Nissan Of Downtown L.A.

The award-winning Jerry Reynolds Auto Advise Show - "The Car Guy Show" - is your source for straight talk and honest answers about everything automotive.

Jerry interviews and personally hand selects the sponsors and recommended dealers for The Car Guy Show. As the Los Angeles area's exclusive Nissan dealer to be endorsed by Jerry Reynolds, Nissan of Downtown L.A. has demonstrated that our superior customer service ratings and our long term consistent approach to treating you, the customer right. Buying a new car should, and can be, a fun and exciting experience. Email Jerry now at jerry@carguyshow.com before you visit Nissan of Downtown L.A. to receive the special "FRIEND OF THE CARGUY SHOW" deal!

Join Jerry and his trusty sidekick, Kevin McCarthy, for an informative and fun-filled ride every Saturday on AM 570 KLAC Radio.

Edmunds.com has just identified the top cars in each class for the True Cost to Own Awards for model year 2010. These winning vehicles are the value leaders of Edmunds cost-of-owning estimates.

After gathering data from July 2009 through April 2010, Edmunds applied its True Cost to Own algorithms to estimate the five-year cost of owning each model year 2010 new vehicle currently on the market. From there, Edmunds.com separated vehicles into comparable segments, according to their body type and average MSRP.

Costs used by Edmunds included financing, depreciation, taxes and fees, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs and any federal tax credit that may be available. Adding all of these together can give a more accurate picture of which cars cost less overall.

The awarded vehicles include Nissan's Cube model. It is highest on the list for lowest overall ownership costs in its respective segment. From data collected, the Cube has consistently maintained the lowest cost of ownership and gives smart consumers the best value for their money.

As low as $25,280 ($32,780 MSRP minus up to $7,500 federal tax credit)
Lease world's first mass-marketed EV for $349 per month

March 30, 2010: Carson Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or lease in December. Carson Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF April 20, 2010.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, your after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF - such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

As a result of aggressive pricing and the availability of the $7,500 federal tax credit whose benefit is immediately included, Carson Nissan will be able to offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan LEAF.

Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again. Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating zero emissions while driving! Nissan leads the industry by offering the first affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. Nissan LEAF truly is in a class by itself!

>>>Reserve Your Nissan LEAF<<<

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The small business world has changed. The old ways of doing things won't cut it. You have to be smarter, bolder, tougher and more nimble.

But, someone forgot to tell current commercial vehicle makers who after more than 20 years, have delivered little if no innovation.

That all changed March 10, 2011, 11:15 am ET. That's when Nissan unveiled a commercial vehicle that is finally designed to work for you.

Contact Downtown LA Nissan and see how the way you drive your business can get a lot better!

View Downtown LA Nissan's Commercial Vehicles page

  Funky, fun, and futuristic.

Beauty? Nope. Not a trace. Elegance? Sorry, that was left out. Originality? Well, yes and no. This is the third coming of Nissan's Cube - even though it is the first iteration developed to accommodate left-hand drive for worldwide distribution - so its uncompromising shape is not exactly a surprise. And compared with the Honda Element and the Scion xB, it's a latecomer to the self-propelled packing-box category in this country. So why is it our 2010 Design of the Year? In a word, charm.

You'll probably start to smile as you approach the Cube. It's funny-looking, yes, but in an especially agreeable way. Its prognathous chin is not the least bit aggressive, each side window is inset from the nominal surface with a nice chamfer around it, and, of course, there is the startling asymmetrical rear with the side-hinged door for access to the minuscule luggage space. It's surprising that the trunk is so small, because the interior gives you a sense, if not the fact, of unlimited space. The amount of headroom, elbow room, and legroom makes the Cube feel more like a limo than the upmarket economy car it actually is.

Feng shui - the art of arranging interior environments to promote health, harmony, and general well-being - is an ancient Chinese conceit, but one can wonder whether Nissan consulted an expert in the art when it created the interior of the Cube. Sitting in it immediately gives one a sense of well-being, and that feeling does not go away as the miles accrue. The wave across the instrument panel (echoed in the carpet design), the concentric rings radiating out from the dome light in the molded headliner (mimicked in the door speakers), and the shaping of buttons and switches to please the hands that touch them all work together to make driver and passengers alike content to be in the Cube.

Many people dislike CVT gearboxes, but we think the Cube's optional transmission is just right for the car's mission: to be the thoroughly practical, no-nonsense urban vehicle of the early twenty-first century. The Cube isn't intended for high speeds, but it acquits itself surprisingly well during 75-mph highway drives, with less wind noise from its blunt shape than we have observed in cars with much more aerodynamic forms.

It's funky, fun, and just generally fine. Don't believe us? Just try it.

Consumer Reports magazine has just announced its new automobile Top Picks for 2010. These are the best models of the year based on performance, reliability and safety.

The best all-around model in the Family Sedan category is the Nissan Altima. The Altima is recognized as an exceptional vehicle that excels in a number of areas. It met stringent road test, reliability and safety requirements and scored at the top of its category.

The Altima has an appealing balance of comfort and performance. The cabin is roomy, well finished, and quiet. It has spirited acceleration and secure handling, plus, it gets some of the best fuel economy in its class: 26 mpg overall in four-cylinder models and 24 mpg with a V6.

For 2010, electronic stability control comes standard in all Altima trim lines. It's a proven lifesaving safety feature.

Right now, customers can lease a 2010 Altima Sedan 2.5S with CVT for only $199 per month, or the 2010 Altima Coupe 2.5S CVT for only $269 per month. If purchasing, get 0.0% APR financing for up to 36 months, 1.9% APR financing for up to 60 months, or 3.9% APR financing for up to 72 months, OR $1,000 cash back on all 2010 Altima sedans and coupes.

Come test drive the Nissan Altima Sedan today and see why it's a Top Pick Car for 2010.

This story comes from the 12/28/09 issue of AutoWeek magazine.

Square cars are nothing new to the United States, with the Scion xB and the Honda Element being available for a number of years. We even lived with an Element in our long-term fleet back in 2003, but we haven't had the urge to get another such vehicle since. That is, until the very weird Nissan Cube, with its asymmetrical design, caught our attention.

This brings us to the bitter-chocolate example you see here. We opted for a 1.8 SL model with Nissan's intelligent-key system, push-button ignition, satellite radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and fog lights. On top of that, we selected the Ginormous package (yeah, that's what it's called), which adds a body kit, chrome fascia trim, a 20-color interior accent-lighting system and stainless-steel illuminated kick plates.

In addition, an Interior Design package includes carpeted floor mats and cargo mat, a shag dashboard topper and front-door bungees. We also sprang for optional 16-inch gunmetal alloy wheels and an alarm impact sensor system, bumping the price of our Cube from the $17,510 base price to $22,780.

Power comes from a 1.8-liter I4 with 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque connected to the optional continuously variable transmission. While the standard six-speed manual looked mighty appealing, we believe testing a car with a CVT into which Nissan continues to put much faith would be more newsworthy.

Out at the track, the Cube sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, making it a second slower than the Element. Covering the quarter-mile in the Nissan took 17.6 seconds at 78.9 mph, while the more powerful Honda again claimed bragging rights with a 16.6-second run at 85.3 mph. In brake tests, the Cube took 132 feet to stop from 60 mph; the Element needed 137 feet.

In the slalom, the Nissan put in a respectable 40.9-mph performance through our 490-foot course, compared with the Honda's 40.4-mph speed. Around the skidpad, the Cube pulled off a result of 0.79 g, again eclipsing the Element, which managed only 0.73 g. In both exercises, the Cube exhibited moderate understeer.

Initial Cube impressions around the office are positive. The quirky styling has resonated well with the staff, and the interior has received applause for its comfort and stellar headroom. "Inside, the upright seating is comfy and easy to adjust to a pleasant driving position, with headroom for a 10-gallon hat to spare," said an editor. Ride quality gets a passing grade, with a suspension that handles rough roads well, without the float and body roll common in other boxy cars.

For now, we're enjoying the odd and sideways looks this car gets from other motorists. However, the real test is seeing whether the Cube's novelty wears off during the year. It also will be interesting to see if it takes six years for another square car to land in our long-term garage after the Cube leaves.

PRICING & OPTIONS

Base (includes $720 delivery): $17,510

As-tested price: $22,780

Options: Ginormous package, with aero kit, 20-color interior accent lighting, illuminated stainless-steel kick plates, custom grille, hood accent molding, cargo area protector, interior trim appliqués ($2,550); SL Preferred package, with intelligent key, push-button ignition, steering-wheel audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, Bluetooth, rear sonar system, XM satellite radio, six upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate subwoofer ($1,600); 16-inch gunmetal alloy wheels ($790); Interior Design package, with carpeted floor mats, carpeted cargo-area mat, shag dash topper, front-door bungees ($230); vehicle alarm impact sensor ($100)

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in): 99.6

Track (in): 58.1 front, 58.3 rear

Length/width/height (in): 156.7/66.7/65.0

Curb weight/GVWR (lb): 2,884/3,858

ENGINE

Front-transverse 1.8-liter DOHC I4

Power: 122 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Torque: 127 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

Compression ratio: 9.9:1

Fuel requirement: 87 octane

DRIVETRAIN

Front-wheel drive

Transmission: Continuously variable

Final drive ratio: 5.473:1

SUSPENSION

Front: MacPherson struts with coil springs, twin-tube gas-charged shock absorbers, antiroll bar

Rear: Torsion bar with coil springs, twin-tube gas-charged shock absorbers, antiroll bar

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES

Vented discs front, drum rear, ABS; aluminum 195/55R-16 Toyo A20

FUEL ECONOMY

EPA combined: 30 mpg

TRACK TEST DATA

STANDING-START ACCELERATION

0-60 mph: 9.8 sec

0-quarter-mile: 17.6 sec @ 78.9 mph

BRAKING

60-0 mph: 132 ft

HANDLING

490-ft slalom: 40.9 mph

Lateral acceleration (200-ft skidpad): 0.79 g

INTERIOR NOISE (DBA)

Idle: 41

Full throttle: 78

Steady 60 mph: 67

According to the article: "It's not the world's first electric car, but the Nissan Leaf, launched in August, is the first fully electric vehicle built for mass production for the global market. To help drivers shift their thinking from gas to green, Japan's third largest automaker has about 30 partnerships worldwide focused on developing an infrastructure of battery-recharging stations to keep electric vehicles on the roads. The car's top speed is more than 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h), and its range is 100 miles (160 km) on a full charge. When it moves, it makes a futuristic sound like the flying cars in Blade Runner. Nissan will produce 50,000 Leafs each year at its Oppama plant, southwest of Tokyo, starting in the fall of 2010."

The Nissan Cube has earned a 2010 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The Top Safety Pick award recognizes vehicles that provide superior overall crash protection among vehicles in their class and only includes vehicles with available electronic stability control. The cube comes standard with Nissan's electronic stability control system, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
 
The IIHS has expanded the criteria to earn a Top Safety Pick with the 2010 version of the award. In addition to earning a "GOOD" rating in each of the front, side, and rear impact tests performed by the IIHS, a vehicle must also earn a "GOOD" rating in their new roof crush evaluation.
 
About the safety features of the Nissan cube:

Cube's long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Cube also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

About IIHS

IIHS is a non-profit research institution funded by over 60 automobile insurance companies.  The Institute performs hundreds of tests every year in order to comparatively rate the safety and repair cost of the U.S. vehicle fleet.  For more information, please visit www.iihs.org.
 
Statement:

Nissan is pleased that its ongoing commitment to product safety is reflected in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 2010 Top Safety Pick honors given to the Nissan cube.

We design all of our products to provide a high level of occupant safety in a wide range of real-world crashes. The cube offers a full complement of standard safety features, including vehicle dynamic control with a traction control system,  multiple standard air bags, featuring the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection, along with a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and driver/passenger seat belt warning lamps. Also standard are front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system, front seats with active head restraints and Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones to help dissipate crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today confirmed that an all-new small crossover SUV, the Nissan Juke, will join the Nissan lineup in the United States in fall 2010. The European version of the dramatically styled Juke will be revealed to the media on February 10th and makes its global public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The North American version of Juke is scheduled to debut at the New York Auto Show in late March.

The compact Juke, which was inspired by the Nissan Qazana concept car, was designed and developed to give customers a sporty crossover alternative to traditional small hatchback vehicles. In North America, Juke will join a strong tradition of Nissan crossovers -- including the popular Nissan Murano and Rogue -- in providing both dynamic style and an exhilarating driving experience.

The new Juke is highlighted by a highly distinctive design, which includes a robust stance, high waistline, complex curves, coupe-like profile and aggressive wheels and tires. The bold interior design features a wide center console that takes its inspiration from a motorcycle fuel tank. More information and photography will be available soon.


European show car model shown.