Nissan

Nissan Altima — Advancing the sedan

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We like sedans, particularly mid-sized sedans that offer just-right five-passenger size, useful cargo space, decent handling and performance, affordable gas mileage, family friendly prices (compared to crossovers), and pleasing styling. We are thankful that there are a few mostly Japanese companies who continue to advance sedan design despite American automakers’ best efforts to totally eliminate them from the marketplace.
Nissan is one of the companies that has not given up on sedans. Nissan officials say studies show that Gen Z and Gen Y buyers still favor sedans over crossovers.

2019 Nissan LEAF PLUS



PHOENIX — Nissan first debuted its all-electric LEAF in 2010. It quickly became the best-selling electric vehicle in the world, with more that 400,000 sold since that time. However, given the recent success of the more advanced Tesla Model 3, that distinction may not hold up for much longer. When Nissan introduced its second-generation LEAF for 2018 with a new 150-mile driving range — up from the first generation’s 107 miles — Chevrolet had already announced the game-changing Bolt with its breakthrough 238 miles.

Nissan Maxima — A solid value

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

While sedans are a dying breed, the victim of crossover SUV popularity, it appears Nissan is bucking the trend, continuing to invest in its stable of sedans with updated and refreshed models up and down the lineup. The near-full-sized Maxima is a prime example, the object of a mid-cycle freshening for 2019.

Nissan Kicks — A pleasing personality

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Nissan has joined the rapidly expanding subcompact crossover SUV segment with a stylish, easy-to-like and relatively inexpensive vehicle with a rather unique name. We found the 2018 Kicks enjoyable to drive, comfortable all-around and with a host of amenities including an excellent-sounding eight-speaker Bose audio system in top-level SR trim that can be purchased for about 22 grand.

2019 Nissan Altima



SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Nissan has not given up on cars — sedans in particular — as several other major automakers have done in favor of crossover SUVs. Sedan sales have slipped from 50 to 30 percent of the U.S. market in recent years and Nissan figures 30 percent is the bottom. That implies there's no where to go but up and Nissan wants to be there for the comeback.

2018 Nissan Kicks



MIAMI — Though the vehicle started arrivng in showrooms in May, Nissan took time to “introduce” its latest model, a subcompact crossover dubbed Kicks, at a preview for media. It is the second such session company publicists have conducted for automotive journalists, the first being earlier in June in San Diego.

Nissan Leaf — The new face of EVs

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Nissan has redesigned its all-electric Leaf for 2018, the first total remake since its introduction in the fall of 2010 as a 2011 model. Electric vehicles in general and the Leaf in particular have come a long way in those seven years. For instance, the new Leaf has a noticeable change in styling, considerably more horsepower, more range, a bigger battery, more technology and more cargo space than the 2011 model — and it doesn't cost any more.

Nissan Armada — Rugged V-8 luxury

By David Finkelstein

Assembled and imported to the U.S. from Nissan's manufacturing facility in Kyushu, Japan, the Armada full-size SUV is available in SV, SL, Platinum and Platinum Reserve models for 2018. Either 2WD and 4WD drive configurations are offered, depending on your personal preference.

2018 Nissan Leaf



NAPPA. Calif. — Most news stories regarding battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are about Tesla and the great things Elon Musk is doing…or not. But what’s known but by a few is that the world’s best-selling electric car to date is the Nissan Leaf. At the start of 2016, more than 200,000 have been sold worldwide. The Leaf is the only BEV built in three different manufacturing plants in three different countries, including Smyrna, Tenn.

Nissan Rogue Sport — Smaller can be better

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Crossover utility vehicle sales are booming and have been trending to ever smaller vehicles, and despite their sub-compact size are proving useful as cargo and people haulers while deriving better gas mileage than their larger siblings, and offering more maneuverability in urban surroundings.