nissan design

[**DONOTDELETE**]

For some reason I remember the early 90s Nissan as some of the best looking cars...the 300ZX and the 89-94(?) Maximas were beautiful cars.

Now you have that ugly ass Maxima and butch Xterra. Is it me or Hirshberg? Don't get me wrong, I still like Nissans but my next car probably will be an Audi A4.

Yak...
93 Maxima GXE

[GTR]

dunno... i cant say much bout the xterra because i dont really like suvs in general.. what i can say though is that the maxima reminds me somewhat of the skyline r34 in japan- lookswise that is. the circular light in the rear and the semi-boxy headlamp arrangement. if you look at nissan japan's site. you will find that many of their cars definitely have the look. they still have the fairlady z with refreshened facias and the new s15 silvia is sweet.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

GTR,
I saw the new Silvia(240sx?) from Japan and that's a good lookin car. Reminds me of a European GT like a (don't laugh) Ferrari or Aston Martin.

[GTR]

seriously, japanese nissans have style. if you examine the curves of the s15, you can detect little hints of 360 modena..

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yeah me too! Too bad they didn't bring the new Silvia here. It's a gorgeous car! I like the Japanese studio's work on the Pathfinder and especially the QX4 as well. I am curious to see what the new Frontier looks like. I read it's description and kinda sounds toy-like. We'll see.

[This message has been edited by Yak (edited 02-07-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Maxima - I personally think the front end is acceptable but the back is butt ugly. Although Nissan didn't want to be conservative in their designs, they shouldn't have been that controversial. However, I think the interior looks great.

Xterra - I think the styling serves the purpose.

Frontier - 4x4s and Desert Runners look great on higher stance and fat tires. The 4x2 needs some improvement, possibly because of the large wheel wells and small tires. Nissan should also put a little performance into the 4x2.

[GTR]

maxima- front end is so-so. kinda boring if you ask me, but kinda has a tame skyilne r34 look to it. the rear in the gxe and gle's look pretty ugly, but the se's with the carbon fiber look dont look too bad.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by V-spec:
I have just bought a S15 Silvia Spec-R brand new, in NZ it only costs about $19000USD. I love the styling, it looks very European, but I mainly bought it for the performance 250hp six speed manual and rwd, all combine to make it one quick car, the biggest improvement on the S14 is the styling though.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Damn, $19,000 for 250 bhp and 6 spd? Geez it pays to live really close to Japan and be a right hand drive country.

[GTR]

vspec: i want to choke you and steal your car. you are a lucky man. all that car for under 20k. man o man

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have just bought a S15 Silvia Spec-R brand new, in NZ it only costs about $19000USD. I love the styling, it looks very European, but I mainly bought it for the performance 250hp six speed manual and rwd, all combine to make it one quick car, the biggest improvement on the S14 is the styling though.

[TitaniusMaximus]

Hey... forget choking and stealing his car... can I move in with you??? http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by V-spec:
I have just bought a S15 Silvia Spec-R brand new, in NZ it only costs about $19000USD. I love the styling, it looks very European, but I mainly bought it for the performance 250hp six speed manual and rwd, all combine to make it one quick car, the biggest improvement on the S14 is the styling though.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yup, the early 90s was not only the golden era for Nissan, but also the Japanese auto industry, with likes of Supra, RX7, 3000GT, etc....

I think the new Maxima, although not very conventional like the Accord, it's got personality, that's why the sales have been good.

Xttera-It's utilitarian in nature, not one of those "look at me I'm rich" status symbols.

[RainMeister]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Fairlady Z:
I think the new Maxima, although not very conventional like the Accord, it's got personality, that's why the sales have been good.[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The new Maxima does have character, something that can't be said for the other Japanese sedans like the Accord/Camry/Galant. I also think it looks much sleeker and meaner than the previous generation that was designed in Japan. But then it also seems to polarize opinions much like the BMW Z3 Coupe which I also happen to like.

[Max Ima]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RainMeister:
The new Maxima does have character, something that can't be said for the other Japanese sedans like the Accord/Camry/Galant. I also think it looks much sleeker and meaner than the previous generation that was designed in Japan. But then it also seems to polarize opinions much like the BMW Z3 Coupe which I also happen to like.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Polarizing is the key word. And I think it's a good one. Any time Nissan makes a cookie-cutter product, it loses. (Current Pathfinder, last Sentra, 4th Gen Maxima -- to some extent). For Nissan to gain in-roads on Toyota and Honda they have to do different things. (Think: Chrysler vs. GM/Ford). Hopefully, these "different" ideas will be smart and consumer-friendly. (Like the Xterra.)

[2HD]

I read somewhere on the car connection website that the reason Nissan cars don't sell is because they are too rounded. The article said that round shapes give the deception of less room.

But I don't know just make it look good.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I've gotta agree that Nissan's styling has definitely gone downhill in the latter half of the 90s, in my opinion. I still can't figure out what is so wonderful about NDI. The Xterra is probably the best thing they've put out in a decade.

Probably my favorite design to come out of California is the original Nissan Pathfinder 5-door and pickup truck of the same era. Those things still look good. I'm also a big fan of the original Altima, and the previous-generation Maxima (earlier examples with the mesh grille are my favorite), but those designs are long gone, replaced by cookie-cutter imitations of the competition in the case of the Altima, and bizarre styling statements that nobody other than Jerry Hirshberg can make sense of (the Maxima).

[**DONOTDELETE**]

yeah, i agree. i liked the last generation nissan hardbody when it was extended cab 4x4 with 31" tires. that was a mean looking truck. the first pathfinder was cool too. then nissan went downhill with the current Frontier, the pre-facelifted current Pathfinder,the new Altima, and Maxima. the 2001 Frontier looks decent but most will be lower models with craploads of tacky black plastic, which is super ugly.

the Xterra and Sentra are probably NDI's best works in years. hopefully they won't screw up the Z, i personally think nissan japan should design it

[slowpoke]

The new Q45 seems as though the designers spent so much of their time designing those **********in' headlights that they ran out of time on the rest of the car's exterior. It seems pretty bland to me. I'd still like to see it in person, though.

I don't know why people give the new Maxima such a hard time with it's styling. I think it looks darn good from any angle. It surely blows away the styling of the Accord and Camry.

Recently someone posted that they thought the previous generation Altima looked better than the current one. I agree completely. Especially the *original* Altima - the one without the restyled, funky-slotted grille. It was smooth looking, and the design has held up well over time.

Overall, I think Nissan is back on track in a big way. I remember the product-oriented enthusiasm that surrounded the company in the early 1990's. The whole mystique surrounding "team 901" and their goal of making Nissans the best feeling and performing cars on the road. That kind of focus and determination seems to be back in the company. It's about time... now if they can just keep it up.

[GTR]

in the current altima's defense, those new headlamps are **********in'!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

There only needs two words to describe Nissan's styling:

BUTT UGLY

Enough said...

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ST:
There only needs two words to describe Nissan's styling:

BUTT UGLY

Enough said...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think this forum would appreciate some elaboration.

Butt Ugly? All Nissans? I somehow doubt you feel that way. Let the rest of us know which designs you really hate (or love) and why. You don't have to write an essay, but give us a little more than that.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think Nissans cars and trucks look better over all than they did 2 or 3 years ago.What do I think of the Xterra or y2k Max styling? I think there winners..because strong sales is reflecting so!I think my 260z is beautiful..you may think it looks like a Pinto with a long hood.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I own a an 88 4x4 standard cab hardbody and after putting 31-inch bfgs and some nice nissan rims on it i think it is one of the cleanest meanest looking trucks around. And they designed this thing almost 15 years ago. Many people have told me how nice the truck looks.Sorry for bragging, but i love this truck and i love nissans.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Just stare at the hiney of any Nissan today, pretty hideous. The design team of the J30 must of been reorganized into every new vehicle. The new Maxima "moons" are just plain silly for a car of it's stature. They screwed up the Altima in the redesign giving it more fat, instead of trimming it. The new Sentra looks great until you come 180 degrees around and wonder if all the expenditure in time was towards the front. I will give credit to the INfiniti division, where styling does have more of an emphasis ( but now the new Q seems to have it backwards...good front and rear taillights, ugly fat body)...I won't even go into the styling of the trucks and SUV's..


[QUOTE]Originally posted by carsonjon:
[B] I think this forum would appreciate some elaboration.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

nissan's trucks and SUV's have been recieving praise from the automotive press lately. the Xterra is on Automobile Mag's 10 best list for compact SUV. they like it because of its price and best in class styling (among other things). other magazines have called the 2001 Frontier the best looking truck debuted in Chicago. I agree with it. the new Toyota tacomas look ugly, especially that stepside model, way too low to the ground. in my opinion the new Pathfinder, Xterra, and Frontier are some of the best looking trucks being made--much better than Toyota's bland truck designs

as far as nissan cars go, i think nissan can be a little more bold. the new sentra and altima designs aren't bad, they just need to be less conservative

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I took at the Xterra extensively before purchasing a 00' Max. Was not thrilled by it's LandRover, Jeep Cherokee design philophy and awkward theatre seating arranagement. Note that most of the SUV craze is by people who PRETEND to go offroading and not actually do it, so I think Nissan missed the target there. I was seriously hoping something along the lines of their Super SUV, the Trailrunner, showcasing the classic Nissan sport emphasis with some styling (though maybe not that radical http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/wink.gif :

http://www.webpti.com/dan/cars/images/nissan_trailrunner1.jpg

I also agree with your assessment on the new Frontier..looks great...but it's about time! Personally, they should do the same thing to the XTerra. ANd that new Tacoma front end is really funky! I won't even mention that fugly Highlander..wtf was Toyco thinking? At least the new RAV4 is very refreshing and stylish! Personally, I like that new Ford Sport Trac..egads...only in styling though!

Nissan needs to recultivate their design process and emphasize their strengths in engineering, particular performance.

As much as I hate Veedubs, I have to give credit to their design teams for remaking the whole model lineup to be fresh, innovative, and stylish with a consistent branding theme. Nissan should follow their lead..maybe coaz Ferdinand Pierche (sp?) from there? http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/wink.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:
nissan's trucks and SUV's have been recieving praise from the automotive press lately. the Xterra is on Automobile Mag's 10 best list for compact SUV. they like it because of its price and best in class styling (among other things). other magazines have called the 2001 Frontier the best looking truck debuted in Chicago. I agree with it. the new Toyota tacomas look ugly, especially that stepside model, way too low to the ground. in my opinion the new Pathfinder, Xterra, and Frontier are some of the best looking trucks being made--much better than Toyota's bland truck designs

as far as nissan cars go, i think nissan can be a little more bold. the new sentra and altima designs aren't bad, they just need to be less conservative<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[This message has been edited by ST (edited 04-26-2000).]

[This message has been edited by ST (edited 04-26-2000).]

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ST:
Just stare at the hiney of any Nissan today, pretty hideous. The design team of the J30 must of been reorganized into every new vehicle. The new Maxima "moons" are just plain silly for a car of it's stature. They screwed up the Altima in the redesign giving it more fat, instead of trimming it. The new Sentra looks great until you come 180 degrees around and wonder if all the expenditure in time was towards the front. I will give credit to the INfiniti division, where styling does have more of an emphasis ( but now the new Q seems to have it backwards...good front and rear taillights, ugly fat body)...I won't even go into the styling of the trucks and SUV's...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm so glad that you did elaborate.
I totally agree with your J30 design comment.

I know there are people here that love the J30, first Altima, NX2000, etc. I don't. I especially don't like the rears of the J30, 2k Sentra, and new Altima. The new Q is pushing towards looking like a fancy potato with interesting headlights.

I really like the angular styling of the G20, current I30, and current Q45.

Oh and I definitely prefer the S13, S14a, and S15 styling over the early S14 styling.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I totally agree, the current G20 has the look and styling to set my heart on fire!! But WHERE'S THE BEEF?? If Nissan would take design cues from the Current G20 and apply it to all their sedans and back them up with some real horsepower THEN THEY'D HAVE A WINNER!!! They'd be so far ahead they'd leave audi and BMW in a crying heap of shame. The current I30, and upcoming Q45 are a step towards something ugly. They may have the horsepower, but no looks to back them up, and whats with the demise of an optional 5spd on the I30t?? SAY IT AINT SO...I worked at an Infiniti dealership and let me tell you, take an I30t with a 5spd and stomp on the gas OHHH BUDDY hang on! Now that they're making high horsepower cars again, why cant they make em look good??

[madmaxse]

Nissan interior designers should design the exterior as well! Or give the exterior designers a tour to art gallery. I mean at least the Interior looks nice. What's wrong with the tale lights of all the nissan cars? They look decent until you see the back of the car! The front is also too boring. How can they make the rear so controversial(?) and make the front so uninteresting? And How out of mind I must be to keep buying those Nissan products! I hope they can get it right with new ALTIMA. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/wink.gif
........or let me design the car. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I totally agree, if Nissan's exteriors were anywhere near the quality of their interiors then we'd have something to shout about. The interiors have always been top notch. Take for example the interiors of the current Maxima, new Sentra, and I30. VERY GOOD, (from the inside) I must say. The J30 had a very funky exterior but at least the interior was good. I did think however that the interior of the Q45 missed the awesome interior styling mark. I think it is unfortunate that in such a top notch car they couldnt even get the interior right. I cant even say much positive about the exterior either. I think it's ugly.

[2HD]

If your talking about the current Q's interior your right about that. But if your talking about the New Q somebody must have showed you the wrong picture. Never have I seen such a unique dash. That nav screen and those controls just blast it off into the future. My only complaint is the quality of the materials some of the buttons and controls look like they got it from the new Sentra. I think they should use shiny chrome like in the Audi TT. Besides that I love the interior.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HammerMan:
I totally agree, if Nissan's exteriors were anywhere near the quality of their interiors then we'd have something to shout about. The interiors have always been top notch. Take for example the interiors of the current Maxima, new Sentra, and I30. VERY GOOD, (from the inside) I must say. The J30 had a very funky exterior but at least the interior was good. I did think however that the interior of the Q45 missed the awesome interior styling mark. I think it is unfortunate that in such a top notch car they couldnt even get the interior right. I cant even say much positive about the exterior either. I think it's ugly.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I was refering to the current Q45, but I cant say much about the new Q45 either. The center pod is too overstyled and contains too many knobs and gismos to really make it look good. Give it less gadgetry and simplify the controls. As it stands now I think it looks a little too much like my Nintendo. Overall I think the new dash looks a wee bit too busy. Tone it down without loosing any of it's creativness.

[2HD]

Heres something edgy from Nissan for those who were looking for it.

http://www.nissan-europe.com/europa/KYXX/IMAGES/side.gif

The Nissan KYXX.

[GTR]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2HD:
Heres something edgy from Nissan for those who were looking for it.

http://www.nissan-europe.com/europa/KYXX/IMAGES/side.gif

The Nissan KYXX.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

uh... the concepts got a loooong way to go. i say- avantime but uglier.

[JonCarson]

Edgy, yes.
Ugly, in my opinion. Looks like a Ford Focus step-child.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

most of nissan's cars look good. just the rear ends look weird. the new altima should remedy this. http://geocities.com/r337m0nk3y/net/bandit.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think that Nissan has lost is spirit... Where did you see a sport coupe in the lineup? That's where Nissans was shinning in the 80's, 90's and that's why I always loved them. But now, I still wait for a Sentra (SE-R) coupe or a 2 doors Maxima (and, please! Spare me those ugly butts)...

[**DONOTDELETE**]

That concept picture above looks way too much like a renualt concept a few years ago. Wayyy too scary for me. I dont think Renualt should be meddling with Nissan's design affairs. Give them some time they'll figure it out. But till then I'm still awaiting the return of the glory years.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Goldwater:
I think that Nissan has lost is spirit... Where did you see a sport coupe in the lineup? That's where Nissans was shinning in the 80's, 90's and that's why I always loved them. But now, I still wait for a Sentra (SE-R) coupe or a 2 doors Maxima (and, please! Spare me those ugly butts)...

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think Nissan has regained the spirit. They had to purge themselves of either too expensive vehicles (the 300ZX) or underpowered (240SX-200SX) cars (even though the chasis was willing).

Basically they gave themselves a clean slate for the new Z.

[jeffreymp]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HammerMan:
That concept picture above looks way too much like a renualt concept a few years ago. Wayyy too scary for me. I dont think Renualt should be meddling with Nissan's design affairs. Give them some time they'll figure it out. But till then I'm still awaiting the return of the glory years. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Nissan KYXX concept was actually penned considerably prior to Renault's involvement in Nissan, I believe... The car was featured prominently on either Nissan European or UK site for some time and still was last time I checked a couple of months ago. Renault's affiliation with Nissan has thus far likely not had a great deal of impact in Nissan's recent designs-- -- --concept or otherwise. The impact of Renault
(i.e. that of Ghosn) is likely much more evident philosophically and economically at this point rather than stylistically. Give that a couple of years...

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Well, I recently purchased a 2000 Maxima GLE and I purchased it because of its controversial styling among other things. It is new and with any new styling there is controversy! I believe it will grow on people, it has certainly grown on me. I most definitely wouldn't want it to look like an Accord or anything else for that matter! It is different and in my opionion that is a good thing. I love this car!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Zcarnut:
I think Nissans cars and trucks look better over all than they did 2 or 3 years ago.What do I think of the Xterra or y2k Max styling? I think there winners..because strong sales is reflecting so!I think my 260z is beautiful..you may think it looks like a Pinto with a long hood.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Overall Nissan's cars are improving, but it isnt good enough. Remember the Sentra SE-R, and the old school (early 90's) Maxima?? Those were some great cars, and consequently Nissan's biggest sellers of the time. Now Nissans cars are just plain good, nothing really wrong, but nothing really spectacular either. What makes (use to make) Nissan's cars so great?? Styling, engines, handling. None of which Nissan's current cars have and thats why their sales keep (and will keep) slipping away.

[Russ2kSE]

Hammerman, actually the cars there coming out now with are excellent in the power/handling department. The new 2k SE has awesome power and handling. I have a 2k Maxima SE and won 1st place in Autocross fully stock against modded CRX's, intergras, type r's, etc. People were extremly impressed. The new SENTRA SE I am sure handles great and the power is there for a sub compact 4 door.....The only thing I complain about is the styling still is not that great.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I agree with you there on that one the new Maxima is great! I saw one on TV competing in an Autocross event and it looked awesome! Made me want to go test drive one right then and there. But as for the rest of the line up the Sentra needs tweaking. The Sentra's engine should be more like the older SE-R's, sure it makes more power but did it have to loose some of the revs in the process?? Stylistically the exterior looks terrible, cant say much about it from any angle. The Altima is a complete loss anyway you look at it. So what do we have left?? The awesome Maxima, the 01 Pathfinders are cool too, finally they get it right!! Xterra is cool too, the Frontier however suffers from much of the same faults as the Sentra and Altima. Butt ugly styling and no engine.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i kinda like the 2001 Frontier. very aggressive. the new supercharged engine should fix any lack of power that there once was. about the styling, i can't think of any other compact truck that looks nearly as unique as the new frontier. the new tacoma is really bland as is most of the american compact trucks. same old design ideas on most of them (especially the ford ranger).

i agree that the pathfinder looks good. classy and aggressive. the maxima looks cool in the front, but the back looks weird to me in all but the SE models.

the new XVL-inspired altima should help nissan gain some ground in the midsize car segment. eventually nissan should style the max to be XVL-like

[Max Ima]

Maybe it's just over-exposure to FreshAlloy, but I've seen some Altima SE's on the road and I think they actually look good. Nissan did some tweaks -- lowered the front? Added some cladding? I dunno, but something's making them look a little better.

[GTR]

the removal of amber from the tail lights does help a lot (though ive never had a problem with the rear styling), as for the 2000 se's (not 99 SE-L's) i ilke how theyve smoothed out the front facia and incorporated in a one piece headlamp. the 3 strip amber corners are the only styling cues that i might disagree with (though i can get used to it).

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GTR:
"...the 3 strip amber corners are the only styling cues that i might disagree with (though i can get used to it)."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is what kills me about Nissan fans...
We are willing to accept any design that Nissan drops on us because we have an affinity for the mark, regardless of how bad the design may truly be.

Please allow me to rant for a bit......

If Nissan Corp. was only concerned about selling their cars to FreshAlloy subscribers and other Nissan fans, there wouldn't be much of a real problem. The thing is, if Nissan wants to get back to the black and be a real contender, their goal should be to make cars that appeal to everyone.

To put out cars that people like us can "get used to", or kind of like after it "grows on us" is just not going to cut it.

Maxima (rear), Altima, Sentra, the upcomming Q45 and XVL/G35....
After looking at pictures of them for awhile on FreshAlloy and in other places, I also find myself saying "they kind of look OK."
None of these cars make me say, "Wow! Now that's a good looking car."

Well I think that sucks! Plus, I went to a Nissan dealership the other day to look at some of the cars upclose and in person. My opinion....A royal boo-hoo to NDI.

My favorite State-side Nissan Design right now? The Pathfinder. Oh, and I'm definitely not a truck fan.
Oops, can't forget the Beautiful Infiniti G20.
If I'm not mistaken, neither car was designed at NDI.

I'll finish my rant by saying that I do give NDI one nod of approval for the Xterra. I guess no one can suck all the time....

[2HD]

You know your exactly right none of Nissans Designs especially from NDI make you jump for joy. Besides the Xterra and the New Q45 (to an extent) in my opinion are the only cars that are and will be hit cars. But this seems to be some kind of Japanese Automaker trait they are not known for really exciting designs besides an upcoming and recent few. But it makes me wonder why even more boring cars like the toyota camry and the honda accord sell like crazy. The only thing I can think of is that camry and accord sort of have edgy shapes to them which none of nissans cars have. Another reason is that toyota and honda know how to keep a balance when designing, if they want to make a boring simple car they go to the extreme to make one. But Nissan tends to hold back and not express what they want to do in totallity. I believe that Nissan has to drop the round car shapes it they want to succed, ever since 1990 all the cars went from boxy to round. The 87 Maxima could have done better than some of the cars they put out now. They have to realize that rounded cars in design are not in style anymore the only vehicle that comes close to being edgy is the Xterra and its more of a boxy shape then edgy. I'm still waiting for Nissan to make me have a heartattack with one of their new models, I'm hoping the new Z will be that model. If not we can pretty much say goodbye to Nissan. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carsonjon:
This is what kills me about Nissan fans...
We are willing to accept any design that Nissan drops on us because we have an affinity for the mark, regardless of how bad the design may truly be.

Please allow me to rant for a bit......

If Nissan Corp. was only concerned about selling their cars to FreshAlloy subscribers and other Nissan fans, there wouldn't be much of a real problem. The thing is, if Nissan wants to get back to the black and be a real contender, their goal should be to make cars that appeal to everyone.

To put out cars that people like us can "get used to", or kind of like after it "grows on us" is just not going to cut it.

Maxima (rear), Altima, Sentra, the upcomming Q45 and XVL/G35....
After looking at pictures of them for awhile on FreshAlloy and in other places, I also find myself saying "they kind of look OK."
None of these cars make me say, "Wow! Now that's a good looking car."

Well I think that sucks! Plus, I went to a Nissan dealership the other day to look at some of the cars upclose and in person. My opinion....A royal boo-hoo to NDI.

My favorite State-side Nissan Design right now? The Pathfinder. Oh, and I'm definitely not a truck fan.
Oops, can't forget the Beautiful Infiniti G20.
If I'm not mistaken, neither car was designed at NDI.

I'll finish my rant by saying that I do give NDI one nod of approval for the Xterra. I guess no one can suck all the time....<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



[This message has been edited by 2HD (edited 06-05-2000).]

[dfw_alan]

Well since everyone is getting something off their chest....

Nissan needs to bring over their engine VVL technology here in the states to demonstrate their credibility as an engine maker to the American public (The VQ series are good, but thats not enough). In this day of VTEC, VVTL-i, ZETEC like the japanese who know what true performance is I would prefer the superior turbo charger.... but for insurance purposes that will never happen here. Just have to settle for the next best thing.

This notion that the American public doesn't want HI/PO small displacement engine is complete BS. If this were the case why did the KA in the 240sx always get dogged buy the Media and car buyers as noisy and under powered?... It sure had a but load of torque at the low end... Car buyers went out and bought the Prelude/Integra instead. Why is it that everytime I have a car conversation with a non-car-enthusiast type person that the HP/L subject comes up and at which point so does Honduh/Celica GTS.... no mention of Nissan anywhere?

I feel sorry for Nissan engineers for they are managed by a people who don't pay attention to what consumers want (only GM/Ford tell American consumers what they want). Their cars are styled by people who would rather play golf/go watch "Silence of the lambs" than style their vehicles (read NDI)... OH look at that round car with no defining lines! So much for creative Nissan America Design. NDI should stick to doing what they do best style trucks!

The Silvia and Skyling GTR (not my style though) are the only Nissan cars that stand out and they aren't sold in production numbers here so it doesn't mean a damn thing. As for their future design, if the XVL is the best exterior styling Nissan can muster, I really empathize with their engineers. Future product discussions are quite fun here but all that really matters is what is out now, who knows what the competion will have when the XVL, Z, etc debuts. If the New frontier styling is an idication of future Nissan styling than they are in good shape.... else they are in a butt load of hurt. Boring design has and will never work for Nissan.

Well at least Nissan's interior has always been very good to excellent (see new Sentra, but don't open your eyes until you've opened the door and sat down in the car)..... but that isn't enough to cut the cake.

[dfw_alan]

As much as I hate it.... This is the era of rice because it sells.

[This message has been edited by dacman (edited 06-05-2000).]

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Max Ima:
I wouldn't sell the VQ engine too short. Isn't that one of the "10 Best engines in the world.?" Isn't that the engine that's now in the strong-selling Pathfinder? I think if anything, Nissan gets props in the engine department.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

One engine sold State-side gets kudos from the automotive press. Yes, it's a damn fine engine, but I wouldn't give Nissan North America a big pat on the back just yet.

This company is going to have to work for my praise.

[Max Ima]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by dacman:
Well since everyone is getting something off their chest....

Nissan needs to bring over their engine VVL technology here in the states to demonstrate their credibility as an engine maker to the American public (The VQ series are good, but thats not enough). In this day of VTEC, VVTL-i, ZETEC like the japanese who know what true performance is I would prefer the superior turbo charger.... but for insurance purposes that will never happen here. Just have to settle for the next best thing.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wouldn't sell the VQ engine too short. Isn't that one of the "10 Best engines in the world.?" Isn't that the engine that's now in the strong-selling Pathfinder? I think if anything, Nissan gets props in the engine department.

[Deadpool]

I dont know if u guys have read this. I read it on Car and Driver daily auto insider. here goes.

NISSAN HOPES OUTSIDERS CAN WORK DESIGN MAGIC
Nissan President Carlos Ghosn is pushing Nissan to make "attractive cars" by fusing Nissan's engineering with the styling flair of Renault, its parent company, according to the Wall Street Journal. He is relying on product development gurus, Patrick Pelata, a Renault designer and Shiro Nakamura, developer of the Isuzu VehiCross SUV, to put some flair back in Nissan. The company will develop a total of 22 new models to be introduced during the next three years. In the U.S. market a complete redesign of the Altima is expected in the summer of 2001, as well as a return of the Z Car, expected to launch in the summer of 2002.

Nakamura, a graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., whose favorite cars include the 911 Porsche, 1965 Ford Mustang, Toyota S800 and Z Car, told the Wall Street Journal, "I want to break through Japanese design." Pelata echoed his sentiments: "This is a very rare chance to break the Japanese culture of consensus, consensus, consensus." Pelata is also trying to change the culture of Nissan's product-development process so that more of the designers' best work can find its way to showrooms. "Nissan had nice ideas, but didn't put them on the market," he says. "It's a pity."

[**DONOTDELETE**]

2HD, Carsonjon, and Dacman, I COULDNT AGREE WITH YOU MORE. If Nissan wants to get back into the black, and perhaps make some real money they need to make cars for the american people. Cars that appeal to every driver, NOT JUST NISSAN FANS! And that means what I've been saying all along, NO MORE ROUNDED SQUASHY DESIGNS!!! AND FOR PETES SAKE BRING OVER SOME OF THE JAPAN MARKETS MORE ADVANCED ENGINE TECHNOLOGY!!

Earlier I made comments about Nissans styling perhaps in this dicussion, overal what I'm trying to say is that things need to change for the better. If not we can kiss Nissan goodbye, PERIOD!! The X-terra cannot save Nissan alone. And neither can the XVL or new Q45. If any of you three guys want to start up a new car company and do things the right way let me know!

One more thing, FIRE THE ENTIRE DESIGN STAFF AT NDI!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i think it should be more like this:

-keep the NDI staff to design trucks and trucks alone (Xterra and new Frontier look awesome)

-let the Japanese design team design cars for all markets (the european nissan design team sux, just like NDI when it comes to cars)

the cars specially made for America always look worse than the global counterparts -- like the Maxima specially design for America. nissan needs to fix this

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Guess I'm a completely void of taste, non-Nissan fan (which doesn't bother me on bit) but I love the Maxima and it has pretty much taken everyone's breath away that I have shown it to. It rides beautifully and has plenty of power. If I wanted a sports car I'd buy one. If I wanted a total luxury car then I'd buy one of those. I wanted a comfortable, powerful sedan with plenty of ammenities and that is what I got in the Maxima. I didn't want a Honda (boring!) or an Avalon (boring and over priced) and I am not quite ready for the BMW (my personal favorite) as it is too expensive for me at the moment. I looked for and got an affordable sport/luxury sedan.

I think you guys get a little crazy about this stuff. If you guys had your way Maxima would come in about 40 different trims to suit all of you! Ok, enough of my raving! Have fun!

Jim

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:
i think it should be more like this:

-keep the NDI staff to design trucks and trucks alone (Xterra and new Frontier look awesome)

-let the Japanese design team design cars for all markets (the european nissan design team sux, just like NDI when it comes to cars)

the cars specially made for America always look worse than the global counterparts -- like the Maxima specially design for America. nissan needs to fix this<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I am sorry to hear a few believe the US (NDI-designed) Maxima unappetising. You would only need to look at the European Versions (UK-built Maxima QX,1995 to date, replaced the M910,BU12,Bu14 etc Bluebird 'Maxima's in Europe). If ever blander Maximas ever existed. In my opinion, the US Maxima does have that more agile, suave but 'no non-sense' purposeful look about it that used to make Maximas stand out, even against the likes of BMW,Audi,etc. And I hear, it has far better than average performance all round. Overally then a much more truer 'Maxima' than of late. This is not to say that there is no room for improvement, but at least it's a step in a better direction. Nissan Europe (and all of us this side of the Atlantic) would have done well with it!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CVT:
I am sorry to hear a few believe the US (NDI-designed) Maxima unappetising. You would only need to look at the European Versions (UK-built Maxima QX,1995 to date, replaced the M910,BU12,Bu14 etc Bluebird 'Maxima's in Europe). If ever blander Maximas ever existed. In my opinion, the US Maxima does have that more agile, suave but 'no non-sense' purposeful look about it that used to make Maximas stand out, even against the likes of BMW,Audi,etc. And I hear, it has far better than average performance all round. Overally then a much more truer 'Maxima' than of late. This is not to say that there is no room for improvement, but at least it's a step in a better direction. Nissan Europe (and all of us this side of the Atlantic) would have done well with it! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

can someone post pictures of all or most of the maximas? gen 1 to 2000.. and the different international styles as well.. maybe we can see the comparisons from there..

[**DONOTDELETE**]

See my point at Nissan revival plan!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

does anyone know the address for NDI? it's in La Jolla, CA right? that's right by me..

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ry2000AltimaGXE:
does anyone know the address for NDI? it's in La Jolla, CA right? that's right by me.. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Why do you want to know their address? Plan to send them a letter?

They're a very secretive bunch over there--with good reason. Casual visitors are not allowed. Only certain people or groups who've been invited or made an appointment.
They're also not very hot on giving out their phone number.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carsonjon:
Why do you want to know their address? Plan to send them a letter?

They're a very secretive bunch over there--with good reason. Casual visitors are not allowed. Only certain people or groups who've been invited or made an appointment.
They're also not very hot on giving out their phone number.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


hmm.. maybe we should print out the posts and send them on over. anything to help nissan...

[Deadpool]

after reading both the pages of this topic, all i gotta say is compare to the overall designs of hondas and toyotas and mazdas and mitsubishis and kias and hyundais or however u spell that crap, Nissan cars are much different looking cars. now its up to the eyes of the beholder to like it or hate it. atleast the design and the styling is not boring and generic. each of the Nissan's segment represents the styling of that segment. Lets start with the compact segment. Honduh, toyota, mitsubhish or mazda arent doing anythign great either. So if Nissan designed something bland, why are we hating it?. pple who buy them dont. lets move on to the next segment. midsize. ok so wats so exciting about camcords?. i dont see anything. do u even care to comment on those styling. NO. would u comment on Max's styling. yea. eitehr u hate it or love it. atleast it shows a personality. altima?. still better looknig then those boring wastes. SUVS?. i think 4Runner is the ugliest of the SUVs on the road. it has a chin of Jay leno for what i see. Pathfinder/QX4s gives much more clean styling. and power to go with it. so does the frontier. All the Nissans have there own personality. and they all have power and ability to prove it. u cant say that about others.

[Deadpool]

did i forget to mention that Xterra is kicking little wanna be SUV's butt http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[Max Ima]

The 2k Max, Xterra and new Sentra all point to something called "Nissan Design." Three years ago, you wouldn't put "design" and "Nissan" in the same sentence, now it's a totally accpeted discussion point. This is a big deal. Design is king (check out VW sales). If Nissan is in these discussion regarding design, Nissan is doing something right. And judging by the recent article in the Wall Street Journal regarding Nakamura and Patrick Pulatta, design is a big part of Nissan 's future.

[Slack00]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Max Ima:
The 2k Max, Xterra and new Sentra all point to something called "Nissan Design." Three years ago, you wouldn't put "design" and "Nissan" in the same sentence, now it's a totally accpeted discussion point. This is a big deal. Design is king (check out VW sales). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, but also check out VW's advertising.....The Passat (Jetta?) was the most widely advertised car in the biz.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

QUICK LINK: Latest Nissan Europe Design line-up:-2000 Models MaximaQX, Almera, Primera, Micra, etc: http://www.nissan.no/nissan/nissan.nsf/pages/personvare_frame

For pics, click on 'steering wheel' icon on the top of a model page, then click the links 'Bildspel' or 'Lys...' , or else click on the 'screw' icon.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by IRL:
after reading both the pages of this topic, all i gotta say is compare to the overall designs of hondas and toyotas and mazdas and mitsubishis and kias and hyundais or however u spell that crap, Nissan cars are much different looking cars. now its up to the eyes of the beholder to like it or hate it. atleast the design and the styling is not boring and generic. each of the Nissan's segment represents the styling of that segment. Lets start with the compact segment. Honduh, toyota, mitsubhish or mazda arent doing anythign great either. So if Nissan designed something bland, why are we hating it?. pple who buy them dont. lets move on to the next segment. midsize. ok so wats so exciting about camcords?. i dont see anything. do u even care to comment on those styling. NO. would u comment on Max's styling. yea. eitehr u hate it or love it. atleast it shows a personality. altima?. still better looknig then those boring wastes. SUVS?. i think 4Runner is the ugliest of the SUVs on the road. it has a chin of Jay leno for what i see. Pathfinder/QX4s gives much more clean styling. and power to go with it. so does the frontier. All the Nissans have there own personality. and they all have power and ability to prove it. u cant say that about others. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

IRL I agree in all with you go and kick like me some Honduh and Toyo asses like my name says (HonduhToyoKiller). http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I was looking at a 2001 Frontier in the parking lot and while I like the style, I was disappointed to see what I consider to be a rough finish, which I first noticed on the fold out ad that Nissan sent me. If you look carefully at the pictures, you will see an uneven crease between where the fender flare meets the bumper. I thought that this was a pre-production model, so thats why.

But the Frontier in the lot had the same problem. Even more disturbing is when the flare on the bumper comes around to the buttom, there is an uneven crease. I came home and noticed the same problem on the pictures that I have at home also. This is simply not acceptable to a Nissan fan.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I only have one thing to say about STYLING issue. Why do all European or Japanese models look much better than American models???
Do we have some weird taste or something???
Europeans and Japanese get all the good loocking hot-performance cars..
http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/mad.gif

Sentra, Altima, and Maxima look similar. Especially front-end of maxima reminds me of a bear. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif
Look at new Toyora Corolla. Even it claims to be sporty. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif

NDI should be closed or sent to Europe or Japan to study how to design a vehicle.

Xterra and Ford Escape look pretty ugly with their plastic front-ends.

P.S. I'm looking at European Maxima SE. It has a kick-ass looking.




[This message has been edited by hwarangs (edited 08-10-2000).]

[2HD]

I think that Maxima your looking at can be bought in the U.S. too it's basically just an I30 or to be technically correct a Cefiro with a different grill

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hwarangs:

P.S. I'm looking at European Maxima SE. It has a kick-ass looking.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Max Ima]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hwarangs:

Look at new Toyora Corolla. Even it claims to be sporty.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Toyota has traditionally marketed the Carolla as reliable and a good value. And while Nissan has tried to carve out the "un-compact" compact position in the marketplace, it's also doing a good job of showing off the Sentra's performace. 145-hp. SE with strut tower brace, etc. (Also, see killer slide at the end of the Sentra comercials.) I would not be the least bit surprised if Toyota was suffering from a little Nissan-envy. In fact, the "Hear me roar" print ad looks remarkably similar to the Sentra tv slide.