Quirky . . .

[i_rebel]

Nissan of late, since the early 90's at least, seems to have difficulty coming up with a design that is wholistically appealing . . . aesthetically speaking.

The cars have been imbued with the type of performance that stirs souls . . . and yet the styling lacks the one thing that generates interest . . .

There is no energy.

That may work in other parts of the world . . . particularly in Japan, the homeland for Nissan where they have no need to impress with visual magic . . . they have a history that is substantial . . . Nissan bulds fast, strong, capable, and durable vehicles . . . did I mention fast?

While this is true, the meek aesthetics make it hard to lure new North American customers into the showrooms. The faithful, previous owners will continue to come back, they know the potent power . . . the amazing comfortability . . . the sure dependability of a Nissan. They were swayed usually by purchasing a second hand Nissan as their first car, or by trying Nissan out when they were first positioning themselves in the North American marketplace.

But now, times are changing . . . there is a different consumer, and Nissan has done very little to earn their business. Sure, they have begun to tout the performance of their lineup with a surety that brought back the buyers of old who had begun to stray . . . but what of new business?

Why are bland shapes and curious rear ends the only things that the public is given for their eyes? Think of some of the cars that are no longer with us . . .

The Nissan 300ZX/Fairlady Z . . . low, sleek, wide, beefy, and yet somehow unaggressive . . .

The Nissan NX . . . weird.

They both have some excellent performance in the real world, and have gone on to enjoy status as cult cars . . .

Even now, the only thing that allows Nissan to continue selling their mediocre sedans is the fact that the buying public is looking for a bargain and all of the cars are economical.

Has anybody noticed that the cars are sometimes just plain ugly?

[DVSNCYNIKL]

I'd say that about the new Maxima's. I love the way the front of them looks. But that back end looks terrible. I'm just trying to figure out exactly what were they trying to accomplish with that design.

As for future models, the new Sentra's SE-R, whenever they become available, show some promise. The styles look like they were borrowed from the Skyline. So the lonely little Sentra is actually starting to show some fangs in my opinion.

I'm not much of a Altima fan, but then new design actually looks pretty good. They definitely did good on the European image for that car and looks like they are very sporty to support the new power behind it. My friend is looking to trade in his current Altima for the new one.

I hope that manufacturer's start to realize that looks do matter when selling there cars in North America. But at the same time, I think we as consumers need to make up our minds as to what is more important, looks or power. If you want both, you need to cough up more loot.

[i_rebel]

I felt the same way about the Maxima . . . then when I was selling them, they kind of grew on me.

I remember this video or commercial I saw, Jerry Hirschberg (sp?) was commenting on the tail . . . he said that since the rear was the view of the car that most people including competition, would see . . . he wanted it to be a memorable image . . .

. . . something like that . . .

[DVSNCYNIKL]

Then I guess it's safe to say, It worked! Unfortunately, it is not a memory I care to remember.

I think they should definitely rehaul the back of that car to match the aggressive looking front. I would still probably buy a Max, but that rear end would keep me from truly loving that car.

[i_rebel]

There may be a change that will be more appealing . . .

Check this out:

http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/pro.../frameset.html

[DVSNCYNIKL]

That's what I'm fuckin' talking about!!! Now I might consider holding off purchasing a new car to see then what it will look like.

On a side note, sorry but my searches have not turned up what the new Nissan logo will look like.

[i_rebel]

This is what the article said at one point:

The rear view continues to leave a strong visual impression with new rear taillights with clear lenses and revised vehicle badging featuring the new Nissan logo

Look at this:

[John@CdnRockies]

Completely agree with you about the rear end on the Maxima. We have kept our 99 Maxima SE 5 speed as we adore the car's responsiveness and quality. Yet, we recently took delivery of a Mercedes C320 because we just couldn't stomach the 2001 model's rear end.

A true life example of being 100% satisfied with the old rig but not re-investing. Too bad since the Mercedes cost a lot more!

[primera man]

I have to agree with what you guys are saying. Nissan are coming up with some new off the wall designs that make me wonder what direction they are heading.
Take the new Primera just released in Japan....now that is butt ugly !!!
The new R35 doesn't do much for me either.....and as for the arse on the Maxima

Just look at the new dash on the Primera

[R35]

Does anyone have a picture of the "new" Maxima? That article said that they go on sale in August, but I have yet to see any pictures or a dealer that has one in stock for a test drice?

I hate the rear end on the last couple Maxima's, but if the fixed that and made it sportier I think a new car in the garage would be cool

[R35]

D`oh! nevermind after looking more at the site I found the pictures.

I like the improved performance factor, but still don't care for the look Oh well maybe if I see it in person, but I feel the Altima is a better overall choice.

Guess, I'll have to wait and see what Infinity does to their line up.

Ho-hum