Nissan

The Upside of Nissan: Where the Brand Shines (or Used To)

Historically, Nissan's strengths have included innovation and performance. The brand produced legendary sports cars like the Datsun 240Z (and its successors, including the current Z), the Skyline GT-R (now just GT-R), and was a pioneer in the affordable EV market with the Leaf. Nissan has also been known for offering stylish designs and user-friendly technology in its mainstream models. Some of their vehicles, like the Frontier and the Xterra were known for their reliability.

The Downside of Nissan: Where it Falls Short (and Earns a Reputation)

In recent years, Nissan has struggled with declining sales, aging models, and a reputation for questionable reliability, particularly with its CVT transmissions. The brand's focus on subprime lending has also led to negative publicity and a perception that it caters to buyers with poor credit. Furthermore, Nissan's driver reputation hasn't always been positive, with certain models (looking at you, Altima) gaining a reputation for being driven erratically. This has not been helped by the previously mentioned subprime lending practices.

Nissan's Model Lineup: Notable Cars

Nissan's current lineup includes a mix of sedans, SUVs, trucks, and electric vehicles. The Altima, a mid-size sedan, and the Sentra, a compact sedan, are the brand's core sedan offerings. The Versa is their entry level subcompact sedan. The Rogue is a popular compact SUV, while the Murano is a mid-size crossover with distinctive styling. The Pathfinder is a three-row SUV that has moved away from its more rugged roots to become a more family-friendly crossover, and the Armada is their full-size SUV based on the same platform as the Infiniti QX80. The Frontier is a mid-size pickup truck that was recently redesigned, and the Titan is Nissan's full-size pickup truck, competing with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. The Leaf was a pioneer in the affordable EV market, and the Ariya is a new all-electric crossover SUV. On the performance side, the Z (formerly the 370Z) is a two-seater sports car with a devoted following, and the GT-R is a high-performance supercar known for its impressive acceleration and handling.

Nissan's Performance Heritage: Z Cars, GT-R, and a Dash of NISMO

Nissan has a rich history of producing exciting performance cars. The Z car line, dating back to the Datsun 240Z, has long been admired for its sleek design and sporty handling. The GT-R, a technological tour-de-force, has earned the nickname "Godzilla" for its monstrous performance. NISMO, Nissan's motorsports and performance division, offers tuned versions of various models, adding a dose of track-inspired excitement to the lineup.

The Leaf: An Early EV Leader, Now Facing Stiff Competition

The Nissan Leaf, launched in 2010, was one of the first mainstream electric vehicles and played a significant role in popularizing EVs. However, in recent years, the Leaf has faced increasing competition from newer EVs with longer ranges, faster charging, and more advanced technology.

An Uncertain Future: New Partnerships on the Horizon?

Nissan's future direction is currently unclear. After the breakdown of merger talks with Honda, rumors have surfaced about a potential investment from Foxconn, the electronics manufacturing giant. This potential shift underscores the pressures on traditional automakers and could signal significant changes for Nissan's technology, product lineup, and overall strategy.

Buying a Used Nissan: Things to Consider

When buying a used Nissan, it's crucial to research the specific model and year for any known reliability issues. CVT transmission problems have been a recurring concern for certain models. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended. Service records are important to verify proper maintenance. Be aware that some used Nissans may have been driven aggressively, especially if they're Altimas.

The Nissan Dealership Experience

Nissan dealerships are widespread, but the experience can vary greatly. You might encounter aggressive sales tactics, particularly if your credit is less than perfect. Be prepared to negotiate, and don't be afraid to walk away if you're not comfortable with the deal.

Clutsh's Take on Nissan

Nissan's current state is a mixed bag. The brand has a rich history of producing innovative and exciting vehicles, and it deserves credit for its early leadership in the EV market. However, recent years have seen a decline in sales, a tarnished reputation due to reliability issues and questionable lending practices. The potential for a merger with Honda adds another layer of uncertainty. While some Nissan models, like the redesigned Frontier and the Z, offer good value and performance, buyers should proceed with caution, do thorough research, and carefully consider the specific model they're interested in. Be especially wary of any used Nissan with a CVT transmission.

Nissan's Closest Competitors

Nissan competes with a wide range of automakers, including fellow Japanese brands Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Mazda. It also faces competition from American manufacturers like Ford and Chevrolet, as well as Korean brands Hyundai and Kia. In the EV market, Nissan competes with Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, and other manufacturers offering electric vehicles.