Why do you like Nissans?

[Jesda]

I'm sure we covered this topic 7 or 8 years ago, and probably a dozen times since then. Here are my incoherently assembled musings on the subject:

At least from the mid 80s through the late 90s, they usually felt substantive and durable compared to Hondas and most domestics. Engines like the VG30 were faultlessly dependable and easy to work on. The doors closed nicely and the switchgear felt solid. You got the impression that cars like the Maxima could do 500,000 miles if you wanted them to (and they did).

They were conventional enough to blend into daily life but had enough character to stand out.

Nissan's engineering derived its brilliance from simplicity and quality rather than complexity. Instead of following the Germans into gadget-laden idiocy, Nissan kept things user-accessible and serviceable.

The Hardbody and Pathfinder had an underdog likability, and the Quest was one of the best-driving minivans of the 90s.

I'm short on sleep and saying things. Deal-with-it.jpg

[numbnuts240]

i like hamburgers.

[nissangirl74]

I am more attracted to what they built in yester-year than what they are building today. I have never driven anything more enjoyable than the '67.5 Roadster. Ever. I can't wait to drive my 240 all over town and if I ever find another 210 in good condition, I will have it.

[Bmore-coupe]

i like hamburgers.

[Ozzie]

They built the GTR
/thread

[tmeyer29]

Started with love of z cars in general....then i bought a 300zx..then i became completely biased.

[Pento240sx]

It was love at first sight. But I started loving them, because they where stylish, very reliable and did not wanted to be part of the honda fab. I have had my 240SX for about 5 years now and would not trade it for nothing.

[MinisterofDOOM]

My third gen Max, Z32s, and Q45s. That's why. It grew from there, as I slowly discovered that more and more early-90s cars I liked were Nissan products.

Also what Jesda said.

[Gold Digger]

My first experience with Nissan was my late uncle's mid 80's Maxima. He lived down in Carterville Illinois and used to water ski alot, so he bought a boat. He used to haul the boat with the Max and it never seemed to have a problem with it. He traded that in for a first year Pathy...back when they were all two doors.

Then in 1990, my dad bought a Cherry Red Pearl SE-V6 4X4. I LOVED that truck. I loved the coloring with the chrome trim. It looked awesome with the tinted windows dad had on it. I even got to drive it a handful of times. It was super capable off-road and seemed to never need help getting itself unstuck.

Then, in 1997, just before I went to San Diego for my first duty station with the navy, I came across a 1990 S13 hatch in Cherry Red Pearl. Didn't know anything about it. But it was a 4 cylinder, rear wheel drive, 5 speed with cruise, A/C and tilt steering. Bought it for a dealer who had it on consignment and started learning more about it. It took me clear across America on I-80 and I-15, through 7 states and did it all while averaging 28-30mpg on the highway.

It's 4 wheel independent suspension, 4 wheel disk brakes and excellent weight distribution, along with sharp styling hooked me. I started looking at more and more Nissans that I never noticed before.

I kept that car in storage even while I was stationed here in Japan and would drive it whenever I was home on leave. I actually think it's one of the best all around cars I have ever owned. It did exactly what it was asked to do.

The wife's U13 Altima was a great little family car for our first years together with just my oldest. Great milage, semi-attractive styling and great gas milage and very user friendly.


Those 5 Nissan vehicles are what hooked me on their product. Reliability, great styling, comfortable and well built.

[Ace2cool]

VG30

easy to work on

This is a lie.

I agree with every other statement that you made, however.

[Bubba1]

The original 240z is what caught my eye. A sleek but basic fun reliable sports car that didn't break the bank and could be used as a daily driver. I really wanted one. When I was finally ready to buy a fun new commuter in '89, the 300ZX had just come out and while it was a great car, it strayed too far away from the original Z formula that I liked. It was bigger, heavier, complex, more luxurious, but worst of all, it was too expensive. The S13 also came out in '89 and was much closer to the original Z concept at literally half the price of a 300ZX. Insurance was also a bargain it wasn't considered a sports car. After having a long, fun ownership experience with the S13, it led my placing Nissan on my short list of worthy makes to consider. And when the new 350Z came out in 03, I thought Nissan finally righted itself and returned to the original Z formula. I decided to buy a new one. no regrets.

I've noticed that Nissans direction changing again recently. Some good, some not so good. For example, the 370Z is a nice evolution of the Z line, and I like they've improved the reliability of the large SUV/pickups to the point I'd consider buying one, but I'm not excited about Nissan's recent obsession with CVT in their sedans.

[marlin29311]

I like NIssan because of the Zoom Zoom...

O wait...

[Jesda]

VG30

easy to work on

This is a lie.

I agree with every other statement that you made, however.

Yeah, but you have a Z32. Its the VG30 shoved into a pinhole.

[ProudNissanFreak]

sr20's bro! m4d tyt3 jDm drifting alll day n nite. c u l8r, im out

[Rev_D21]

I am more attracted to what they built in yester-year than what they are building today.

This. My folks owned a Datsun 610 and 210 when I was growing up.

[hachiroku781]

I hated nissans with a passion.I was very much in love with Toyota, owning a supra and an mr2. Everyone I knew had a 240sx or 300zx. But then my friend showed me a BMI or hot version DVD that had the c10 GTR in it. I instantly fell in love with the car and started researching more and more about the Nissan/Datsun history. I love how many of the nissans have stunningly good looks(subjectively), powerful V6 and wonderful sounding V8 engines. Also I do enjoy the simplicity of working on engines such as the KA24 and the VQ on my maxima. So far the maxima has been more than reliable for me. going at 195000 miles.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAXGuD_f3Kw[/youtube]

[frapjap]

My big draw towards Nissan was/is simplicity, reliablilty, and application of the KISS rule for repairing and modding. The enthusiast draw was second.

It came the same day I bought my S13. I saw a guy in the Ace Hardware parking lot with the same car, but lowered. My friend and I waited around for him to come out and when he opened the hood I was like, "that is.....not the engine that I have." He went on talking about his CA18, the power it pushed, etc. He invited me to a local 240sx meet where he let me drive that 400hp beast of a car. I got hooked. But then my car over heated in the parking lot at the meet (embarrasing) and I wound up blowing the head gasket. I joined this site and with help, was able to pull my first engine and replace my old single came with a dual cam bought from the fellows at XAT in Tampa. They also had stupid fast 240s.

While I owned that first 240 I moved a few times and always found a good group/community of Nissan owners/clubs locally and spent a lot of time working on all of the different Nissan engines- all of which were never hard to work on or repair. Speaking of simplicity, right now my brother drives the '92 for college. Its got 240,xxx miles on it and burns oil & coolant, but starts and runs every single day. Hes not automotive inclined, but he is able to repair it himself because it is such a simple car design.

[Amays U G37S]

My first car was a NX1600. We only had imports prior - Toyota's. My buddies all had Honduhs.

I remember the first time I seen a 240. I had to figure out exactly what it was. After long time research I came across it. Feel in love with it. Found out I can transform the car into a million different things.

And bought one.

Been driving Nissan's ever since. However, Chevy/toyota trucks interest me too, but I might go with a Titan.

Can't beat a VK56DE!!!!!!!!

[dickie]

Every car brand has a distinctive smell to it. Nissans have a smell that I would definitely classify as "not bad."

[RCA]

Best looking RWD cars I could afford at the time I was car shopping.

[Jesda]

I kind of like the way old Datsuns smell. Its a mix of vinyl, plastic, and glue.

[DJButton]

I kind of like the way old Datsuns smell. Its a mix of vinyl, plastic, and glue.

So true! Agreed.

[frapjap]

I kind of like the way old Datsuns smell. Its a mix of vinyl, plastic, and glue.

Its funny you say that- I always had memories of making macaroni pictures in grade school associated with the datsun smell. Now it all makes sense!

[r34 gtr]

Every time I go car shopping I just end up with one.

[naladude911]

best build quality, reliable

[Firewind]

I remember the day I first started looking into Nissans. I called up a friend and said "I am tired of my s*** Civic, I want a rear wheel drive car that I can afford." he responded "Why not a 240SX?"
"A what?"
"Nissan 240SX, cheap rear wheel drive car, look them up."

I member thinking to my self; Nissan... don't they make those ugly Sentras?

Upon looking up the 240SX, I fell in love with the S13 fastback. As I started paying more attention to Nissan, I realized that I had always liked the look of Nissan's cars, just didn't know they were Nissans. I never payed much attention to brands back then. Cars like 300Z, 240SX, and 240z have always stuck out to me as beautiful cars, and still do. How can you NOT like a Nissan when they have such great looks, good performance, and an awesome community.

[Loki]

What got me so into Nissans?

NICO. Simple as that. You guys rock.

[scotty-2-forty]

I was drugged.

[numbnuts240]

sorry about that.

[ProudNissanFreak]

My first car was a 98 B14, and I just loved the car. Sure, it was the 1.6, but still so much fun to drive.