Nissan’s Pint-Sized Disaster Vehicle Is Ready For Any Kind Of Apocalypse, Spearheads Strong Concept Lineup

The zombie apocalypse (or any other kind of world-ending event for that matter) is always a top priority item on the list of any doomsday prepper. A key piece of equipment is a rugged vehicle that can traverse the barren wasteland that was once filled with waves of humanity. Nissan thinks it has the answer for the Burt Gummers of the world (Tremors is still our favorite sci-fi franchise) with the Nissan Disaster Support Mobile-Hub as well as a small army of other concepts ready to appeal to a wide range of consumer tastes.   Size Does Not Matter In This …

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Nissan Hyper Force Concept Brings GT-R To EV Age, Please Build It Nissan

It’s hard to believe that the current generation Nissan GT-R is over 16 years old. Despite the model getting its fair share of refreshes and updates over the years, the core essentials are largely unchanged from when it debuted in 2007. Nissan knows that this tired soundtrack is starting to get warped like your favorite 8-track tape, and tightening fuel regulations will eventually force the company to do something drastic with the model. While we get to wait a few more years to get a clearer view of the GT-R’s future, Nissan has revealed one potential avenue at the Japan …

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Nissan Debuts 2024 Frontier Hardbody, Retro Tribute To 80’s Icon Starts At $31,105

The Nissan Frontier has been an enduring symbol for Nissan over the years. The previous generation model, for example, was around for so long that we were convinced that a crazed dark warlock granted it immortality. The current generation model debuted back in 2022, and the company is celebrating this chapter of the Frontier by debuting the 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody.   Frontier Hardbody Package Channels 80’s Charisma The original Hardbody model was known for its strong aftermarket following and was one of the decade’s most popular mid-size truck entries. This revived Hardbody is an appearance package only and stands …

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2024 Nissan Z Nismo Gets Reworked Aero Package, 420-horsepower V6 Brings The Fight To Rivals

The Nissan Z made a splash when it first appeared late last year. The stylish coupe helped breathe new life into a nameplate that was suffering from stagnation and the effects of power creep as rivals surpassed it in performance and technology. However, our brief drive with the Z also had us wondering what would happen if the model got more power and some of the unique benefits that come from the Nismo package. The Japanese auto giant has delivered the answer with the all-new 2024 Nissan Z Nismo.   Tweaked Z Nismo Styling Hides Track Ready Potential The core …

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Nissan Z Nismo Teased, Gets Its Groove On In Latest Teaser Video [Video]

The Nissan Z certainly has the major ingredients in place to be a potent retro-flavored treat thanks to its simple lines, impressive performance hardware, and modernized interior. However, the Nismo Z model was noticeably absent from the initial model’s launch. Nissan has now confirmed that this version of the Z is in the pipeline and chose to unveil it via a new teaser video.   Nismo Z Puts Its Dancing Shoes On The exterior styling of the Nismo Z drives home the point that this isn’t your average Z. The model gets an all-new body kit, with the front bumper …

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2024 Nissan Sentra Gets Light Refresh, New CVT To Help Improve Fuel Economy

The Nissan Sentra still fights the good fight for Nissan in the compact car segment, with the company confirming that it will be giving the Sentra light styling updates for 2024 as well as a new CVT that aims to make the model more fuel efficient than its predecessor.   Sentra Styling Tweaks Require Sharp Eye To Spot, CVT Adds Fuel Economy Chops At first glance, it’s safe to assume that Nissan didn’t make any styling changes to the 2024 model, with the core look heavily resembling the 2023 model. However, look closer, and you’ll see that the model gets …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus – Value Packed EV Bucks The Trend To Help Consumers

The 2023 Nissan Leaf is bucking the trend in the EV segment, This particular realm is still a relatively young segment and alot of the entries tend to be priced higher than some gasoline powered cars. But Nissan is out to change that with the second generation Leaf and is keen to show that value and green vehicle technology can exist in the same sphere of influence.   Hatchback Styling and Simple Styling Motif Makes Leaf Unique The Nissan Leaf has been around for awhile now but while the first generation model looked like a futuristic Jetsons creation, this iteration …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Nissan Titan Pro-4X – Is Pro-4X Still Viable In A Rapidly Changing Segment?

The Nissan Titan has been an enigma in the pickup segment. At a time when many of its rivals are gravitating towards smaller engines, fewer cylinders and even pure electrification the Titan has still managed to stick to some of the old-school essentials that have made it an enduring classic with some truck buyers. A big burbly V8 and a body-on-frame construction are certainly two of the key benchmarks, but with the rest of the segment changing around it, does the 2023 Nissan Titan still have what it takes to stand out from the rest of the pack? or is …

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2024 Nissan GT-R T-Spec And Nismo Make Apperance In Japan, Bring Subtle Improvements To Long-Running Model

The Nissan GT-R has had one of the longest production runs in the sports car segment. The GT-R, in its current form, first appeared in the mid-2000s and was last updated in 2019. After vanishing from the U.S. market in 2022, Nissan brought it back as a 2023 model (skipping the 2022 model year outright) and has now used the 2024 model year to reveal the most significant updates that the GT-R has received since a similar suite of tweaks back in 2017.   New Suit Of Clothes Makes This GT-R Better Than Ever While the core shape of the …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek – Is This Overlander Special A Better Pathfinder?

The Nissan Pathfinder was once known for being one of the most rugged and trail-ready SUVs in the market, with various models in the 1980s and 1990s were known for their body-on-frame construction and billy goat character. But in recent years, the Pathfinder transitioned to a uni-body frame, and focused more on providing on-pavement comfort. Nissan is aiming to resolve that with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek. But does the Rock Creek treatment make this a better Pathfinder while also restoring some of its past off-road luster?   Second Attempt At Rock Creek Makes Pathfinder More Rugged When we …

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2022 Nissan Rogue AWD Review: More Capable Off-Road Than You Think

2022 Rogue, New Engine For The Win With a new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder variable compression turbocharged engine the 2022 Nissan Rogue is a performer. Pretty much everything else is a carryover from 2021. Disclosure: Nissan sent us a 2022 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD to test for a week. 2022 Rogue Exterior This 2022 is nearly identical on the exterior to the 2021 Nissan Rogue SL we tested a year ago. Therefore we won’t dive deep into the exterior design. Suffice it to say that many people around the office like the look of the new Rogue and it received numerous compliments …

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Titan XD Off-Pavement

2022 Nissan Titan XD Review: The In-Betweener

Modern Nissan vehicles are overcoming past issues. The updated Armada, new Frontier, and the Z are great examples of this push for change. At the beginning of this changes was the Titan XD. Two years ago it was updated with a more premium interior and some exterior design features. Since then not much has changed. It is still powered by the excellent 5.6-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. That power runs through a well tuned 9-speed automatic. Where does the 2022 Titan XD fit into the truck market? How the XD is Different When compared to …

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD Review by Ben Lewis

If we say Nissan Pathfinder, what do you think of? If you’ve been around for a long time, you might remember the original – a tough, truck-like vehicle (much like the original Toyota 4Runner) that won owners over with its rugged, go-anywhere ability and square-jawed looks. If you’re not of that vintage, you might have a less than rosy view of Nissan’s SUV. The most recent model when towards the family SUV, and while it was pleasant, it had some issues, and was generally viewed as somewhere between meh and OK. Well, there’s great news for Pathfinder fans, for 2022 …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Nissan Z -This Z Is Worth The Wait

It has been a long time since we have seen an all-new Z car. When Nissan last updated the moniker, it was the 370Z that first appeared on the scene all the way back in 2009 (2008 in Japan.) The 370 promised more power and even more usability. However, just like how a box of Hostess Twinkies does not stay good forever (despite local legend) Nissan left the 370Z on the shelf too long without any significant updates. That large lapse in time caused the car to fall behind its rivals and slumping sales reflected this sorry state of affairs. …

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Comparison Test – 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum vs 2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature

The quest for family vehicle sales dominance has rapidly become the number one priority for many automakers with the SUV and CUV segments bearing the brunt of sales demand from consumers. However, consumer expectations of what they want from a large three-row utility and what it should have has grown from over 20 years ago with tech and fuel economy becoming key requirements. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2022 Mazda CX-9 are two entries trying to lure in more families, but while they each have a different way of doing it, we wanted to find out which one is …

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Nissan Z Launch Delayed To Summer, Parts Shortage To Blame

The 2023 Nissan Z is one of the most hotly anticipated Nissan entries in recent memory. Replacing the long-running and aging 370Z, the rebooted Z will bring the moniker back to its roots while also renewing its focus on sporty driving. When we last heard about the Z, the company appeared to confirm that the car would begin arriving in dealerships in late spring. However, COVID-19 and the ensuing part shortages have played their hand again, and Nissan revealed that it will be pushing the timetable back on the car’s official launch.   Parts Shortage A Long-Running Spectre The announcement …

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2023 Nissan Leaf Boasts Light Refresh For New York

Nissan is once again making headlines in the EV market. Still, this time around, the focus is not on the revolutionary Ariya EV but rather on a grizzled veteran, the 2023 Nissan Leaf, which will make its debut in the Big Apple.   Revised Exterior And Interior Define New Leaf The current generation Leaf’s exterior design was starting to noticeably age compared to some of its rivals, and Nissan designers have made some tweaks to help it stay fresh. The front grille is brand new, and the slick 17-inch wheels get a new Ariya inspired design. A new light-up Nissan badge …

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Nissan’s 2022 Armada, The Patrol for America

Nissan Armada, The Patrol for America 2022 Armada Driving Having recently come off of a makeover in 2021, the 2022 Armada remains largely unchanged. The 5.6-liter V8 puts out 400 horsepower and 413 foot-pounds of torque. The V8 is extremely smooth and produces a stunning sound when run up to its redline. While many Nissan vehicles now have excellent 9-speed automatics, the Armada is still using a 7-speed. The 9-speed offers a significantly lower first gear, which affects launching from a stop while towing. Other than that, the 7-speed isn’t missing out on much. Nissan doesn’t try to hide the …

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Chicago Auto Show 2022 – Nissan Reveals Trio Of Custom Frontier Pickups

When we browsed all the festivities that the Chicago Auto Show had to offer during our brief visit, a highlight for us was the trio of custom Nissan Frontier pickups that the Japanese auto giant brought to the dance. Each truck brings a distinct theme to the 2022 Frontier and that means appealing to three different customer bases.   Project Hardbody and 72X Embrace Retro Side Of Life  The first two trucks on display are a homage to the Datsun 720 and Nissan Hardbody which are often considered to be icons in their respective eras. That’s reflected in the themes …

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Nissan Releases Teaser For Celebrity Packed Super Bowl Ad

Nissan is preparing for a significant infusion of new products for 2023, with the Nissan Z sports car leading the way. The Japanese auto giant is preparing to make a splash in the world of Super Bowl advertising and has released a pair of teasers that provide a glimpse into the thrilling “Thrill Driver” spots that it will air during the big game.   Big Names Join Action-Packed Ad When you take a look at the pair of ads, it’s pretty evident that Nissan marketers were heavily inspired by films like Gone in 60 Seconds as well as The Fast …

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2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x Review + Off-Road Videos

Finally updated! Nissan has updated the Frontier Pro-4x significantly for the 2022 model year. Getting the most they could out of their tooling, Nissan kept the Frontier running for 17 years in one single generation. At last we have received a new generation Frontier for 2022, albeit with an old frame. Be sure to check out the video reviews at the end! Outside Everything is different on the exterior of the truck from the previous generation. Up front the grill is bigger and bolder than ever before. Of course the Pro-4x has red accents in the badges and tow hooks …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Nissan Titan PRO-4X – A Legit Alternative To Established Truck Brands?

The 2021 Nissan Titan has emerged as a very interesting alternative to rivals like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and the Ram 1500. However, you might not have the opportunity to realize that at first glance, which is thanks in part to the Titan consistently being on the short end of the advertising stick and being behind the domestic big three in a few categories. But that’s not stopping Nissan, with the Japanese auto giant making minor tweaks to the Titan for the new model year. But are they enough to help finally launch the Titan into the limelight?   …

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Nissan Ariya Single Seat Roadster Is EV Halo Of The Future, Signals Other Ambition 2030 PLans

When we first saw Nissan’s Ambition 2030 Plan, it represented the most ambitious EV-focused plan that Nissan ever undertook. However, the one item that was missing was an attention-grabbing halo vehicle that could gravitate eyeballs to the plan and show the full imagination of Nissan’s designers. The Japanese car giant has addressed that void and has revealed the all-new Ariya single-seat roadster concept.   The Performance Car Of The Future This Ariya (not to be confused with the CUV of the same name) is designed to be a performance star and while it only exists as digital sketches for now, …

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2023 Nissan Ariya To Have $47,950 Base MSRP, Nissan To Release Other Aryia Flavors Later

When it comes to the Nissan Ariya EV, it may seem like the journey from concept to production reality has been one filled with many twists and turns (as well as a few COVID-19 related potholes along the way.) At last, the journey is now over, with Nissan not only revealing final U.S. pricing for the Ariya but also opening up reservations for the new model too.   Nissan Following GM Playbook In Regards To Ariya Ordering Look at the Ariya’s launch plans, and it appears that Nissan is borrowing a page or two from GM’s approach to things. GM …

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2022 Nissan Rogue Packs Turbo Power, Adds Updates For New Model Year

The Nissan Rogue recently received a radical refresh for the 2021 model year that saw many aspects of the popular SUV benefit from some much-welcomed attention. But while the bulk of the SUV won praise, the carryover 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder had about as much oomph as a bag of moldy cheese and was not a Rouge strong suit. Nissan is out to change that though introducing an all-new turbocharged model into the Rogue lineup.   Smaller Is Indeed Better At first glance, it might be hard to see where Nissan is going here with the new 1.5-liter three-cylinder …

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2022 Nissan Sentra Brings Light Updates, Retains $20,485 Base MSRP Price

The current generation Nissan Sentra first arrived on the scene in 2020 when it was radically revamped for that particular model year. With such an extensive list of changes, Nissan has chosen to give a lighter touch to the Sentra for 2022 with a small suite of updates as well as a slightly tweaked base price for customers looking to add the compact four-door to their garage.   Minor Updates Add Big Value To Sentra Before we get into some of the broader pricing tweaks, we might as well spend some time covering all three of the updates that will …

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Nissan To Enter 2022 Rebelle Rally With Retro Flavored Frontier Pickup, The 1980s Have Returned

Nissan is pushing ahead towards an all-electric future, but while the world is going green, the company is still very mindful of the past. That includes the 1980s, a decisive era for Nissan’s pickup lineup thanks to strong showings by Nissan Hardbody trucks in off-road racing. The Japanese auto giant is hoping that a small infusion of the past will be the magic elixir needed for the firm to win the 2022 running of the Rebelle Rally event with the help of an exceptional Frontier pickup.   Red White & Blue Vinyl Wrap Gives This Frontier Retro Flair The Frontier …

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2022 Nissan Frontier Shows Off Nismo Off-Road Parts At 2021 Overland Expo

Nissan first promised a whole suite of Nismo branded accessories for the 2022 Frontier when the revamped mid-size pickup made its global debut earlier this year. But the company kept the bulk of these accessories under wraps, until now, with the company debuting the first wave of these accessories at the 2021 Overland Expo.   Nismo Parts Trail Ready And Eager To Please The Frontier that Nissan will have on display at the event comes loaded to the brim with accessories. It appears that the truck has even more accessories than the original number that the company announced late last …

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Nissan Unveils GT-R T-Spec, Features Callbacks From The Past And T-Spec Exclusive Styling

The Nissan GT-R has soldiered on in some shape or form since 2008, with two facelifts in 2011 and 2017 helping to keep Father Time away. In addition to these facelifts, special edition models (along with potent performance numbers) have also played a big role with Nissan using the latter reason to take the veil off of its newest special edition GT-R the all-new T-Spec Edition.   New T-Spec Colors Bring Back Memories Of The Past The exterior styling of the GT-R has not changed very much, and the T-Spec leaves the core albeit aging design alone. Instead, it focuses …

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder Drive Review

Heading Back To Its Roots For many, the R51 Pathfinder is the peak of the Pathfinder era. It had a stout 4.0 V6 and an optional V8. Power was run through a reliable 5-speed auto to a transfer case with a true low range. Finally it had body on frame architecture, making modifications for off-road much easier. So how does the 2022 Pathfinder stack up? Nissan sent us a pre-production model to test for a week. As such there may be some minor flaws that are still in this vehicle that will be worked out before production begins. 2022 Pathfinder …

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Nissan Eying Nismo Global Expansion Plans, Still Working On Future Products

Nissan may be going through a massive lineup reboot, but the Japanese auto giant has not lost sight of the importance of the Nismo performance sub-brand to their long-term sales strategy. It has been a while since we heard anything from Nismo outside of the GT-R sports car, but a new statement by a high-ranking Nissan exec appears to confirm that Nissan still sees potential in the performance market.   Expanding The Global Footprint Requires Some Pieces That’s according to NISMO Global CEO Takao Katagiri, who opened up on Nismo’s future in a recent interview with Automotive News. Katagiri admitted …

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Nissan Revives The Sports Car With 2023 Nissan Z, 400 hp Twin-Turbo And Manual Are Old School Cool

The Nissan 370Z first arrived on the scene a decade ago. While that chapter of Z was initially seen as a significant chapter in the history of the Z moniker, it subsequently became a relic over the years. It still had its fans, ut father time, and the evolution of the segment was not kind to it. Nissan has ended this era of stagnation with the debut of the 2023 Nissan Z, which rockets the car back into relevancy.   Old Platform Brand New Styling Before we get into all the new things that make the 2023 Nissan Z a …

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Kicks by lake

2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review

2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review Nissan has updated the Kicks with new styling outside, some improved surfaces inside, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Underneath, it remains largely the same as the 2020 model. Exterior On the outside the Kicks gives the appearance of a vehicle that would be used for outdoor activities. The slightly higher ride height and roof rails with cross members let people know that it wants to go exploring with some kayaks or bikes up on top. Being designed for a younger crowd the Kicks comes in vibrant and eye-catching colors. Our tester was adorned …

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2021 Nissan Titan Pro 4x Review and Off-Road By Matt Barnes

2021 Titan Pro 4x We recently had the chance to put the 2021 Nissan Titan Pro 4x through its paces. The Titan XD’s little brother is an excellent truck, and can be a great value when purchasing at a discount! Our test model’s MSRP was $61,345 including all options and the destination charges. Review Overall the Titan is an excellent truck with great on road manners. The VK56 5.6-liter V8 has the power get up to speed and tow up to 9,310 pounds. The new for 2020 9-speed automatic has smooth yet crisp shifts. It seems to be in the …

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder Pitches The CVT, Gains New Interior Technology and Revamped Exterior Styling

The Nissan Pathfinder has always been a reliable soldier for Nissan when it came to competing in the mid-size utility segment. The Pathfinder is one of Nissan’s strongest sellers. Still, it was also one of the oldest models in its arsenal, with the Pathfinder only bested in that dubious distinction by the outgoing Nissan Frontier pickup. Nissan is keen to keep the Pathfinder viable and has unveiled the updated 2022 Pathfinder to the digital masses.   What’s Wrong With Being Confident? Much like the hit song by music artist Demi Lovato, Nissan aimed to make the Pathfinder look much more …

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2022 Frontier Buries The Past, Helps Nissan Race To The Future With New Technology

The current generation Nissan Frontier is a textbook case of how to stay stagnant in a rapidly developing world. First making its appearance back when George W. Bush was president, the rugged Frontier was supposed to be a value-focused mid-size pickup offering that could bring buyers capability and utility. That formula worked for a time, until the competition caught up, and then subsequently lapped it over the years. Nissan has had enough of being the butt of jokes in the mid-size pickup segment and has unveiled its long-awaited (and quite frankly overdue) replacement, the 2022 Nissan Frontier, after a brief …

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Nissan Teases 2022 Pathfinder In New Video, Appears To Confirm V6 Powertrain

It has been a long time since we heard anything new about the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. The current generation Pathfinder has been a key offering for Nissan over the past few years but it’s also due for a more comprehensive update. Nissan has ended its radio silence and released an all new teaser video ahead of the Pathfinder’s debut in February.   Is That a V6 We Hear Under The Hood? Nissan’s video was quite brief but there is still a number of details that can be gleaned from this brief piece of footage. For instance, you can hear what …

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Xterra

Nissan Dealers Beg Company To Bring Back Xterra SUV, Cite Rapidly Increasing Demand In Off-Road Segment

It’s no secret that the off-road vehicle market has seen a massive surge in interest and popularity among buyers over the past few years. The Ram TRX, Ford Raptor, and even venerable icons like the Jeep Wrangler and its pickup cousin the Gladiator are encouraging more buyers to explore nature and the beaten paths that lead to them. One notable brand that has been absent from the party so far is Nissan but many dealers are demanding the return of the iconic Xterra nameplate to help them cash in on some of the fruits of this sales surge   An …

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2021 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Review by Matt Barnes

The Rogue is Nissan’s top selling vehicle. Therefore Nissan knew that any changes made would have to be done with precision. Nissan has a noteworthy plan to introduce 10 new models over the course of 20 months and the Rogue is part of that plan. Quick Take Nissan has been struggling the past few years, but we are hoping these new updates to nearly all their models will change that. Helping push the value concept, the Rogue has the most standard safety technologies in its class. This includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Rear Door Alert. Furthermore, …

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Nissan brings new technology and revamped styling to 2021 Armada: 5 things you should pay attention to

Nissan is wading through some troubled waters as the Japanese auto company tries to not only navigate its way through the fallout created by the ouster of former CEO Carlos Ghosn but also the unique economic challenges brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The recent unveiling of the Z Proto concept showed that the company was off to a good start, and it has now brought this renewed vigor to the flagship SUV segment with the unveiling of the heavily revamped 2021 Armada. Like the company, the Armada was adrift for a while, watching helplessly as rivals were updated …

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2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition by Ben Lewis

Legend, Icon, familiar friend. All of these can be said about the Nissan Z. First offered as a 1970 model, the 240Z blew away the affordable sports car marketplace, making the MG’s and Triumphs of the day seem absolutely ancient, which they kind of were. Over the years, the Z has veered on and off the path of true sports car-ism, the 280ZX and early 300ZX were posh cruisers, but offered little thrills. The 1990 Z was a return to form – an excellent sports car. And the 350Z and the current 370Z continued the trend. So, we are happy …

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Nissan stealthily provides sneak peek of 2021 Frontier’s new face, shows big changes are coming

The current generation Nissan Frontier is something of an immortal figure in the pickup segment. Drawing comparisons to the ancient knight in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the Frontier has soldiered on in its current form since 2004. A recent update gave the Frontier a new engine and transmission, but there was no denying that the bare bones of this long in the tooth truck dated back to the Bush administration. Thankfully, big changes are coming for this reliable workhorse, and while the company is not ready to formally reveal the new model just yet, Nissan’s Mexican division has …

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Nissan unveils Z Proto concept, a manual and a renewed zest for life highlight next gen offering

The Nissan 370Z is still one of the most dynamic two seat sports cars that money can buy thanks to its sharp handling and responsive V6 engine. However, it’s also the oldest sports car you can buy, with the 370Z being around in some shape or form since its introduction back in 2009. That’s an eternity in car years, and the 370Z is way behind rivals that have seen their fair share of updates and revisions. Nissan is at long last creating a new Z offering, and it has formally unveiled the Z Proto concept. We’ll get one thing off …

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2017 Nissan GT-R Review 9

New Nissan GT-R: due in 2023, will be hybrid powered according to report

The Nissan GT-R is arguably one of the most iconic and longest running nameplates in the automotive industry today. While it’s history in the U.S. has been relatively brief, it has developed a cult following in its home market. The current generation GT-R was unveiled way back in 2017, and it has remained in production since. While the car has undergone changes over the years, the core elements of the model have still largely remained the same. With the GT-R rapidly aging, a new report suggests that big changes are in store for the iconic sports car. According to the …

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2020 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve 4WD by Ben Lewis

Now more than ever, our vehicles have become our sanctuaries. And if you’re like us, you think, why not make my sanctuary a big, luxurious, comfy and powerful one? Allow us to introduce the perfect place to hang out – the 2020 Nissan Armada. Armada Exterior –Big, Bold, Style One thing we like about Nissan is that they don’t just do the same vehicle in different sizes. A Rogue is not a small Pathfinder, an Altima is not just a mid-size Maxima. Everything has its own vibe. And that’s especially true with the Armada. All-new in 2018, the Armada hasn’t …

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Upcoming Nissan Z Sports Car Teased In New Video Clip [Video]

The Nissan 370Z has always been a very capable two door sports car, with a chassis that can still create smiles, and a V6 that can give it respectable chops in a dog fight out on the race track. But it’s no secret that after 12 years, the 370Z is starting to look very dated in the performance car scene. Nissan is out to change that, and has released an all new teaser video previewing the replacement for the 370Z. While it is unknown if the new offering will put a new number designation after the “Z” moniker as has …

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2020 Nissan Sentra Debuts With Improved Styling, Upgraded Technology

When the Nissan Sentra first debuted back in 1982, it was when small econoboxes ruled a far bigger slice of the American car market, and it already had to contend with not only the Toyota Corolla, but also a whole host of long forgotten domestic entries that were vying for the attention of frugal minded U.S. shoppers. But 32 years of evolution have helped the Sentra not only become one of Nissan’s most successful models ever (with over six million units sold,) but also a much better entry in the compact car segment. Nissan is eager to showcase just how …

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2019 Nissan Maxima SR – Road Test Review + Drive Video

Have you ever seen a sexier facelift?  This term for a vehicle’s mid-cycle refresh is usually a bit of a put-down but in Maxima’s case it takes a sexy silhouette and gives it the nose and tail the design always deserved. It is enough to make folks do a double take on the road and that is quite surprising for such a popular mainstream model. Maxima’s 2019 upgrade and also 2020 tweaks to the range update the machine very nicely — and not a moment too soon in the face of impressive new competition from the Kia Stinger, the ever-popular …

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2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition – Review By Matt Barnes

Nissan gave us the opportunity to drive the 2019 Pathfinder SL 4wd Rock Creek Edition. The Pathfinder name has been used by Nissan for almost 60 years, and this newest iteration delivers. The Rock Creek Edition adds a ton of the most commonly popular features at a discounted price and makes for a beautiful color scheme. Outside There’s something about the color scheme and Midnight Pine Metallic paint that says “take me on an adventure”, but Nissan doesn’t add any additional off-road capability with the Rock Creek Edition. What it adds is a plethora of dark and rugged themed features, …

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2020 Nissan Altima SR AWD Review by Ben Lewis

Sometimes, we wonder if family sedans sit around and reminisce about the good old days. Yeah, remember when the big box office was 4-doors? Camry and Accord, we ruled. The best-selling cars, the bring-home-the-bacon for most automakers. At least until…ugh…. SUV’s. Well, lately, it seems like auto manufacturers aren’t taking things sitting down. The all-new Camry and Accord are dynamite cars, with loads of style and performance and value. And now we have an all-new Altima – the sedan that’s always been a little different from the rest of the pack – but always a delight in its own right. …

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2019 Nissan Armada – On and Off-Road Review – By Matt Barnes

For 2019, the Armada only gets additional standard features that were options last year. Things like rear door alert, intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning are now standard across the Armada lineup. Outside Being the largest SUV in Nissan’s lineup, the Armada has presence. It is slightly larger than a Tahoe but smaller than an Expedition, putting it right in the middle of its class. While some other vehicles are starting to look the same as everything else in their class, the Armada has standout looks. Recently, Nissan has done an excellent job in creating beautiful …

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2020 Nissan Titan Brings Improvements And Better Capability To Buyers, Is It Enough?

Remember the Nissan Titan? If your answer is no, we don’t blame you. Despite making waves when it first appeared several years ago, Nissan’s attempt at usurping the established pickup order has not gone well. The model has suffered from slow sales, with this dire prospect forcing Nissan to recently axe several variants of the Titan recently, including the Cummins powered XD model. But Nissan has not given up, and recently introduced the 2020 Titan at the Texas State Fair. We took some time to formally analyze the current generation Titan, and we were eager to find out if this …

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2019 Nissan Murano SL AWD – Road Test Review + Video – By Matt Barnes

Nissan has done a good job of making their SUV’s feel higher class than they have in the past. Often, Nissan’s are thought of as budget Toyotas, with great reliability but very basic. However, in the past few years, Nissan has moved into luxury interiors with comfortable seating and plenty of standard safety features. While bare bones base models are still available for price conscious customers, it’s Nissan’s middle and upper trims that really bring out the comfort and convenience features. Outside Our test model was an AWD SL trim with the premium Sunset Drift paint color. It is a …

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2019 Nissan LEAF PLUS Review by Ben Lewis

Ok, first things first. We promise not to make any “Turning over a new LEAF” jokes. Which isn’t to say that’s not what the new LEAF Plus is, because the Plus trim gives the LEAF the full EV credentials it needs to compete in today’s marketplace. Which is important, because since its introduction in 2010, it has been the best-selling electric vehicle in the world. And Nissan would like to keep it that way. An all-new LEAF was introduced for the 2018 model year, and when we tested it, we came away impressed – loads of tech, fun to drive, …

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Nissan Titan Regular Cab And Diesel Models To Get Axed At End Of The Year

The pickup truck wars have turned into a very key and hotly contested battlefield for the automotive industry. While the domestic big three still rule the roost when it comes to this segment, Toyota and Nissan have also tried to break into the market with their entries the Tundra and the Titan full-size pickup trucks. But wheras the Tundra has managed to squeak a very commendable existence for itself during the bulk of its production run, things have not gone so well for the current generation Titan. A prominent sign of the Titan’s woes has emerged earlier today, with Nissan …

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1998 Nissan R390 GT1 – Amelia Concours 2019 Highlight

This one-of-a-kind machine is the only road-going variant of the Nissan R390 LeMans racecar series. It usually lives locked away in the Nissan’s Zama museum in Japan so we were very fortunate to have it attend the Amelia Island Concours 2019. Every vehicle ever looks stunning on bright green grass under Florida sun. The design is a thing of great beauty, even if the nose detailing is dull and this road variant lacks the giant rear wing of the racecars. The 3.5-liter V8 shoots 550 fiery horsepower out the rear bumper edges on command from inside the leather-wrapped cabin. We …

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Nissan Unveils Updated 2020 Rogue Sport

When Nissan first unveiled the Nissan Rogue Sport in the U.S. market, the repatriated and lightly tweaked CUV was supposed to give buyers a smaller option that would be much more compact than the Rogue, while also being a good companion for urban driving. The lone flaw was that the Rogue Sport looked a bit too much like its bigger brother the Rogue. Nissan has addressed this minor blemish, and unveiled the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport alongside the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition. Wheras the old model looked like a Rogue that went through the dryer one too many times, …

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2019 Nissan LEAF SL – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Ok, let’s start with Good News, Bad News. The Good News – for 2019 there’s a new LEAF PLUS model with more power, enhanced tech and improved range. The Bad News – There wasn’t one in the fleet to test, so we go the current 40 KWH battery model. Actually, it’s not that bad, in fact after spending a week with our LEAF, we’re not sure most buyers will need that new PLUS model. A new LEAF Introduced as a 2018 model, the all-new builds on the goodness that made the previous – and continues to be – the world’s …

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2019 Nissan Kicks SR – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Before we start this review, a moment of silence for the Nissan Juke. Yes, that odd, amphibious-looking crossover that was a bunch of fun to drive, interesting to look at, and a breath of fresh air in the stuffy small crossover segment. And now to the all-new Nissan Kicks, the Juke’s replacement. While it certainly is more conventional, it does a lot of things very well, and comes in at a bargain price. That’s a different kind of a kick, to be sure…. Goodbye Froggy, Hello Smurfy While some at Nissan tried to tell us that the Juke looked like …

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Nissan CEO Ghosn Arrested For Alleged Misconduct

In a surprising and remarkable tumble from grace over the weekend, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn (along with a second executive) was arrested by Japanese authorities for his role in alleged misconduct with Nissan preparing to fire Ghosn later this week. Ghosn is accused of several acts of financial misconduct which include underreporting his salary to Japanese authorities for “multiple years,” as well as using company assests for personal use. The investigation into Ghosn and Greg Kelly (a director on Nissan’s board) began after an annonymus whistleblower reported the allegations to Japanese authorities.   The downfall of Ghosn and his regime …

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2018 Nissan ARMADA Platinum Reserve – Road Test Review

The new Nissan Armada is looking fresh and dapper — as well as huge — across the more affluent areas of the globe since 2017. Here is a machine that shares every panel with either the Infiniti QX80 or the global Nissan Patrol variant — but still has a fresh face that has the curb appeal of any of the jumbo SUVs in 2018 and beyond.  The new LED DRL lighting style in the headlamps is fresh and standard across the board, while the two-tone paintwork with contrasting fender extensions make a nice, slarry statement. At the end of the …

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2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Platinum Reserve – Road Test Review w/ Drive Video

  A few nice updates for Nissan’s crossover sales-champ, the Rogue. In addition to the modest facelift the previous year, the latest Rogue drops the 7-seat option with the mini jump seats, brings a top-notch active safety suite and a new flagship trimline: the Platinum Reserve. The core machine is better than ever – and is a stunningly simple car to drive and own.  As we note in the drive video below, the Rogue sells itself in the first block for many shoppers.  It just seems to be the perfect size for awesome visibility but without being too wide or …

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2018 Nissan GTR50 Concept By ItalDesign – Goodwood FoS 2018 Debut

Very interesting collaboration here where ItalDesign was tasked with a re-skin a Nissan GT-R fully, inside and out, as a celebration of the car’s 50-year legacy. More than a reskin, even. Re-imagining? Reboot? Yes. Possible hints at next-gen model expected for the 2020 model year?  Yes of course.  But mostly this exercise just celebrates the GT-R’s essence and moves the vehicle noticeably upmarket.  Even as a $100k car the GT-R does lack the class and panache of true supercars, in some respects, with the current model’s workmanlike exterior and interior. How to go high-fashion without dulling the GT-R’s ace in …

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2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe Heritage Edition – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Once, a long time ago, affordable sports cars roamed the highways and byways of this great land. The dream of a roadster (or coupe) in the garage was well within reach, and shared by many. Wuh happened? Safety regulations, Crossovers, SUV’s, Baby Boomers with bad backs –it seems like they all conspired to do the sports car in. Many manufacturers just walked away from those who love to drive the most. But luckily, some didn’t. The herd has been thinned out, but the ones that remain are pretty darn good. The Miata comes to mind – The Subaru BR-Z/Toyota 86 …

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2018 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Seems like every manufacturer has their “Luxury Flagship SUV” these days, and Nissan is no exception. While most of these are more luxo-barge than flagship, there are a few that remain true to the real SUV credo of ruggedness, capability and anywhere anytime composure. We’d include the Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser in this select group. And now we’d also add the new Nissan Armada. It’s a whole ‘nother kind of Armada. One look and you know this is different. Where the old model was an SUV version of the previous-gen Titan, Nissan does us a solid and gives …

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2017 Nissan ROGUE SPORT SV AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Over the years there have been plenty of words used to keep certain brand names high on the sales charts, and to use the halo of well-earned reputations to promote the latest and greatest. Think Grand Cherokee, Camry Solara, Mustang II. Some more successful than others. And now we have a spinoff of Nissan’s exceptionally popular Rogue. The Nissan Rogue Sport. What’s up, Sport? Sport fits the smaller, more aggressive looking Rogue, being a good foot shorter than its big brother. Designed to compete against such city funsters as Mazda’s CX-3, Honda HR-V, and Toyota’s CH-R, it’s still a handy …

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2017 Nissan Maxima SR – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Recently we tested the all-new 2018 Camry. Ours was the sportiest V6, XSE and it managed to clear the $40,000 hurdle with optional equipment. It’s certainly a great evolution in Camry-dom, but it had us thinking, for 40-large you’re treading on some well-established toes. Including the self-proclaimed 4-Door Sports Car, the Nissan Maxima. So, is the Maxima still the sport/luxury sedan of choice for value conscious buyers? Well, it’s certainly aging well. While competitors like the Camry are handsome, the Maxima still lives in a league above. It looks long, low, and wide, full of serious intent. Also tying in …

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2018 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7 A/T – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Although summer is a memory in the rearview mirror for most of us, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a roadster – in fact, cooler weather and leaves changing color make fall one of the joys of owning a drop top. And if you’re looking for joy in a roadster, look here. The 370Z is getting to be a senior citizen in the sports car world. The coupe appearing in 2009, the roadster in 2010. Mind you, there have been updates, including a facelift – but the basic vehicle is pretty much the same, even as its approaching it’s …

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2017 Nissan TITAN SL 4×4 – Road Test Review

Trucks are all about strength.  Why not have more towing, hauling and running power than you might need?  There is huge peace of mind in knowing you have so much excess capability. At some point, though, that extra muscle makes life more difficult.  That point is arguably between 1500 and 2500 pickups.  Yes, the 2500s have even more giant motors and higher tow ratings.  The new Nissan Titan bridges this gap and aims for 1500 ease of use but near 2500 size and stats. The Titan XD straddles that gap perfectly and the XD option comes standard with the 5.0-liter …

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2017 Nissan GT-R Premium – First Drive Review w/ Video + 77 Photos

Let me invite you behind the scenes for a moment.  Reviewing the photos that come back from my Nikon is an exercise in Deletion.  Usually every third photo will be wonky.  Either out of focus, framed wrong or perhaps with just one LED lit.  Taking 100 photos then leaves us with about 60. Not so with this Nissan GT-R.   We’re finding focus and beauty in almost every frame! A lot like the drive, in fact.  This car in a downpour outside Road America racetrack in Wisconsin was 40 minutes in heaven.  The roads were slick, wound through the woods …

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2017 Nissan ROGUE ONE Star Wars Edition – Review By Ben Lewis

  We had mixed feelings about testing the 2017 Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition Rogue. Nissan has made some notable improvements on its popular crossover, and we were looking forward to testing it. Then they announced the Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition model. Since they both had the name “Rogue” it kind of smacked of opportunism. Cue rolling of eyes. So, the question becomes, is The Force with the new Rogue, or just the farce? Well, since we don’t want to spoil the ending, let’s start with what’s new for Rogue. Already a crisp design, we have a …

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2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage Special Bows in NYC, In Dealers By May

The Z-car is an engineering showpiece that has always had radical updates between model generations.  Big changes are on the horizon for the 370Z for 2019, we expect, so this new Heritage Edition is a crown on the generation in total. For those who demand naturally aspirated, high-rev power and the current steering/transmission setup?   Now is the time to pounce. The 370Z Heritage comes in yellow or black with yellow accents.  Black wheels and black stripe graphics set it apart on the road… but the yellow model does risk risk Bumble-Z nicknames.   2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage Special 2018 …

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2018 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Adds Nismo Grip, Widebody Fenders and Racier Cabin

What is the most unforgettable supercar you’ve ever driven, Tom? Certainly the Nissan GT-R. Every Altima review we write has a glimmer of GT-R excitement behind it.  Maybe if I am just clever enough with words or camera… one will come my way for a week!? It has not happened yet.  Our only experience with the GT-R was the previous-gen Track pack back in 2013.  We spent 30 boneriffic minutes behind the wheel and will never forget it. So much power, so much sheer violence in its delivery!  The only car you can four-wheel drift around a simple turn! So …

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2017 Nissan ARMADA Platinum – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

In a segment long dominated by the Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, the 2017 Nissan Armada arrives to take them both head on. With a huge interior and plenty of horsepower under the hood along with a very unique style, it is bold challenger, yet does it truly measure up? Yes and it might just surprise many large SUV buyers. Fresh off a one-year hiatus, the 2017 Armada is back with new looks, improved V8 and loads of safety and security tech. It continues Nissan’s push to be more than a low-budget volume seller and instead be a major …

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2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Is the new Sentra NISMO heir to the SE-R throne? That depends on who you ask. And really, ask the right person. Why? Well there’s a lot of snobbery, and it seems to come from people who haven’t taken the trouble to even drive the car. And they’re missing out. From the enthusiast camp, the issue seems to be the expectations based on the NISMO name – that you should expect BMW M Division, Mercedes AMG level commitment to performance. While we think that’s true in the GT-R NISMO and 370Z NISMO, when it comes to models like the Sentra …

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2017 Nissan Maxima SR Midnight Edition – HD Road Test Review

Is the coolest Maxima in ages also the best? We found out over a week of driving the 2017 Maxima SR Midnight and came away impressed, if full of caveats.  And understanding some of the fanboy hate for the Maxima’s drivetrain these days. We didn’t get too bogged down by worries about how true a 4DSC the Maxima really is in this generation.  You see, describing Maxima as a four-door sports car sets some pretty unrealistic performance expectations. Let’s explore this complex car for what it is: a stylish and comfortable full-size sedan that is blessed with a standard 300-horse V6. Breaking …

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2017 Nissan TITAN Pro4X V8 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

  The full-size pickup truck is as American as BBQ, and it sells like hot cakes. But it’s not something just Ford, GM and Dodge have noticed. While Nissan and Toyota both have made strong inroads in the compact pickup truck market, they’ve long wanted a slice – even a sliver – of that huge Full-size pie. Well for 2017 we have an all-new bigger, better, Titan. Did Nissan get the recipe right, or are they going to end up being extra crispy? Well, they’ve certainly given it their best shot. Outside of the Nissan badge on the hood, this …

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD – Road Test Review + New Photos!

  The new Pathfinder is quite the looker in this flashy Sandstone paintwork! It is quite unusual for a family crossover to attract as much attention as this beauty received in our care for a week.  The facelift definitely works at reinvigorating the Pathfinder’s style, then. But the 2017 refresh for the Pathfinder is actually more than skin-deep. An all-new 3.5-liter V6 is the big news under the redesigned hood – upping the tow rating to 6000-pounds and juicing the 0-60 times as well. Is the refresh enough to make the Pathfinder top of the class with the Toyota Highlander, …

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2017 Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Shows Razor-Sharp New Design Direction

Vmotion 2.0 is Nissan’s big concept reveal at Detroit this year, and it is pretty mouth-watering! This is wholly a design and automated-driving prototype — one that does not directly preview any particular production model.  More than that: it actually previews all of them.  The Altima is next up for a big refresh from Nissan, and it is likely to wear much of this chic new style when it materializes as a 2019 model. Will it also integrate the ‘Nissan Intelligent Mobility’ tech that is at the core of this vehicle?  Namely, the ProPILOT auto-driving functions? Yes, yes it will. …

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2017 Nissan Armada Platinum – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

The big news with the second-generation Nissan Armada is this: We finally got a Nissan Patrol in America! Perhaps bigger news still is that the 2017 Nissan Armada, Nissan’s largest SUV, doesn’t drive nearly so large as it is. Nissan does the SUV — bigly Riding on a 121.1-inch wheelbase, the 6,000-lb. Armada measures 208.9 inches from bumper-to-bumper and straddles a piece of ground 79.9 inches wide. It stands 75.8 inches tall. It’s a large beast — not quite as large as the also new-for-2017 Nissan Titan, but close. Maneuvering in tight quarters may require your full, undivided attention. Thankfully, …

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2016 Nissan NV200 Cargo SV – Road Test Review

The compact cargo van market is becoming a big deal for carmakers and small-biz owners alike. Sales growth in the segment is near the top of the charts. Why? Many reasons.  And yes, it helps that compact cargo vans did not exist until the last few years.  Nissan arguably kicked off the trend that now includes the Ford Transit Connect Cargo, RAM ProMaster City and even the Chevy City Express … ( itself an NV200 clone) Why are these vans so hot right now?   And how does the revised-in-2015 NV200 rank versus the best out there? Let’s find out… HD …

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Nissan and the Pathfinder are working hard to give you the SUV you really want. Which is really pretty admirable. Along with Toyota’s 4Runner, the Pathfinder is one of the most storied names in SUV-dom. But unlike the Toy, which has soldiered on being rugged and truckish – with pros and cons attached – in 2013, Nissan took the Pathfinder into the meat of the SUV marketplace with a unibody, 3-row family vehicle. OK, this was tough for some to swallow; the rugged little Nissan that drove all the way to the Amazon (memorialized in a series of commercials in …

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2017 Nissan ARMADA – Road Test Review

When Nissan announced the details of the 2017 Armada, we were confused but optimistic.  Optimistic because this is indeed a huge upgrade versus the outgoing model, but confused because it appeared virtually identical to the Infiniti QX80. Nissan has sold their version of the QX80 globally for a few years now under the Patrol badge.  But it is only very-slightly cheaper than the QX80 proper in most markets.  That is how close these two platform-mates are.  The last QX80 we tested, mind you, cost close to $100k with its Limited package.  And it is still supremely competitive with the latest Navigator, …

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2016 Nissan TITAN XD Platinum Reserve 5.6L V8 – HD Road Test Review

The Titan XD is making trouble in the full-size truck business! Like many disruptive troublemakers, though, they are doing a great service to the rest of the class.  Think of the rigid 1500 vs 2500 hierarchy of Fords and Chevys as the annoyed teacher, and buyers as the giggling classmates – in this broad metaphor. The established players in the segment are deeply invested in the half-ton, full-ton distinctions.  Beefier springs and a heavy-gauge chassis equals massive profits for the established truckmakers. Nissan has shaken things up with its all-new, ground-up redesign of the 2016 Titan XD – or Every …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Nissan Altima SL – By Tim Esterdahl

Review: 2016 Nissan Altima SL Offers Smooth Ride With Stylish Looks The all-new 2016 Nissan Altima is a great example of improving on what works with smart upgrades and improved style complementing a smooth riding sedan. While critics bemoan its lack of pep, after a week behind the wheel, it’s hard to understand what they are talking about. Now in its 5th generation the refreshed 2016 Nissan Altima features a host of styling improvements seen in the V-motion grille with boomerang-shaped headlights carried through the back officially called an “Energetic Flow” by Nissan. Equipped with new sheet metal as well …

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2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR – HD Road Test Review + Drive Video

The Nissan Altima is a favorite around here.  Even drivers coming from exotic cars would be astounded by the compentence of this vehicle for 2016. We recently dubbed it the ‘world’s smoothest sedan’ in 2.5SL form.  That smoothness is from effortless drive manners, the infinite-ratio Xtronic automatic and, of course, the pillowy ride quality of the mid-spec Altima. This SR trimline is new for the 2016 model-year on the four-cylinder engine.  An effective nose darkening with smoked headlamp lenses and optics sets a great mood from the start.   Larger wheels and sport-suspension and cabin are added bonii. All good, …

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Review + Videos – 2016 Nissan TITAN XD 5.0L Cummins TDV8 – The CRUSHER is HD Truck of the Year!

As you may have noticed, there is usually lead time for these full reviews after the cars leave the CRD speed fleet.  Time to process and refine the review content is usually really helpful, despite that seeming counterintuitive. Not in this case.  Titan XD jumps the line, and is firmly top-of-mind a day after its departure. The Titan XD blew us away so thoroughly with its unique skills and capabilities that we’re tempted to name it HD Truck of the Year.  Not just tempted, it’s done. This is our HD TOTY for 2016. Diving in deep yesterday for the drive videos helped crack …

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565HP, 2.5s 2017 Nissan GT-R – New Aerotech, Style and Cabin (+2 Videos!)

Any new GT-R’s arrival is a rare and magical event. This car is so ridiculously competent that Porsche and Ferrari banned the big car magazines from comparison testing their cars against it. The R35 generation has evolved significantly since its debut around 2012, however. The sports-car landscape has developed and changed significantly, too, since then.  Porsche 911 Turbos are able to keep up with the GT-R’s savage sprint pace under 3-seconds to 60-mph, while even the new Corvette Z06 is hot on its heels in luring buyers to a $100k supercar. So this GT-R evolution is a critical step in re-capturing …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Nissan Altima SL – Fresh Face for World’s-Smoothest Sedan

One of comedian Amy Schumer’s bits comes to mind as we sit down to write up this Altima review. “You’d bang me, but you wouldn’t blog about it…” The Altima is fresh for 2016 with a mini nip/tuck front and rear, updated tech and even more efficiency for the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This update is a light refresh, and is part of the new automaker strategy of lowering product cycle times from around five years before to less than three now.  Technology and style trends are moving so rapidly that a four-year-old car is easily one of the most …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Nissan Maxima SR – Bonneville GT-R is Ace

We had a pet name for the Maxima SR during its awesome week in the speed fleet. But like some nicknames are, it is hauntingly accurate and also slightly insulting… Resisting it in this review created major writer’s block.  How to clear the logjam? Tell you our nickname for the 2016 Maxima SR, and then explain why it is actually a loving salute to the car’s awesome, Dodge Charger-rivalling handling and machismo on the road. So what is it? We referred to the Maxima SR as… The Bonneville GT-R. Now, that might not sound too bad.  But among car enthusiasts, any mention of …

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HD Road Test Review + Videos – 2016 Nissan FRONTIER Pro-4X V6 4×4 Automatic

Is newer better? That is the fundamental question many car shoppers ask themselves, and roundly find that Yes is the answer. But for truck owners, newer is far less likely to be automatically better. For the 2016 Nissan Frontier, the proven mechanicals, extra-tough frame and V6 4×4 setup is as trusty as your best friend. And luckily, it is almost as fun! We threw the Frontier into a few wild off-road donuts just minutes after its arrival… and came out that cloud of dust and dirt with rekindled love for the Nissan mid-size truck in 2016. Yes, even more than …

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2017 Nissan ARMADA Swaps From Truck Basis To Bomb-Proof Global PATROL Models

  This 2017 Nissan Armada is a go!  You’re forgiven for recognizing this exact vehicle as the international Patrol model, or the US Infiniti QX80.  That makes sense — they are all on the same next-gen platform that is stiffer, more refined and just as gigantic as the current truck-based Armada. The new Armada majors on active safety along with its extreme, go-anywhere capability.  The drivetrain of the new Armada loses only 10 horsepower versus its very-potent QX80 sibling: 390HP. All through a seven-speed automatic with available 4WD.     2017 Nissan ARMADA ALL-NEW 2017 NISSAN ARMADA DESIGNED FOR FULL-SIZE …

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2016 Nissan WINTER WARRIORS! Murano, Pathfinder and Rogue Get DOMINATOR Tracks

Nissan just revealed three deeply cool concepts for the Chicago Auto Show! These three comfy family crossovers might be slightly unlikely candidates for tank tracks, and that is what makes them so cool. The Winter Warriors are crossovers upgraded with black wraps, Nissan accessories and Dominator brand truck tracks.  Sleek red foil wraps look shimmery over dechromed V-motion grilles.  On a white backdrop with dark tints all around makes these quite captivating to see.   Our favorite part of the new look — besides the tracks! — might be the extended V shape in black up the hoods of the machines.  It is …

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Best of NAIAS – 2016 Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept – Nightclub Cool + Baja-Tough Mods for Raptor-Killer

Update: We’re slightly confused now about the Titan Warrior Concept.  All the below still applies… but the Warrior is so different from the production truck. Much more-so than the Raptor is than the standard F-150.  So perhaps the Warrior is more of a dream-truck than a realistic Raptor hunter/killer.  It is still cool as fahk regardless., though. =] The Ford F-150 Raptor is so hot that no other brand can resist trying to beat its baja chicness on showroom floors. A solid basis for a real Raptor-killer from Nissan?  The 2016 TITAN XD — a full-size pickup so strong that it makes …

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2016 Nissan Sentra Breaks Cover – New Face, Fresh Tech from $17k

Well hello there, fresh Sentra! 2016 Nissan Sentra 2016 Nissan Sentra Press Kit: Overview 2016 Nissan Sentra Offers New Exterior Appearance, Refreshed Interior and Advanced Safety and Driving Technologies Nissan’s popular compact sedan continues to stand out with “class-above” style, premium design qualities and enhanced driving experience Exterior redesign brings Sentra closer in look and feel to the bold new 2016 Maxima and redesigned 2016 Altima – reflecting Nissan’s new design language Revised interior features new TFT-type (Thin Film Transfer) LCD flat panel display, available Siri Eyes Free™ Voice Recognition Available technology includes NissanConnectSM Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription …

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2015 Nissan IDS Concept is Autopilot EV with Sharply Stylish Aero

Here is a pretty interesting concept car from Nissan for the Tokyo auto show: the IDS. This rolling showcase shows the latest Nissan vision for a sporty, ultra-efficient battery-electric vehicle of the future. One might think of this as a superLeaf, as well as a look at the tech expected to underpin the redesigned ~2017 Leaf. The major upgrades are everywhere: exterior design is all-new and aggressively sleek in the wind tunnel. The cabin is a future-tech fantasy of touchscreens and AI controls, including a fully autonomous drive mode. Under the actually-pretty-stylish nose and its extreme lower splitter, next-gen LEDs …

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Nissan GT-R NISMO N Attack Package – Upgrade Details and Pricing

Not sure how this even-hotter-than-ever NISMO GT-R slid by us when it was announced in August of this year, but we are all over it now! The new N Attack Package is a major overhaul of the factory NISMO GT-R — letting any OEM driver have the exact specification that delivered a Nurburgring production track record earlier in the year. In Japan, the assembly of the N Attack pack is handled in-house by NISMO, but in the USA (and worldwide) the distributor and official installation partner is long-time Nissan guru STILLEN. This upgrade is massively involved. We have the full …

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2016 Nissan Patrol NISMO Storms Dubai with 30HP Bump + Bilsteins, Rays 22s and Custom Exterior

  Here is an exciting truck that is certainly not headed stateside in its current form: the 2016 Nissan Patrol NISMO for the Middle Eastern market. The upgrades are actually pretty awesome, despite just a jump to 428-ponies from the stock 400 even. The 5.6-liter V8 is absolutely a gem in 400HP form, so with freer intakes and exhaust, the engine is eager to deliver even more smiles-per-gallon via this new NISMO tune. Chassis changes are fairly extensive, with a custom handling setup, Bilstein gas shocks and new Rays 22-inch forged alloys on the options list. Custom exterior with all-new …

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2015 Nissan TEATRO for DAYZ Concept is Next-Gen Stoner Streamer

Some trends have a strong basis in real-life, timeless buyer preferences. Boot-cut jeans fit a huge range of bodytypes in a flattering way. Ugg boots are actually ridiculously comfy and easy to wear all day. Workout clothes are comfiest when you are not working out. Same goes for urban yoofs of the world. Young-person culture adores the idea of a boxy social pod on wheels — as the Scion xD/xB and Nissan Cube took global. The hotness of the box shape never really went out of style in Japan. But is definitely in need of a connected-services and design-ethos refresh. …

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