Topic: First Drive: 2011 Nissan Juke

[safristi]

..which element             O2......i am getting dizzy give me a helium balloon.......

[Seafoam]

I hate cars? Hardly. I'm probably more of a true automotive enthusiast than you sir.

I appreciate and am enthusiastic about ALL kinds of vehicles, unlike stereotypical "car enthusiasts" who only care about sport, and edgy styling.

Yes, that means I can appreciate cars like the Corolla as well.

I never said anything about being "in love" with a fridge. My point is when was the LAST time you heard someone actually complain about how their fridge looked? What about complaining about the way their house looks? Point is, this very rarely happens.

Yet, I constantly see and hear about "car enthusiasts" complaining about how bland most cars on the road are. Honestly, when I hear that, I question whether such people are enthusiasts at all. Such sort of people sound more like "sport car enthusiasts" and not car enthusiasts in general.

Complaining about how all cars on the road are bland and liking a vehicle that's different *just* for the sake of being different does not make one seem like an actual enthusiast.

I believe TRUE car enthusiasts appreciate ALL kinds of cars.

I agree

[CatsEye68]

<snippage>

Oh, please. Spare us.

[Leviathan]

<snippage>

Oh, please. Spare us.

Listen you two knuckleheads, don't make Brigitte pull this thread over and beat the hell out of the both of you.

[dirtyjeffer]

I don't see why this deserves praise?

have you driven it?

didn't think so.

[JohnnyCash]

So you're telling me I should completely exclude the exterior and interior styling (not to mention the name) of the Juke, and judge it solely based on the driving experience?

No, I have not driven it. I'm sure I would probably appreciate the drive of it based on what I have heard, but I have made it clear I don't appreciate the looks at all.

I bet there are plenty of "bland" and "boring" cars that are great drives, yet are cars you likely have never driven just based off of styling alone.

Let me guess, you like the Juke because it's different right? Would you appreciate the vehicle if it had bland, as opposed to weird/edgy styling?

[johngenx]

This is the only relatively inexpensive Nissan product that would be on my radar.  They need an "off road" package that is a little "jacked up" with knobby tires and painted bright yellow!!  THAT would be cool.

[dirtyjeffer]

So you're telling me I should completely exclude the exterior and interior styling (not to mention the name) of the Juke, and judge it solely based on the driving experience?

No, I have not driven it. I'm sure I would probably appreciate the drive of it based on what I have heard, but I have made it clear I don't appreciate the looks at all.

I bet there are plenty of "bland" and "boring" cars that are great drives, yet are cars you likely have never driven just based off of styling alone.

Let me guess, you like the Juke because it's different right? Would you appreciate the vehicle if it had bland, as opposed to weird/edgy styling?

i don't care if you don't like the way it looks...looks are subjective, and you are free to say "I wouldn't buy that because I don't like how it looks"...that's your choice...but you asked "Why would anyone buy it?", to which i already said why...i think it looks odd too, plus, it's on the small side...but in terms of a decent vehicle, it certainly is...it drives very nice, it isn't too expensive, it has a sophisticated powertrain, i think the interior is "cool" looking, in terms of our current age of iPods and touch screen phones...it has a "techy" look to it...i can see it selling well for a number of reasons...there are a number of "ugly" vehicles out there, that still sell reasonably well...this vehicle, despite its looks, at least backs itself up with high tech gear, a great powertrain, a nice audio system all in a "different looking box"...many would say that's a plus, and why you can't judge a book by its cover.

[Shnak]

Let me guess, you like the Juke because it's different right? Would you appreciate the vehicle if it had bland, as opposed to weird/edgy styling?

Out the Juke's mechanicals in the Rogue and I'd hate it just as much as I do the current Rogue. Okay, hate is a strong word, but I certainly would dislike the Rogue on steroids just as much as I dislike the current Rogue. It just doesn't do it for me.

As it is, the Juke has the perfect blend of weird/edgy styling and cutting-edge mechanicals.

[2JDM]

Test drove one on Monday. SV AWD model.

Excellent handling and its modest dimensions make it easy to drive. You can see the hood, and signal lights when in the drivers seat. Acceleration wasn't bad...the AWD system bogged it down. FWD version would probably be quicker.

Overall, a decent effort by Nissan.

[ArticSteve]

FWD version would probably be quicker

FWD/6 speed definitely quicker.  250 lbs. less

[rrocket]

FWD version would probably be quicker

FWD/6 speed definitely quicker.  250 lbs. less

How's the TQ steer?

[dirtyjeffer]

FWD version would probably be quicker

FWD/6 speed definitely quicker.  250 lbs. less

How's the TQ steer?

torque steer was non-existent on the AWD model i drove, but AWD likely had something to do with that...also, keep in mind, the amount of torque in this vehicle isn't "huge"...strong, yes...yank the wheel out of your hand, no.

[rrocket]

FWD version would probably be quicker

FWD/6 speed definitely quicker.  250 lbs. less

How's the TQ steer?

torque steer was non-existent on the AWD model i drove, but AWD likely had something to do with that...also, keep in mind, the amount of torque in this vehicle isn't "huge"...strong, yes...yank the wheel out of your hand, no.

Obviously, no TQ steer in AWD.  I was referring to FWD with a stick.

[ArticSteve]

How's the TQ steer?

No worse than a V6 3.5 Altima or Maxima.  Slight steering wheel movement.

The best feature is the 6 speed shift quality.  Not just good, amazing.

[rrocket]

How's the TQ steer?

No worse than a V6 3.5 Altima or Maxima.  Slight steering wheel movement.

The best feature is the 6 speed shift quality.  Not just good, amazing.

LOL the Altima I drove had more than just "slight" TQ steer...

[ArticSteve]

 

    

[rrocket]

    

Oh man..it was last year?  Or the previous year?  My boss has a brand spanking new one...but without the stick.  CVT. 

[CatsEye68]

LOL the Altima I drove had more than just "slight" TQ steer...

Better be careful... Papa Artic might accuse you of being a troll...

[Shnak]

Old or young didn't matter to Honda much. They have discontinued the Elelment.

What? That's the first I hear about this.

Well, it's official now.
So Long, and FarewElement!
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/12/so-long-and-farewelement/

That's too bad, I liked the Element. I would've liked to see a new generation of it. Oh well.