rugged and popular 4X4s in Korea for years--Sportage sales suffered.

But rather than retreat to Soul with their wheels between their legs, Kia responded to the criticism and redesigned the small Sportage turning it into a competitor in a very crowded segment.

Today the Kia is a worthy little trail rig for milder off road excursions, but with limited ground clearance and a very clear on-road focus, the Sportage is more suited to gravel roads and snow than rocky trails and deep mud.

Kia seems to have ironed out most of the quality issues that plagued earlier Sportages, so if you're looking for a small 4X4 that is relatively inexpensive, good on gas, and able to handle light off road duties, the Sportage could be a good choice.

An Ode to the Mighty Jeep

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:42:00 +0000

It's no secret that we at 4WDTraveller.com have long been fans of Japanese 4x4s. It's not that we were biased, just that our experience on the trails of various continents proved to us that when it comes to rugged dependability, reliability, off road capability, and general utility, Japanese--and to a lesser extent, European--4x4s are pretty hard to beat.

That said, there's no denying the impact, the influence, and the general impressiveness of the mighty Jeep Wrangler. In this day and age of soft roaders, vanishing solid axles, push-button AWD, and creature (read: urbanite wannabe) comforts, true blue (and true red-white-and-blue) 4X4s are a vanishing breed.

Excepting a few embarrassing forays into uni-body 'crossover' vehicles, Jeep has at least stayed true to it's 4WD heritage with the Jeep Wrangler. By any measure it is still a jeep--that is, a simple, practical, capable, and fairly priced 4x4 right out of the crate.

Today, that means more than it ever has. Try finding any other 4x4 that comes with solid axles, flexible suspension with excellent articulation, a tight turning radius, skid plates, and heritage to boot.

The once mighty Toyota Landcruiser is now an IFS V8 powered behemoth, the Land Rover Defender, while still a true blue and hardcore 4x4, isn't even available in North America, and the Mercedes Benz G-Wagon starts at $100,000. There are a few other options, but the Jeep today really stands out.

While not a perfect 4x4--the Jeeps flaws have also earned it plenty of scorn over the years--for a simple, proven, and capable 4x4, the Wrangler is tough to beat. There are other choices, but few combine heritage and off-road capability in quite the same way.

With Chrysler on the verge of vanishing or becoming Fiat, here's hoping the Jeep Wrangler sticks around for many years to come. Because just like an endangered species, once it's gone it's gone.

2009 Ford F-150 Road Test

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:56:00 +0000

While we're on the topic of the Ford F-150, here's a video review of the 'new' 2009 Ford F-150 from Edmonds.com. For 2009, the F-150 gets more power, a stronger frame, larger towing capacity, improved safety features, and even better fuel economy. Ain't progress great...

AmericanTrucks delivers for your Ford F-150

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:47:00 +0000

The snow may be gone and the ice may be melted, but there are still plenty of obstacles out there that are going to test you and your rig. From new potholes to big muddy patches that come with the spring rain, to the generally unpredictable March weather, your truck has to be ready for a whole new batch of on and off-road obstacles.

Don't worry: if you drive, own, or wheel a Ford F-150, AmericanTrucks has you covered. From Ford F-150 truck performance parts and accessories, to new Ford Truck seats and floor mats, to license plate frames and high-performance fluids, they're fully stocked with high-quality and low-cost items that are sure to keep even the most obsessive F-150 fan satisfied. Plus, they offer of FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS which doesn't hurt either.

And if you're having trouble with an install or are unsure about installing a specific F-150 part or accessory, AmericanTruck's huge selection of Ford Tech Articles are there to help with clearly written instructions, lots of high-resolution pictures, and input from F-150 owners from all over the world. Owning a Ford F-150--one of the best selling truck models of all time--just got even better...

Check out AmericanTrucks today and see what they can deliver for you.

4WD Chassis: Unibody or Body-on-Frame?

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:20:00 +0000

The debate about which frame type is best rages on. Actually, in the mind of most 4WD owners, it was settled ages ago: body on frame or nothing! But then, about a decade ago, along came a few fairly stout unibody 4x4s. One was even a Jeep.

There was a time I sneered at unibody 4x4s. Real trucks have frames! Then I came across some Jeep Grand Cherokees wheeling in the far off hills and schooling just about every other truck on the trail. Another time I saw several unibody Nissan Pathfinders tackling the rough stuff like they were on frame as well. I even read about a unibody RAV4 wheeling the Rubicon trail.

Sure, I've heard a few horror stories about unibody frame flex on the early Jeeps, but I always wondered if unibody was so bad, why were more manufacturers moving in that direction--and why did unibody trucks seems to hold up just as well off road?

Fortunately, I recently came across an interesting article--circa 1998--that discusses this topic with a lot more insight than I'm able to conjure up. Read more in this unibody vs body-on-frame article and add your thoughts below.

Engage 4WD: The importance of regular 4x4 use

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:01:00 +0000

This tip may seem obvious, but it's always good to have a reminder. And those new to four wheel driving (or with newer 4x4s) may not have read this in their owners manual.

Four wheel drive trucks and SUVs have more complex drive trains than 2WD vehicles, and because of this, they carry a lot more oil--and moving parts--between those frame rails. In addition to the regular drive shaft and transmission, four wheel drive rigs have transfer cases, front drive shafts, and (at the least) more grease points up front as well.

But all those extra parts (and all that extra oil) might not be much use if your truck or SUV uses a part time 4WD system. Unlike all-wheel-drive, a part time 4WD system is really only intended for use on low traction situations--like mud, sand, or snow.

Depending on how often you encounter those types of road conditions obviously affects how often you engage four wheel drive--and how often those extra parts get used.

On older 4x4s, like my Toyota Landcruiser 60, the owners manual actually recommends at least 20kms per month of 4WD system use--"to ensure proper oiling". That means L4 or H4 must be engaged and the vehicle driven at least 20kms to make sure all the parts are kept oiled and lubricated.

Newer 4x4s have more sophisticated 4WD lubrication systems, and might not officially 'require' a certain about of 4WD usage every month. But they too will still benefit from regular 4WD usage--and ensure all the parts, sensors, actuators, linkages, and gear are also well oiled and used regularly.

That last thing you want to do it engage 4WD and find that it doesn't--because the last time you used it was last winter.

Regular use of 4WD, even in a straight line on paves roads for a short time, is critical to ensure your vehicle's 4WD system will be there when you need it to be. Even if you don't get off road as much as you'd like, you should still engage 4WD once in a while. I try to at least once a month...

Third row seating for SUVs

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:56:00 +0000

Every once in a while we come across a smart business idea, and this one seems to make perfect sense: accessory third row seating for 4WD SUVs.

Little Passenger Seats sells federally approved third row seating that can let you keep your 4x4, rather than buy a minivan, when the family expands. Like I said, a smart idea.

These days we drive a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder 4X4, but with two young children the space will gets scare soon enough. I cringe at the thought of driving a minivan, but...adding a third row seat to the Pathfinder will enable me to save a lot of money and keep the 4X4--and is exactly what I'm looking for.

Watch for an evaluation of the Little Passenger Seats accessory third row seating in coming posts.

The Overlander's Handbook

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:38:00 +0000

If you're interested in 4WD travel and adventure, you'll be pleased to know that Chris Scott, famed motorcycle adventurer and author of multiple overland and desert travel books, has a new book on the way.

Expected to be published in 2009, the Overlander's Handbook will feature detailed information about vehicle based overland travel. From his website:

The Overlanders' Handbook will be published by Trailblazer in late 2009. It will be similar to my Sahara Overland (left) but will cover the selection, preparation and conversion of a much broader range of vehicles for long-term global travel, featuring Continental Route Outlines for Africa, Asia and Latin America as well as your Travellers Tales.

Chris Scott is an authority on overland travel by motorcycle and four wheel drive vehicle, and a truly knowledgable and entertaining writer who was been there, done that--and written the books.

Nissan Patrol: another drool-worthy 4x4

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Ever a sucker for punishment, I couldn't resist posting a link to another legendary 4X4 vehicle still in production today and, sadly, also not available in North America.

The Nissan Patrol is as rugged, legendary, and capable as 4x4s come, but not as widely known as certain other makes in all parts of the world.

But with electric lockers, extreme off road capability out of the box, a heritage that dates back to the early 80's, and one of the best turbo charged diesel engines to ever grace a chassis, the Nissan Patrol is a living legend of 4WD travel and adventure. Now if only they were available here...

Note: Actually, in Canada they are: Nissan Patrols/Safaris are being imported from Japan under the 15 year import rules. So these days, there are quite a few old Patrols driving in the Canadian north...

Toyota Landcruiser make North Americans drool

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:46:00 +0000

OK, not all North Americans drool at the sight of a Toyota Landcruiser, but a certain subset of the 4X4 driving public certainly does. And to think that right now, in lands far from these shores, brand new Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series Turbo Diesel 4x4s can still be purchased for about $35,000 dollars, well, it makes some of us drool.

But down in Australia, you can still buy classic Landcruiser 70 series--albeit powered by an earth shaking V8 turbo diesel engine--that are about as trail and expedition ready as any 4x4 needs to be.

While I don't expect to get to Australia anytime soon, nor would I have that kind of change to spend if I did, it's nice to know that somewhere Toyota Landcruiser 70-Series are still being manufactured and sold.

Four Wheelers Managing Dust

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Dust. For four wheelers, it's as nasty as mud, only drier. Worse when it comes to visibility. Worse still when it comes to the environment.

So to reduce the environmental impact of heavy dust, and the erosion that comes with it, Tread Lightly! has partnered with Hummer to create a Dust Abatement Project in Arizona (Good choice: is there anywhere dustier than Arizona?)

The goal of the Tread Lightly! project is to research the effectiveness of dust 'suppressants' to help ensure popular-but-dusty 4X4 trails remain open and to help protect the environment from all that dust and erosion. It's a great idea.

The study is being funded by HUMMER's Restoration Rescue fund, which was created in 2008 as part of Tread Lightly!'s Restoration for Recreation program.

2009 4X4 of the Year: How's that?

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:21:00 +0000

As a new year gets underway, a slew of shiny new 4x4 trucks and 4WD SUVs has also hit the roads and trails around the world, and the "4X4 of the Year" awards are already flying.

But what really makes a 4X4 of the Year? That depends on where you live, what magazine you read, what 'class' you're interested in, and how rich you are--because there are many different 4x4s of the Year, it turns out.

Down under in Australia, the Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 diesel has been named 4X4 of the Year by the Australian 4X4 Magazine. In the UK, the 2009 Fiat Panda scooped up the same award from Britain's 4x4 and MPV Driver magazine--but the 2009 Land Rover Discovery 3 is the 4X4 of the Year according to the UK's 4X4 Magazine.

Over in the United States, Peterson's 4Wheel and Off Road magazine has chosen the 'new' Suzuki Equator pick up truck as 4X4 of the Year, and up in Canada top 4X4 of the Year honours go to the Dodge Ram pickup truck.

But let's stop here, because the more you search, the more 4X4s of the Year you find. Depending on which publication or automotive journalist association you believe, there can even be more than one 4x4 of the Year in a given country.

Which just goes to show that no one else can or should tell you what's your 4x4 of the Year. Because the only 4x4 of the year that matters is whatever rig gets you where you need to go and back, and doesn't break the bank in the process.

And with 4x4's, a good rule of thumb that any four wheeler will tell you is: the older, the better. Bells, whistles, traction controls, and heaters are all well and good, but a simple and proven 4x4 wins every time. Tough to break, simple to fix, cheap to buy, and plenty of parts.

In that sense, the 2009 4X4 of the Year could be a 1983 Toyota Landcruiser. Or a 1979 Ford Bronco. Or perhaps a 1991 Isuzu Trooper. Or maybe a 1990 Nissan Pathfinder. In other words, whatever 4x4 you can afford, whatever 4x4 you enjoy driving, and whatever 4x4 works for you--that's the only 4X4 of the Year that matters.

Now is the time to drive, to four wheel, to explore

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:07:00 +0000

Cabin Fever: Pining for 4WD Adventure
At this time of year (mid winter up north) the simple fact that most 4x4s spend about 95% of their lives parked drives me a little nuts. All that metal, glass, and rubber sculpted, dented, bolted and welded together to serve a 4x4 purpose, sitting there doing nothing. Maybe it's a bit of cabin fever after months in the relative northern winter darkness, but it doesn't seem right.

(Photo: my Isuzu Bighorn Tdi on Sakhalin Island, Russia in 2005)

4x4s are meant to be out there, hubs locked, low range engaged, on the trails, exploring off road parks, traveling across continents, carrying their wide eyed and adventurous passengers to destinations undiscovered; literally expanding our horizons.

It's usually about this point in the North American winter that I look back on the previous year and count the number of times I've explored new off road 4x4 horizons. Inevitably, it's always less than I expected, less than I planned. Life--daily life, the grind--always seems to take over and push out the more profound, nobler pursuits.

Yes, I considering time well wasted on 4x4 back road--with no destination in mind, just enjoying the scenery and wondering what 4WD challenge lies around the next corner--a very noble pursuit and a very fitting metaphor for life.

Yet somehow, many of the great trips I hope to take keep getting deferred; epic journeys replaced by trips to the grocery store and days in the office. Alaska. The Yukon. The Northwest Territories. The Outback. Chile. Tierra Del Fuego. Vladivostok to St. Petersburg.

These places drift in and out of the periphery of my thoughts endlessly; in my mind I equip and reequip various 4x4 vehicles for each journey, planning for that day in the future when we set out again. Virtual preparedness.

It's been said that life is what happens when you're busy making other plans, and this is certainly true. But when it comes to 4WD travel and adventure, it's important to keep making those plans and keeping the exploration dreams alive--otherwise, like the waste deep snow blowing outside the door, they too will drift away.

Oh well, spring is right around the corner. Better start organizing my kit, getting my recovery gear ready for another season on the trails, and prepping my truck. Wouldn't want to see another season drift by without a few more significant 4x4 trips under my belt and in my memories...

Nissan Pathfinder 4x4: Long Term Test Rig

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:24:00 +0000

In our never ending quest to drive, test, and 'wheel as many 4x4 trucks and SUVs as we can get our hands on, we've recently added another long term test rig to the 4WDTraveller stable.

This time, our goal was to find a vehicle that can be used as a comfortable daily driver and a capable trail and travel rig.

It would have to be able to tackle trail obstacles, tow at least 3500kgs (5000 lbs), travel easily on highways, and fit at least four adults and their gear comfortably.

It would also have to be reliable and proven, widely available (in our area, at least) and somewhat fuel efficient.

Based on these requirements, we chose a previous generation Nissan Pathfinder. The Pathfinder has plenty of trail cred, one of the best V6 engines ever bolted into a 4WD, standard limited-slip rear differential, and great road manners.

The Nissan Pathfinder isn't the most hard-core trail rig by any means--no solid axle up front, no diesel option in North America, and not a lot of aftermarket 4x4 accessories--but it has been one of the best all-around 4x4s for many years.

We'll be testing the Pathfinder on road and off over the next year or so, and will provide plenty of long term test updates as we progress.

2009 Suzuki Equator Pick up

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:17:00 +0000

As we previously wrote about, the all new Suzuki Equator 4x4 pick up truck is here, arriving in dealer showrooms from coast to coast.

The Suzuki Equator is essentially a dolled up 2009 Nissan Frontier with Suzuki badging, but this is good news.

The Made-in-Tennessee Frontier has proven itself a worthy trail rig and a rock solid work truck, as well as a practical daily driver, and it looks as though Suzuki will continue the trend. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the chrome grille--it's a departure for Suzuki 4x4s--but it might grow on me.

We're big fans of Suzuki and Nissan 4x4s overall, so look for a test drive and trail review of the 2009 Suzuki Equator 4x4 as soon as we can get our hands on one.

The Joys and Responsibilites of Four Wheel Drive

noreply@blogger.com (posted) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:14:00 +0000

Up here in the northern hemisphere, winter has arrived. Actually it's not only arrived, in many places it's arrived with vengeance. Record low temperatures. Record snowfall. Icy roads. If this is what global warming looks like, we better start knitting thicker sweaters. But I digress...

It is in seasons like this that the joys of owing a four wheel drive vehicle become apparent. But for many, getting around isn't an option, it's a necessity--which makes a 4x4 a necessary tool. In my case, I'm not about to get stuck in snow while driving my wife to the hospital to deliver our second child.

Say what you will about SUVs and 4x4 trucks--when you need 'em, there's no replacement. And those of us fortunate (smart?) enough to drive and own 4x4s have two obligations: to drive wisely, and to help others whenever possible.

We stop no faster in our 4x4s, nor do we corner any better or slide any less. We accelerate better, but that's about it. So we need to remember to drive modestly when plowing around, having fun, and not getting stuck in the snow. Because there really is nothing worse than seeing a 4x4 stuck in the snow or out of control.

As for helping others, four wheelers should always carry a tow rope (at the very least) in our 4x4 vehicles, and try to help those stuck in their cars and 2WD trucks whenever we can. Why? Because as drivers of tough and capable 4x4s we can, that's why.

I certainly don't mean to preach to the converted--four wheelers are usually the most helpful, most skilled, and most well informed drivers on the roads. But it never hurts to be reminded: with power and traction comes responsibility.