Interesting Nissan Facts...

[phmichel]

I found this in my FB feed today. Thought I'd share it with you all. My 2nd car at age 18 was a 68 Datsun 510. I drove that thing hard and it never failed me. I've had several 510's, a couple 521 pickups, an '81 721 diesel pickup (what a slug - but over 40mpg), three 80's era Sentras and now a Rogue and Quest. Overall the engines have been superior - but some of these Jatco CVT's need refining...

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Source: SB Family via FaceBook
5 days ago
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Here are some lesser-known facts about Nissan, including its history, innovations, and global presence:
1. Founding Name
Nissan was originally founded in 1911 as Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works by Masujiro Hashimoto, and it initially produced the DAT car (named after its investors’ initials).
2. Nissan’s Origin
The name "Nissan" comes from a shortened version of Nihon Sangyo, a holding company formed in 1928 by Yoshisuke Aikawa.
3. Collaboration with Ford
In the 1950s, Nissan partnered with Ford to produce cars for the Japanese market under the Ford brand. However, this partnership dissolved after a few years.
4. First Datsun Car
Nissan's Datsun brand produced its first passenger car in 1931. Datsun would later become famous for affordable, reliable cars during the post-war era.
5. Early American Market Entry
Nissan entered the U.S. market in the late 1950s, but struggled initially due to the perception of Japanese-made goods at the time. By the 1970s, the Datsun brand became very popular.
6. Z-Car Legacy
The Datsun 240Z launched in 1969 was a game-changer in the sports car market. It offered performance at a fraction of the cost of its competitors, cementing Nissan's global reputation for affordable sports cars.
7. Nissan's Shift to "Nissan" Brand
In 1981, Nissan began phasing out the Datsun name worldwide, and by 1986, all cars sold internationally were branded under the Nissan name.
8. Electric Vehicle Pioneers
Nissan is one of the pioneers in mass-market electric vehicles (EVs) with the Nissan LEAF. Launched in 2010, the LEAF is one of the world’s best-selling all-electric cars.
9. Technological Innovations
Nissan introduced ProPILOT Assist in 2016, an advanced driver assistance system that supports hands-on semi-autonomous driving on highways.
10. First Japanese Car to Win Le Mans
The Nissan R390 GT1 was the first Japanese car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998.
11. Ownership of Infiniti
Nissan established the Infiniti brand in 1989 to compete in the luxury vehicle market, particularly in the U.S. and other premium markets.
12. Nissan Skyline's Motorsport Legacy
The Nissan Skyline GT-R, especially the R32 model, earned the nickname “Godzilla” for its domination in motorsports during the 1980s and 1990s.
13. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance
In 1999, Nissan entered into a strategic partnership with Renault, forming the Renault-Nissan Alliance. In 2016, Mitsubishi Motors joined the alliance, creating one of the largest automotive groups in the world.
14. Global Manufacturing Presence
Nissan has production facilities in over 20 countries, including major plants in the U.S., Japan, Mexico, and the U.K.
15. Longest-Running Compact Truck
The Nissan Frontier (known as the Navara in some markets) is one of the longest-running compact/mid-size trucks globally, with a strong reputation for durability.
16. Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol, which debuted in 1951, is one of the most iconic 4x4 vehicles globally, known for its off-road capabilities and reliability in harsh conditions.
17. First Japanese Company in Mexico
Nissan was the first Japanese automaker to open a production plant in Mexico in 1966, setting the stage for its dominance in the region.
18. Commitment to Sustainability
Nissan is working toward becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, with plans to electrify its vehicle lineup by 2030.
19. Nissan's Aircraft Legacy
During World War II, Nissan produced engines for airplanes, marking a diverse range of industrial products in its early days.
20. Pioneers in Autonomous Driving Research
Nissan has been researching autonomous driving since the early 2000s and has conducted multiple tests in real-world conditions.
21. Nissan’s VQ Engine
The VQ engine series, used in many Nissan models like the 350Z and Infiniti G35, is one of the most highly regarded V6 engines and has appeared on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for over 14 years.
22. First Mass-Produced Turbo Car
Nissan launched the Skyline 2000 GT-R Turbo in 1983, one of the first cars to be mass-produced with a turbocharged engine.
23. Focus on Digitalization
Nissan is increasingly investing in digital technologies, including AI-driven manufacturing processes and connected cars.
24. Nissan's Strong Presence in China
Nissan is one of the most successful Japanese carmakers in China, a crucial market, with a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Corporation.
25. Nissan's Motorsport Heritage
Nissan has a rich history in motorsport, particularly with its NISMO (Nissan Motorsports) division that participates in Formula E and Super GT races.
These facts reflect Nissan's evolution from a modest Japanese automaker to a global powerhouse known for innovation and performance across the automotive world.

[Hamsquatch]

Also, IMO they are one that's seemingly always innovating, just to make em more fun to drive. For example I can say the "active trace control" we have on our QX55 is simply amazing. I find it can effortlessly breeze through large curves on the highway that in other vehicles requires a fair deal of attention and constant correction.

[amyst]

Didn't now many of those

[Bubba1]

Interesting stuff, though #22 is incorrect. Nissan was not among the first cars mass produced with a turbocharged engine, well, unless you're talking only about Japanese made cars. then they were second behind Honda. The first was the 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire. Ever heard of the Chevy Corvair Corsa? It was also introduced in 1962. How about the 1973 BMW 2002 Tii Turbo or 1973 Porsche Turbo? And don't forget the 1978 Saab 900 Turbo (I worked for a Saab dealer when they came out here in the US). I believe Honda released their "City Turbo" model a year before Nissan came out with their first turbocharged car. The City Turbo was never sold in the US.

[amyst]

thanks, so interesting

[amyst]

I didn’t know any of those facts, and honestly, some of them are even hard to believe! It’s amazing how much I’m learning, but a few of them seem a bit far-fetched. To get some clarity, I’ll be reaching out to nissanusa in the next few days to ask them directly about it. It’s always good to get the information straight from the source, especially when things sound too surprising to be true. I’ll make sure to update you all once I get more details. Hopefully, they can shed some light on everything and clear up any confusion

[Bubba1]

Hmm. Upon 2nd glance, #10 appears to be inaccurate too. I believe the Mazda 787B was the first Japanese car to win Le Mans. I would advise against sharing that list with the NissanUSA folks without doing some fact-checking first.

[Buzzman]

Be honest now, would anyone buy a new Nissan today? I know I wouldn't.
The last Nissan I bought new was a pre CVT vehicle. 2006 Altima. Once they switched to the CVT''s, I was out.
My overall best Nissan was my 2002 Pathfinder. I loved that thing. It was bullet proof. Drove it until 2021.
There is nothing like it on the road today.

[Bubba1]

Being honest, If I were in the market for a replacement to my old 350Z, I would consider the new Z. It pushes a lot of the right buttons, RWD, Manual transmission, 400 hp, fun to drive, etc. Though I was not thrilled with Nissan's initial pricing decisions with it. But I agree with you that issues including their Jatco CVT conversion before they were fully developed, their replacing their strong ladder frame Pathfinder into a (less than desirable) unibody "Mallfinder", and a bunch of other stuff has made the rest of their current lineup seem less appealing to me.

[Beancooker]

I think part of the downfall of Nissan is that they targeted the soccer mom crowd a little too hard. While I understand that is where the majority of sales come from, every car company has to have a vehicle that excites people, and is within financial range of being purchased by the average Joe.
When there was the 240 and it was the drift car of every fanboys dream, plus the 350z was new, there was also the G35, there was excitement for the brand.
Now the 370z is terribly overpriced, and then there is the GTR, starting at $121k up to $221k.

So aside if those two cars, what’s left? CVT shytboxes. (For phuc’s sake, can we turn off the swear filter already? It’s 2025.)

Add to that, they have been pumping out Rogue, Altima, Sentra, and Versa models and flooding rental agencies with them. Now you have those cars cycled through the rental market and being sold after used up as a rental. It cheapens the brand. No one wants a car that is associated with being a cheap a** rental.

Take a look at Dodge. I personally am not a fan of their cars, however, they have done very well with their marketing. They build a range of the same car. You can get a Challenger/Charger with anything from a V6 at $30k up to their SRT Demon 170 that’s putting down 1025 HP in its stock configuration. This appeals to a wide range of people. You can drive the same looking car as the badass Demon for a fraction of the price. It’s all about marketing and Dodge has done well with that. What does Nissan offer? A GTR that’s in super car pricing, and a 370z that looks about the same as the one they were making 20 years ago.
The original GTR did very well, because it was a very capable car sold at an attainable price.

I have more to say, but I just noticed it’s 6:05 am and I have to get ready to start the day.
I’ll add the rest of my thoughts later today.

[Hamsquatch]

IMHO I don't understand the rabid, broad-brush parroted hate for CVTs. I suspect it may often come from folks that have never owned one, and are probably repeating what they've read. I'm a dyed in the wool auto nut, have owned way more than my fair share of em with both autos and manuals, and blessed to have a high performance baby in the garage with a sweet ZF8. When my wife got her QX55, I was sure it was gonna suck beyond belief, but I'm shocked to say it's the exact opposite - I LOVE driving that machine, and specifically love the way the CVT powers her along, in this strange but beautiful linear, seemingly limitless power delivery sensation. No, I'm not gonna win any races at red lights with her, but under most all other driving conditions, and especially at speed on the interstate, it's a totally different but IMO pleasing, satisfyingly beautiful driving experience.

I'm not hating here on anyone, and I thank God we are all free to hold our own opinions, and vote with our dollars. IMO many take for granted that it's so easy to buy an auto in America, and God knows we have more choices and availability than probably any other country in the world. But for anyone who's either a car nut that's convinced by social media that CVTs are the bane of automotive existence, or even someone not too familiar with what a transmission does, I would invite you to test drive one with an open mind.

[Buzzman]

hate for CVTs. I suspect it may often come from folks that have never owned one, and are probably repeating what they've read.
I would invite you to test drive one with an open mind.

Well, I've never owned one, and never will, and that's based on every car I've driven that has one.
Most of them were rentals, the absolute worst being a Dodge Caliber. I had to pack a lunch when accelerating up to freeway speeds. It was horrible. The response was dreadful, and the constant engine whine was barely tolerable.
Other cars weren't much better, like the Versa or a Mitsubishi. I've also driven in a friends Altima a few times, and it was the same experience. Wind it up like a top and hope for the best. I'm happy for you that you have had better experiences, but if my experiences are anything to go by, then no thanks.

[Beancooker]

IMHO I don't understand the rabid, broad-brush parroted hate for CVTs. I suspect it may often come from folks that have never owned one, and are probably repeating what they've read.

Because on a gas powered car, I want to have a decent transmission. I have driven the CVT transmission. It sucks. I don’t drive because I enjoy commuting. I’m a card carrying member of the Stoplight Mafia. I drive it like it’s stolen. CVT transmissions give a feeling of mediocre power. I have yet to drive one that feels like it’s fun to drive.
I felt the same way about the Tesla, until I drove one. It was shortly after driving one that I bought it.
The difference is that’s it’s a damn fun car to drive. The only way I can describe the CVT is “underwhelming”. The CVT is just a fun sponge when it comes to driving.

[Bubba1]

Hamsquatch: CVT's themselves are not all horrible, they have been in use for many years by many manufacturers. The do give slightly better gas mileage than traditional automatics, but they are not popular among us car guys, who much prefer doing our own gear shifting (whether with a clutch pedal or flappy paddles). My wife's HR-V has a CVT, and she loves it. Me? Not so much. Then again I have zero desire to ever use it at a racetrack. But for the type of driving she does, it's fine and plus that model has had a good reliability record. That said, there have been serious problems specific to Nissan's CVT, all of which were all supplied by one company called Jatco, who Nissan purchased. Nissan rushed the Jatco CVT into mass production before they were perfected. A terrible management decision in hindsight. Not only were they "underwhelming" (as Bean accurately noted), many had catastrophic CVT failures long before the warranty expired. Yes, they were replaced free under warranty but when they inevitably failed AGAIN post warranty, uneducated consumers were suddenly looking at multi thousand dollar CVT replacement bills. as the failures were not fixable. They had to be replaced. The problem impacted several models but Rogues got hit especially hard so many thousands were built, and, as Beancooker said, many ended up in rental fleets, which tend to get even harder use thereby shortening the CVT life expectancy plus accelerating depreciation. Not a good combination, Given how many were sold over the years, CVT replacements eventually ended up costing more than the car is worth. FWIW, I believe those Jatco CVT have gotten better in recent years, They are now less likely to fail while under warranty. But given the more reliable competition the Rogue has faced, including the CR-V and Rav-4, Nissan is facing a bit of uphill battle trying to convince buyers that their CVT' equipped vehicles will be reliable longer than they have been. Not an impossible task. I think one easy way they could do it is significantly extending the warranty as Hyundai did long ago, proof of confidence that they'll last.

[VStar650CL]

FWIW, I believe those Jatco CVT have gotten better in recent years, They are now less likely to fail while under warranty. But given the more reliable competition the Rogue has faced, including the CR-V and Rav-4, Nissan is facing a bit of uphill battle trying to convince buyers that their CVT' equipped vehicles will be reliable longer than they have been. Not an impossible task. I think one easy way they could do it is significantly extending the warranty as Hyundai did long ago, proof of confidence that they'll last.

IMHO, the smartest thing Nissan could do is what I've heard about several dealers doing independently of the company -- offer a lifetime warranty as long as the fluid gets changed at 30K like a religion. It wouldn't hurt if they also dropped the cost of the fluid even if it was a loss leader, so people wouldn't be paying a car payment for a spill-and-fill (and giving people the first spill free wouldn't hurt either). The biggest problem with CVT's all along has been incredibly stupid marketing, not the hardware. Even the early '10A trannies in gen1 Rogues can be perpetual motion machines with good maintenance and the simple addition of a radiating cooler.