Topic: Feature: Nissan's bold new designs

[Autos_Editor]

Unlike other companies, Nissan doesn't want all its vehicles to look the same, says their VP of Design.  At the Los Angeles Auto show last month, Nissan demonstrated this commitment with four very different vehicles.

Read More...

[Gardiner Westbound]

I found the previous Nissan Quest's exterior styling attractive, interesting and less boxy than competing minivans. The weird center speedometer and widespread reports of dismal quality control killed it. Nissan eventually redesigned the dash, not sure the quality issues were adequately addressed.

The CVT transmission theoretically improves gasoline mileage by running the engine at its most efficient RPM. My best information is the gain is minuscule, insufficient compensation for the characteristic constant droning noise, rubber band slipping clutch driving feel, substandard durability and astronomical replacement cost. It takes the 2011 Quest off my look-see list.

[Frontier1]

1. constant droning noise, rubber band slipping clutch driving feel, substandard durability

please back that up

2. The Quest used a traditional tranny, 4 & 5 spd.

ooops

[Gwido]

2. The Quest used a traditional tranny, 4 & 5 spd.
ooops

The new 2011 Quest will use a CVT.

No word on the launch of the Murano Cross-Cabriolet??? I hope it's because this monstrosity won't be sold in Canada...

[Jaeger]

That Ellure looks really promising as a starting point for a future Altima or Maxima - the rear three quarters is particularly fetching.  The front could be toned down some.  I think Hyundai has shown with the Sonata that midsize sedan shoppers were ready for some style to be injected into the segment and I expect that its future competitors will be less excruciatingly "safe" from a design standpoint.

Jaeger

[Spec5]

Wow, love the look of the Quest - it is VERY Siennesque but that too is a beautifully styled minivan IMO. (c'mon people its a minivan cut it some slack!)

If I were in the market I would definately have a look at it. The Quest as a few have mentioned did not help Nissan's reliability ratings while it was in production. I got shuttle service just last week in one - an '09. My company also has an '07 Uplander that I drive from time to time and I think I prefer the interior on the Chev. I can say with certainty that they both rattle about the same. They both have around 140k kms on them (caught a peek at the dash on the Quest as I was in the back seat). If it weren't for the brutal rattle in the passenger side front air bag on our Uplander it would probably be a much quieter ride - the Quest just seemed to rattle, creak and groan from everywhere.

Maybe James can book one for a test drive and let us know how he likes it!

[Juke]

2. The Quest used a traditional tranny, 4 & 5 spd.
ooops

The new 2011 Quest will use a CVT.

No word on the launch of the Murano Cross-Cabriolet??? I hope it's because this monstrosity won't be sold in Canada...

Of course the 2011 will have a CVT, but one can read that the poster might have been saying the previous had a cvt.

[ArticSteve]

First priority is to FIX the Sentra.

It's easier to p*ss into a gail force wind than sell a Sentra.

[CatsEye68]

Really do not like their current design language with the "fishhook" lights front and rear. They seem to have a constant problem with rear lights. First all the boy-racer clear-lens plastichrome jobbies, now fishhooks. Ugh.

[BernardP]

I  agree with CatsEye68. Nissan exterior styling continues to look forced and contrived.

The fishhook front and rear lights seems to be expanding accross the line, but look like a useless gimmick to my trained eye. You'd never see M-B, BMW or Audi use something like this.

[Railton]

I  agree with CatsEye68. Nissan exterior styling continues to look forced and contrived.

The fishhook front and rear lights seems to be expanding accross the line, but look like a useless gimmick to my trained eye. You'd never see M-B, BMW or Audi use something like this.

Are we all SHEEP?!
I quite like its distinctiveness.
Railton

[Leviathan]

I  agree with CatsEye68. Nissan exterior styling continues to look forced and contrived.

The fishhook front and rear lights seems to be expanding accross the line, but look like a useless gimmick to my trained eye. You'd never see M-B, BMW or Audi use something like this.

Are we all SHEEP?!
I quite like its distinctiveness.
Railton

That Ellure looks fetching.

[dragonflyjack]

 I agree with several positive comments re the Ellure...In fact, I think they should market it, as is...As Jaeger said, Hyundai is going for it...Nissan brought out this wacky little Juke, which I love...Go with the Ellure, maybe as the mid-size vehicle in their line-up. Anything, as long as it's not, for chrissakes, boring...Life's too short...Turbo the begeezuz out of it...Get 34-35 on the highway out of a turbo 4...Nice 6 speed manual...Could be a winnah!   dragonfly

[alex s]

"...this minivan actually looks sleek."

Beauty in the eye of the beholder and I'd say this minivan looks a half notch better than a hearse.  Simply horrific. Personally, i would never buy a CVT but just a personal preference. The Odyssey has always been my favorite in the space but the new exterior styling (those funky windows) not doing it for me any more with the Honda. Thus by default, the Sienna looks to have a decent package.  

Agree with Jaeger..the rear 3/4 of the Ellure is stunning but the front end a little too much.