Small Cars, Where's Nissan?

[Jesda]

I just got done reading this article in Automobile Magazine...http://automobilemag.com/revie....html...which compares economy cars like the Civic, Corolla, Focus, 3, and Elantra. But the absence of Nissan was pecular.

GM neglected the small car market as long as it has existed, so their absence in the comparison is expected. But Nissan was nowhere to be seen.

(Irrelevant story)Long before I bought the Q, back in 1988 my parents bought a brand new Nissan Sentra XE, with air conditioning, four doors, and a Clarion sound system with a tape deck. Roomy, affordable, and back then I thought it looked great, like a mini-Maxima. It became my daily driver in 1997, and was with the family until 2000, when I wrecked it for the third time. The last wreck was probably the worst, when a Chevy Blazer obliterated the rear end. It kept on ticking for months after that, with pieces falling off on the pavement wherever I went, until the insurance company came to take it off my abusive hands.(End irrelevant story)

So... what's Nissan planning for the compact passenger car category? The Cube and March might be Scion competitors but don't really count for this segment, where Toyota and Honda each sell over 200,000 units a year. Is there something better than the current Sentra over in Japan that we havent seen?

It looks likes Nissan's French-funded comeback seems to have forgotten the top (Q45) and bottom (Sentra) of the market, leaving customers with no place to start and no place to ascend.

-Jesda

[Mr1der]

I feel they need to redo all the models....

The French have gutted the soul outta the company:( everything is so bland to me, and lacking. The powerplants seem sound, but damnit, the bodies offer nothing.

[BB Turbo]

Your body offers nothing!

I really dislike the looks of the new sentra, the big centerpanel thing in the grill needs to go. The new Altima is looking hot though for what it is. Point is, some of their stuff looks really good (Z33) but some of their other stuff is looking really bland/weak:(

[Mr1der]

I feel the Z is the leading example.

That damn car is way to bland looking to be a Z. Complain all you want about the retro craze, but damnit, that car could be hot with some round headlights and a little more curve in the booty.

Look at the new Mustang and tell me retro can't be hot.

[BB Turbo]

I'm not really feelin the new Mustang, looks, well, big American ugly. The Z has smooth, undisturbed lines that just flow, only gripe I have over the Z33 is the door handles, they really stand out and dont do the car justice.

[w1ngzer0]

agreed. The sentra needs a new design. The corolla is suppose to be redesigned in 06'

[jdmfreak]

Well The cars that disappoint me are the Sentra, Maxima, and Quest(Just too odd lookin). The new longer Z isnt doin it for me either. Damn Japan needs to get crackin and give us some more of that 90s goodness.

[Dattebayo]

agreed.

But the only thing i dont like about the Z33 is the front and rear lights. They could have made them a little lower profile then they are now. For all who disagree, i guess thats why i like my s13 front end. Small distinct lights that just slightly highlight the body design...

[Jesda]

The current Q45 lacks the crisp clean personality that made the original so popular. And the Sentra could use a boost in feature content and build quality -- the Mazda 3 offers navigation! And the Golf and Jetta have stunning interiors. I agree with you on the Quest... its too goofy to be cool. And the new Maxima's ridiculous torque steer spoils it (otherwise its excellent.)

I dig the Titan, XTerra, Armada, Altima, and Z. I prefer the looks of the 99+ Mustang, but it cant touch the Z for anything else.

And after 2005, the Q45 will no longer exist. Instead of going back to their roots and rebirthing the Q-ship, Nissan gave up.

-Jesda

[szh]

The current Q45 lacks the crisp clean personality that made the original so popular.

Yup! That is why I love the looks of my current gen M45. Unique and different ... just like the original Q45 was back in 1990!

Z

[jdmfreak]

Really? Damn that sucks. Infinity needs to beef up their line up. The M, QX, FX, and G wont be enough. They need more. But that's just my opinion.

[krazy skwerel]

I love the new Altima. That and the Z are the only 2 cars Nissan makes that I like. I hate the new Maxima, The Sentra as already stated is ugly. I really want to see a 2 door version of the Sentra again, or hope beyond hope for a new Sport Compact RWD like the S series.

[jdmfreak]

Well they're probably gonna produce the S16, but whether or not it'll be FWD or RWD? Guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Dattebayo]

well, it very well wouldnt be a s-chassis if it was FWD, now. Would it? just think a minute. Wouldnt that change the dynamics of the car enough to nessesitate a new design? Definately not a s-chassis.

And i for one am tired of folks throwing around this crappy roumor any more.

[krazy skwerel]

All I know is I ant a car that I actually want to buy. As it stands there arent any new cars under 25k that I want. I would love to buy a new car, or newer. The sad truth is there is nothin I am willing to lay down the money for right now.

[Bubba1]

What kinda car are you looking for? I can't remember when there has been this good a variety of new cars to buy in a long time.

[Mr1der]

for under 25, I'd get a Spec...and depending on what I could find, a 4x4 light pick up. Not too much out there in terms of something I'd really want though. No fun RWD cars anymore:(

[Bubba1]

Gotta disagree Mr1der. I can think of 2 good choices for NEW sporty RWD's under $25K off the top of my head. Unfortunately the US has been brainwashed about FWD, so change is coming slowly.

RWD fun:Miata (almost sinful how much fun they are)Toyota MR2. (not a fan of it's looks but very competent car.

Remember the RWD Pontiac Solstice is coming out soon too

There's no shortage of fun new FWD cars under $25K too

in no particular orderNeon SRT4 (embarassingly quick)Saturn Ion Redline (not bad for a first effort)RSX - an amazing car for the moneyV-6 Tiburon - best hyundai built yetMazda 3 - excellent valueMini Cooper S - handles like a go-cart, and supercharged.Celica GT-S - ultra reliable and nice little carSentra SE-R - already a nice car, next year more power. hmmm

AWDSube WRX - embarrasses pony cars

Cough up Grandma's 12th birthday money and go a little higherand there's some even nicer choices:STIEvo350ZRx8BMW 3 seriesAudi TTLotus EliseZ-4New top line moostinkGolf R32 - der wolf in sheeps clothing

Add in the bar mitzvah/confirmation gifts.BoxsterZ06S4M3

Thats just new cars. Now think about the used ones. Great choices out there.

[Jesda]

You'd look a little gay, but there's always the Miata and the Mini.

[Mr1der]

good cars no doubt bubba, but I don't want a vert:D

think I'd be tempted to buy a family car or truck and make a toy though...some kinda old school 80's hotness... Like an Espirit! So I can wake up with a reason for hating my life everyday:D

[w1ngzer0]

Gotta disagree Mr1der. I can think of 2 good choices for NEW sporty RWD's under $25K off the top of my head. Unfortunately the US has been brainwashed about FWD, so change is coming slowly.

Thats just new cars. Now think about the used ones. Great choices out there.

I thought he said under the age of 25 :P ah well. I wouldn't buy a 350z or any of thoughs cars due to the fact of insurance is ghey before 25. so a sentra spec v is most likely 200 not 300 a month x_x

[Bubba1]

W1ingzero. I thought krazy skwerel said under $25K. But I agree with you, I imagine 350z's would be costly to insure for someone under 25 years old. But as much as I like mine, I wouldn't want it as my only car cause you can't fit anything in it.

Jesda: Miata and Mini's are not gay/chick cars. You gotta drive one on the race track to appreciate them. Amazing little cars.

[rydwhite]

Insurance hasn't been too terribly bad for me with the G coupe. I bought the car when I was 23 and have been paying around $1,300 a year. I turn 25 in a few months and can't wait to get that down even more though.

As to the Nissan line, the only car that really seems a let down to me is the Sentra. Of course they could all have their little improvements, but I think that they all look pretty nice and have decent power and options.

Under 25k there are some decent choices out there that I would at least take a look at.

Scion TCAcura RSXSubaru WRXDodge MagnumMazda RX8Mazda 3Toyota MR2

[Bubba1]

$1300 is a good price.

[w1ngzer0]

$1300 is a good price.

yep, being he is close to 25 it makes sense. But the Mr2 i wouldn't mind having. Rx8's monthly payments have droped tremendusly. Are they making them next year?

[Bubba1]

I recently drove a previous gen. MR-2. I loved it. I haven't driven one of the newer ones yet, only sat in one at the last auto show. Didn't impress me that much.

I'm sure the Rx-8's gonna keep going into next year and perhaps beyond. I also heard rumors about a possible rotory engine option for the Miata. Zoom zoom!

[jdmfreak]

Dodge Magnum=PIMP Wagon. Get it in balck and chromes look sexy on it too, but not a necessity.

Mmmmm....Magnum goodness.

And theres always the HEMI Ram. With mods, those things sound mean.

[BB Turbo]

Dodge Magnum= Modern Hearse for families on a budget.imo

I like it, but its just to damn long.

[Altiman94]

I personally don't care that infiniti is getting rid of the Q45. I think they are very overpriced anyhow. They are learning that to be competitive you need to have lower priced cars with alot of options and tuneability (g35c/sedan) Those 2 cars are now what inifiniti is known for. No one even cares about the Q anymore.

[jdmfreak]

True.