If there's one thing full-size vans aren't is fast. They're back-to-basic heavy haulers. Surprisingly though, the high-roof Nissan NV we had for our Truck of the Year testing felt pretty darn fast. The numbers tell a different story though, as the NV 3500 took 8.5 seconds to get from 0-60 mph. Why did it feel fast then? We're guessing the 5.6 liter V-8's burly soundtrack, combined with a lack of sound insulation might have had something to do with it.
Which brings us to what we found most endearing about the NV: its honesty. The NV is a large van you use to haul stuff. It's not a lifestyle statement, nor an ego-inflator, nor a way of warning others that you're tough/anti-social. It's just a really well-thought-out, heavy-duty van. In a world full of MBA-researched lifestyle vehicles, the NV's honesty shines through as a real virtue.
While we all appreciated the no-frills, form follows function NV (we can certainly appreciate the exposed hinges and the like), will consumers? And will those same potential consumers want to spend their hard-earned money on something so freakish looking? And where's the diesel?
Do you think the Nissan NV has enough honesty to earn it the Truck of the Year honors? Find out on Monday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. eastern time.