#552924 - 09/06/08 11:23 AM
Re: 2009 Suzuki Equator
[Re: ggbaird]
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Blue Mule Trucking
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That's a pretty sweet little pickup.
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#553798 - 09/23/08 11:27 AM
Re: 2009 Suzuki Equator
[Re: ggbaird]
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ggbaird
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Registered: 08/22/07
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Loc: Ontario, Canada
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First Drive:
Anyone familiar with the inside guts of the latest Nissan Frontier is likely to feel right at home inside the Suzuki Equator. An easy-to-read gauge cluster sits behind a familiar Nissan-spec steering wheel and switchgear. While we generally aren't in favor of this kind of product-sharing, at least the truck is based on a credible and successful model and it's not badge engineering within the same automaker. Suzuki makes no bones about the fact that the Equator is based on a competing model, and in fact claims to have hand-picked the Frontier specifically for its off-road worthiness and overall truck-ability. We put those supposed off-road credentials to the test and we'll tell you how it fared a bit later. In the meantime, let's take a look at the outer skin of the Equator and see how it compares with its kin and closest rivals.
On the outside, and especially in profile, it may be easy to mistake the Equator for the Frontier. Most of the work that went into differentiating the two models was done to the front end. In comparison to its platform-mate, we prefer the looks of the Suzuki, which definitely has that square-jawed truck look that seems to be popular these days. On the highway, that big opening didn't add any undue wind noise that we could detect. What we could detect loud and clear was the big V6 engine at the helm along with the four rather aggressively tread contact patches at each corner. In was livable, but you may find yourself turning up the stereo a few notches on the highway.
Under the hood of all our test trucks was Nissan's excellent 4.0-liter V6 engine making 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, each mated to a five-speed automatic tranny. For those wishing to do a bit better than that combo's 15 city / 20 highway mileage, Suzuki also offers the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the Frontier with 152 horses and 171 lb-ft. That engine is available with either a five-speed manual transmission (19/23 mpg) or five-speed auto (17/22 mpg). A part-time 4WD system is available, as are an electronic locking rear differential, limited-slip traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control. We took the truck off-road and put all of these features to the test. They worked as advertised, though switching them off proved much more fun.
The Equator was quiet and stable on the road with driving dynamics that are quite good for a truck. Though nowhere near as car-like as some competitors, namely the Honda Ridgeline, that truckiness is exactly what Suzuki wanted and the fully boxed frame and rugged suspension deliver on that promise. Suzuki offers two cab sizes and two bed lengths, mirroring those available for the Frontier. Choose either an Extended Cab with rear-hinged portals aft the front doors or a Crew Cab with four real doors, which comes with the V6 engine only. Road-biased tires and suspension settings come standard on base models while higher-spec models are equipped for the more adventurous among us.
Those wishing to drive off the beaten path should consider the RMZ-4 package that includes all that electronic gadgetry mentioned earlier along with Bilstien shocks, skid plates, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles and meaty 265/75R16 tires. A special interior package also comes with the RMZ-4 model, which borrows its name from Suzuki's line of off-road bikes. Those wishing to tote a two-wheeler in the back may appreciate the optional utility bed package that comes with two rows of tie-downs mounted in sliding tracks. The system worked well when demonstrated for us, and maximum trailer towing capacity is 6,500 pounds for the V6 2WD model.
Overall, the Equator is a decent truck that offers a good option for fans of Suzuki cycles, ATVs and watercraft who want to keep all their modes of transportation in the same family. What about buyers who don't already have an attachment to Suzuki? Why would you choose the Equator over the Frontier? Suzuki points to its warranty as one reason, which at 7 years / 100,000 miles on the powertrain is superior to the Nissan's 5-year / 60,000-mile coverage. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so you'll have to make a judgement call for yourself when it comes to the truck's styling as well as the all-important issue of name recognition. Regardless, the Equator is a well-rounded truck that will likely sell in relatively small numbers, and in many cases to buyers who wish to remain loyal to their favored yellow-hued brand.
Gallery: 2009 Suzuki Equator
Source: AutoBlog
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#560388 - 12/09/08 06:54 PM
Re: 2009 Suzuki Equator
[Re: ggbaird]
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ggbaird
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Registered: 08/22/07
Posts: 1834
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Suzuki Equator priced from $17,995
Suzuki has just released pricing information for its brand-new Equator midsize pickup truck, and, not surprisingly, it apes the asking price of its Nissan Frontier platform-mate. For 2009, the Equator will start at $17,995, just a few hundred bucks more than the Frontier at $17,460. That base sum will get you a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque in an extended cab package with a five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive. Of course, those wanting or needing more can opt for a powerful 4.0L V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and four real doors. A fully-loaded RMZ-4 model will easily top the $30,000 mark.
Press Release
Source: AutoBlog
Edited by ggbaird (12/09/08 06:54 PM)
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#560441 - 12/10/08 12:32 PM
Re: 2009 Suzuki Equator
[Re: ggbaird]
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c3wannabe
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Registered: 01/30/05
Posts: 8133
Loc: High Desert
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Hmm- the nose looks like a Tundra, and the 4.0 V6 won't offer ya any gas mileage savings over a full- size with a 5.3...........
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#560459 - 12/10/08 04:20 PM
Re: 2009 Suzuki Equator
[Re: ggbaird]
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SWITL1V5E0R0vD6O
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Registered: 12/31/69
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Loc: Coos Bay, Or
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If these Nissan Suzuki pickups are as good as my Moms 85 Nissan Hardbody they will do pretty good , hers has over 200,000 miles and the engine has been making horrendous noises for some time and it keeps going , my brother is Suzuki motorcycle nut so he will probably be wanting one , my parents bought me a Honda 60 3 wheeler and my brother an Suzuki RM80 , that's where he got his Suzuki love .
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#560502 - 12/11/08 08:36 AM
Re: 2009 Suzuki Equator
[Re: SWITL1V5E0R0vD6O]
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c3wannabe
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Registered: 01/30/05
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Loc: High Desert
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Wasn't that an ATC 70? Don't ever recall Honda making a 60cc 3wheeler...................
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If guns kill people then
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#560518 - 12/11/08 02:32 PM
Re: 2009 Suzuki Equator
[Re: SWITL1V5E0R0vD6O]
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c3wannabe
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Registered: 01/30/05
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You still have that thing? I still have my 1976 Honda Z50 with chrome fenders...............
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If guns kill people then
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I still remember seeing it and my brothers Suzuki sitting by the tree , I still cant figure out where my parents were hiding them till christmas came around 
me and my brother used to go up in the woods behind our house (we called it the power lines because of the power line right of way) and run until we were almost out of gas and try to make it home for more . 
