Categories: Car Brands

Nissan Headlights

Nissan, a multinational corporation based in Nishi-ku, Japan, is the 6th largest car manufacturer in the world. It belongs to the Renault-Nissan alliance and also sells cars under brand names Datsun and Infinity.

Many older car enthusiasts still remember the famous pop-up headlamps that were very popular from the 1960-80s and last seen on the 1990 Nissan Z model. These days these designs have fallen out of favor and many countries do not permit them at all, because of safety concerns.

Even though most models in Nissan range today have state of the art lighting technology, it offers the adaptive highbeam features only for its higher-end models like Fuga and Cima.

Nissan Altima Headlights

First thing to notice: no Altima Hybrid. That model, with its borrowed Toyota technology, is history, but not to worry, there’s a new one under development. The other two Altimas—sedan and coupe—sail into 2012 with the same updates we see on most Nissans, mainly reworked option packages that gather items like Bluetooth connectivity and a navigational system with real-time traffic. There is again a pair of engines, the 175-bhp 2.5-liter four or 270-bhp V-6, the latter renowned for its durability. Coupe buyers can opt for a 6-speed manual or the CVT (sedan owners get just the latter), and on the Altima it’s not a bad choice. Obviously the coupe, which is almost 10 in. shorter than the sedan, is the sporty choice, but the sedan in 3.5 SR form is no slouch.

Nissan Armada Headlights

It’s in the exterior design, of course, but there has always been something quite solid looking about Nissan’s Armada. This Mississippi-built full-size SUV backs that look of strength with a 5.6-liter V-8 that provides 317 bhp and 385 lb.-ft. of torque, matched to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the Armada can tow up to 9000 lb. Being a proper SUV, the Armada can be ordered with 2- or 4-wheel drive, with a limited-slip differential and standard Vehicle Dynamic Control. Armadas come in three forms: SV, SL and Platinum, and the minor changes for 2012 add a standard power liftgate on two models, heated front seats on SLs, and heated second-row seats for the Platinum.

Nissan Cube Headlights

Quirky, thy name is Cube. To some car buyers that’s the kiss of death, to others a point of pride. No denying you’ll be noticed driving a Nissan Cube. Then again, you’ll have no trouble packing in five friends or plenty of stuff. That might put a strain on the 1.8-liter four—CVT or 6-speed manual—but it does return decent mileage in normal driving. You will feel and hear the wind when driving a Cube. For 2012, Nissan has added several small refinements—front passenger seat armrest on both S and SL models, standard Intelligent Key on SLs—and a unique option package for the 1.8 S CVT that includes navigation, a rearview monitor and the Rockford Fosgate audio to rattle that asymmetric-look wraparound rear window.

Nissan Frontier Headlights

Order forms for midsize pickup trucks go on for pages. We offer as evidence the possibilities with Nissan’s Frontier. This pickup can be had in two body styles, King Cab or the 4-door Crew Cab. Two of the latter models—SV and SL—are offered with a long bed that adds 13 in. of carrying space. While we’re at the back, care to check off items such as a spray-on bedliner or adjustable tie-down cleats? Then there are drivelines, starting with the 2.5-liter 152-bhp 4-cylinder with its 171 lb.-ft. of torque and decent fuel economy. Or step up to the 4.0-liter V-6 and get 261 bhp, 281 lb.-ft. and—properly equipped—a towing capacity of 6500 lb. While we’re at it, do you want 2- or 4-wheel drive? All told, the Frontier is a versatile pickup.

Nissan GT-R Headlights

When you build one of today’s most potent performance cars, how do you make it better? Easy. Up the horsepower, which is what Nissan has done with the GT-R. By increasing turbocharger boost pressure, modifying valve timing and the fuel-air ratio, then cutting exhaust backpressure, the 3.8-liter V-6 ups horsepower from 485 to 530 and torque from 434 lb.-ft. to 448…laid down via the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system. To go with the added power comes revised exterior styling, which cuts the coefficient of drag to 0.26 and adds 10 percent more downforce. There are two GT-R models, Premium and, new for 2012, the Black Edition. The latter has a unique seat trim, interior colors and 6-spoke wheels. Two exterior colors are added: Deep Blue Pearl and Jet Black.

Nissan Leaf Headlights

Nissan’s Leaf is the major pure electric vehicle sold in the U.S., offering no tailpipe emissions and a range of as many as 100 miles per charge. That range can depend on driving conditions and usage of accessories. For 2012, Nissan adds heating for the battery, front and rear seats, the steering wheel and outside mirrors. While a luxury on most cars, heating the driver’s and passenger’s immediate environment—seats and wheel—means you can operate the Leaf on cold days with less power drain than if you heat the entire cabin. Come fall 2012, Nissan will add a second model, the SL. Main feature of the SL is a photovoltaic panel on a spoiler to aid charging the car’s accessory 12-volt battery. A quick charge port will be standard on the SL.

Nissan Juke Headlights

Here comes polarizing with a capital P. To some, the Juke is too cute for words; to others, it’s too ugly…using different words. Inside, however, the Juke is great fun, with a painted center console—we recommend red—and tightly grouped controls in the center of the dashboard… High points for the Juke’s well-bolstered seats and interior packaging, which means plenty of space and versatility. There are six versions of the Juke, the main differences being front- or all-wheel drive and the 6-speed manual or CVT. In any event, each Juke is powered by a turbo 1.6-liter direct-injection four with 188 bhp. For the best control, opt for the torque vectoring awd system that can split torque both front/rear and—at the rear—left/right.

Nissan Maxima Headlights

There was a time when Nissan’s Maxima was known as a 4-door sports car. Now it’s almost invisible. Think about it: When was the last time you noticed one? This is a rather attractive car, fitted with reworked grille and taillights for 2012, but it just doesn’t stick in your brain. This is due, in part, to the fact that its sportiness is gone, given up to front-wheel drive and a CVT transmission. Not bad, but not exciting. We do give points for the interior, which bears a resemblance to that in Nissan’s highly regarded Infiniti G sedans. And the engine is Nissan’s stout 3.5-liter VQ V-6, but tied to a CVT. To go with this year’s exterior updates are interior tweaks and a long list of tech options from Nav with real-time traffic to voice recognition.

Nissan Murano Headlights

We’re including the standard Murano crossover SUV with the new Murano CrossCabriolet, which is possibly the answer to a question no one asked. The normal Murano is a well-done crossover SUV with all the expected benefits, mixing passenger comfort with, well, station wagon flexibility. The drivetrain includes the solid VQ 3.5-liter V-6, a CVT transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. Biggest change for 2012 is a new Platinum option package. Then Nissan decided to lop off the Murano roof and create a large 2-door, 4-passenger convertible. One can’t fault the interior luxury appointments, and the cloth folding top is one slick bit of engineering. The driveline carries over from the standard Murano, but only with all-wheel drive.

Nissan NV Headlights

There are a lot of folks out there who need a dependable work van—our guys like to tow their race cars—and the new Nissan NV is a prime candidate. There are three basic levels: 1500, 2500 and 3500, the higher numbers representing ever-increasing payloads, varying from 2590 lb. on the 1500 to 3925 on the 3500. To go with increased capability comes added horsepower. The 1500s and 2500s use a 261-bhp V-6, while a 317-bhp V-8 is optional on 2500s and standard on 3500s. All models have a 5-speed automatic transmission. While all of the new Nissan NV models are currently 2-passenger, steel-sided models, a consumer, multi-passenger side-window version is on its way…gentlemen, start your towing.

Nissan Pathfinder Headlights

In case you think the midsize SUV market is relatively new, consider that Nissan’s Pathfinder has been around for more than a quarter century. Back then it was rough around the edges. Not anymore. How about sitting in leather-upholstered seats, listening to your Bose sound system while setting the Navi system? Not that the Pathfinder is a wimp. There is the option of the 310-bhp 5.6-liter V-8 (388 lb.-ft. of torque) over the base 266-bhp 4.0-liter V-6 (288 lb.-ft.). Both engines come with a 5-speed automatic. Opt for 2- or 4-wheel drive and you can tow up to 7000 lb. (V-8). Remember, this is a midsize SUV so although there is a third row of seats, it can get a bit tight for adults…or you can move up to the Armada.

Nissan Quest Headlights

Nissan’s Quest is so new that it enters 2012 with no changes. There is already plenty to work with if you’re in the minivan market. The Nissan has a bold “face” and is boxy, which is appropriate to minivans. Like any good people-hauler, the interior is quite flexible, making it a place to haul the family or cargo. The easy fold-flat second- and third-row seats see to that, and the third row folds forward so there’s no need to stow it. The standard and optional equipment list is extensive, some obvious, such as the one-touch power sliding doors. Others are just simply great ideas, like the Advanced Climate Control system that reduces allergens and bad smells. Or the fill alert that beeps the horn when you’ve inflated the tires properly.

Nissan Rogue Headlights

Without getting too technical, one of the things we like about small crossover SUVs is that they are so darn handy. Like Nissan’s Rogue, which is a conveniently sized people-hauler and yet can be converted into a carry machine with 58 cu. ft. of cargo area. Having a 60/40 split rear seatback is a plus, as is the optional fold-down front passenger seat…all the better to carry long items. While the 170-bhp 2.5-liter four suits the bill for normal driving, we do wish there was a 6-speed alternative to the standard CVT. On the optional list is Intuitive All-Wheel drive. New for 2012 is a Sport mode switch for that CVT, redesigned 16- and 17-in. alloy wheels and the availability of Nissan’s terrific Around View Monitor with its bird’s-eye view of the vehicle when parking.

Nissan Sentra Headlights

If you’re on a tight budget, you can probably find a Nissan Sentra that will fit your lifestyle. Rather conservative are we? There’s the basic 2.0, 2.0 S, SR or SL versions, the initials moving you up from plain-Jane and cloth seats to leather upholstery and a Nav system. Engine? A 140-bhp 2.0-liter four and 6-speed manual or CVT. Ready to step out a bit more? Go with the SE-R and its 177-bhp 2.5-liter and the same transmission choices, plus specific sport seats and added gauges. Just looking for wheels until you can afford that GT-R? Try the Sentra SE-R Spec V. Now your only choice is a 6-speed, but it would be our choice anyway. Along with that come great-looking alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and you’ve barely broken $20,600.

Nissan Titan Headlights

Nissan builds the Titan on its tough F-Alpha pickup platform and it comes in a variety of forms for many functions. The King Cab is the standard version; the Crew Cab has four doors for the, well, crew. This comes atop two wheelbase choices—139.8 in. and 159.5 in.—with three possible bed lengths. There is 2- or 4-wheel drive with a standard limited-slip differential. Power is by way of a 5.6-liter quad-cam V-8 that sends its 317 bhp and 385 lb.-ft. of torque through a 5-speed automatic with tow/haul modes. Equipped right, the King Cab can tow up to 9500 lb., the Crew Cab rated at 9400 lb. This is in three models—S, SV and SL—for normal work, and PRO-4X (4×4 only) for fun off-road. Option list items: adjustable tie-down cleats, a storage compartment and spray-on bedliner.

Nissan Versa Headlights

Nissan has separated its Versa line into two machines, the Sedan being redone for 2012 from the ground up. This Sedan is somewhat curvier than its squared-off predecessor and is based on the company’s V platform, which is both lighter and simpler than the B platform still used with the Hatchback. With this new platform and body come added interior room, particularly in the back seat, which has a 60/40 split seatback. All sedans are powered by a revamped 1.6-liter fuel-injected four. Power is now 109 bhp and 107 lb.-ft. of torque and mileage rated at 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway with the CVT transmission. The 5-speed manual’s numbers are not quite as good. There are three versions in ascending order of equipment: 1.6 S, 1.6 SV and 1.6 SL.

Nissan Xterra Headlights

To serious SUV enthusiasts, the general popularity of their favorite segment led to too much gentrification. SUVs got “sissified.” But there’s still the Xterra, a no-baloney, truck-based (the F-Alpha platform) SUV for those ready for serious off-roading. As a perfect example, the rear compartment isn’t just commodious—it has optional tie-down channels, cargo hooks and the most telling of all: an Easy Clean cargo area. Options include skid plates, a tow hook and first-aid kit. There’s even an available hatch tent. Nissan gives you the power for this trekking with a 261-bhp 4.0-liter V-6, 6-speed manual (with 4-wheel-drive only) or a 5-speed automatic transmission with the option of 4-wheel drive. All this in three models: X, S and PRO-4X.

Nissan Z Headlights

Nissan’s Z car has no major changes for 2012, although we’re already happy with the package…rather packages: the 370Z, its Touring version, the drop-top Roadster and, at the performance end, the Nismo 370Z coupe. While the first three models feature 332 bhp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque from the 3.7-liter V-6, the Nismo bumps that to 350 bhp and 276 lb.-ft. and adds a list of go-fast upgrades like high-performance tires, spoilers and a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox. Normal Zs come with a 7-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual that matches revs on downshifts. All the expected options are available from a navigation system to an iPod connection to Bluetooth. What we like about the Z? Its performance properly matches its exciting exterior.

 

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About Us

I am Derek Patrowsky, editor of AutoSportCatalog.com. I have over 17 years of experience in the automotive service industry and am part owner of a service facility in his hometown. Together with other writers, I hope this website will help you with your auto repair needs making better decisions when it comes to your vehicle.

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