Espinosa Takes Helm at Nissan at One of Carmaker's Lowest Points
Hours before Ivan Espinosa was revealed as Nissan Motor Co. 's next chief executive officer, he was spotted rolling up to work in the driver's seat of a sleek sports car — a rare sight in Japan, where corporate executives are typically ferried around in the back of a luxury saloon.
While Espinosa impressed car lovers with his ride — a metallic grey, left-hand drive Fairlady Z — confidence around the little-known executive's ability to address Nissan's pile pf problems remains less favorable.
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Motor 1
an hour ago
- Motor 1
‘Smalltima, Talltima, Recalltima:' Man Says All Nissans are ‘Altima-Based.' Then He Reveals Why
As summer approaches, this man says you need to beware of Nissan Altimas hitting the road. He may have a point. While sedans have dwindled in popularity, Altimas have remained at the top of Nissan's bestseller list and are generally popular due to their fuel efficiency, comfort, and price. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Despite their popularity, it's unclear if the company will continue producing one of its best-selling products. It's rumored that Nissan will discontinue the Altima in 2026. Altima haters everywhere are rejoicing at the thought of having fewer of these vehicles on the road. But how did the Altima become so notorious? A Punchline With Four Wheels In a Facebook Reel , car lover Shadetreemotors jokingly accuses Nissan of lacking creativity in its designs. 'Watch out, everyone, it's springtime. That means the Altimas will become more aggressive and numerous,' Shadetreemotors jests while showing clips of broken down and damaged Altimas. Trending Now Man Fills Up His Truck. Then He Pulls Out a Trick for When the Handle Clicks and Stops Pumping Man Spots Chihuahua in a Ford With the Engine Off and Windows Rolled Up. What Should He Do? To help people stay safe out there, he compiled a list of all the Nissans you should look out for on the road. Fair warning, his list is highly unserious. 'Remember, Nissan doesn't make any car that isn't Altima based,' Shadetreemotors says in the reel. As images of various models of damaged Nissans flash by, Shadetreemotors describes them as the Smalltima, Talltima (pickup truck), Crawltima (bigger truck), HVACinstalltima (white cargo van), Beckywe'regoingtothemalltima (pink SUV), and Recalltima (Nissan with a deployed airbag). 'Stay safe out there,' he warns. One of the Most Dangerous Cars on the Road Shadetreemotors may have been joking, but he does have a point about Altimas being dangerous. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent nonprofit dedicated to making vehicles and roads safer, conducted a study of driver deaths that occurred from 2018 to 2021. It found that the Nissan Altima has among the worst death rates. The Altima comes in at number nine for driver death and 14 for other driver death. In contrast, the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD and Nissan Murano 2WD were among the safest for driver deaths. According to the study, the vehicles with the highest rate of driver deaths are: Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback Dodge Challenger 2WD Hyundai Accent Chevrolet Spark Kia Rio sedan Dodge Charger HEMI 2WD Chevrolet Camaro convertible Nissan Altima Kia Forte The study found the vehicles with the highest rates of other-driver deaths are: Ram 3500 Crew Cab long bed 4WD Dodge Charger HEMI 2WD Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4WD Ram 2500 Mega Cab 4WD Kia Optima Kia Rio sedan Ram 2500 Crew Cab short bed 4WD Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4WD Dodge Charger 2WD Ram 1500 Crew Cab short bed 2WD Why the Bad Rep? The consensus on Altima drivers being reckless is so clear that there's even a term for it: 'Big Altima Energy.' And despite having good safety ratings, from 2020-2022, The Autopian reports that Altimas had a crash claim rate 45% above average and more than double the average rate of personal injury and medical payment claims for midsize sedans. One Redditor shared why they think this may be the case. They think it has to do with the drivers, not the car. 'Nissans are heavily used in the rental market and resold cheaply—who buys cheap cars?' they wrote. 'Poor people and those with bad driving records who can't get financing. People working delivery jobs, or multiple jobs—both with an elevated risk for accidents. I mean—any other vehicle could slot right in if used the same way.' Commenters React People were highly amused by Shadetreemotors' take on Nissans. 'I saw this a year ago and always laugh to myself whenever I see an HVAC Installtima,' a top comment reads. 'My dads Altima is called the Assaultima. I named it,' one person shared. 'I'm a dealer, the one and only Altima I got had a bullet hole in it,' another wrote. 'Nissan Altimas always have the right of way…. Whoever is less afraid to get into an accident will always have the right of way,' a commenter said. Via direct message, Shadetreemotors told Motor1, " Nissan is a terrible car company and all their cars are based on one terrible car." "As a mechanic I can confidently say not one of their current cars is remotely reliable." More From Motor1 Nissan Might Sell Its Home to Survive: Report Man Spots Chihuahua in a Ford With the Engine Off and Windows Rolled Up. What Should He Do? 'Lawyer Up': Woman Drops Off Mercedes At Dealership For Oil Change. Then She's Told It's Totaled, Costs $27K To 'Fix 5 Wires' Woman Walks Up to a Brand-New Ford Lariat. Then She Learns it has a New 'Luxury' Feature Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Nissan Drops Can't-Miss Leaf Lease Deal for June
The Nissan Leaf was one of the first of its kind, and while it hasn't quite kept up with its latest competitors in terms of tech, it does manage to undercut many of them in price. The 2025 Leaf is one of the few EVs available for under $30,000, making it one of the most affordable models around. With Nissan's latest June lease deal, you can get into a new Leaf for as little as $179 per month, depending on location. That specific lease deal spans a 36-month term and requires a $2,599 down payment. The 2025 Nissan Leaf doesn't exactly stand out from the crowd. In fact, with its simplistic styling, one could argue it was purposefully designed to blend in. The Japanese EV carries over with no major changes for the 2025 model year, and Nissan has already confirmed that the current Leaf will be leaving soon. Notably, however, the automaker plans to revive the nameplate in the future, but there's no set timeline on that just yet. The Nissan Leaf is available in two trim levels, with battery size being the primary difference between the two. The base S trim comes with a 40 kWh battery capable of powering the all-electric hatchback for up to 149 miles. While that might give some commuters range anxiety, those only traveling a handful of miles - or through tight city streets - might find the Leaf fits their needs to a T. The SV Plus features a 60 kWh battery that boosts range to 212 miles. While you won't get the latest tech and premium comfort amenities, the budget-friendly Leaf does feature a few highlights worth noting. An eight-inch touchscreen display comes standard, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Both trim levels feature four USB ports, along with a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster. In terms of space, the Nissan Leaf boasts up to 23.6 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats in their upright position. If you want an EV geared toward comfort, the SV Plus comes with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, among other niceties. As far as performance goes, the Nissan Leaf is a compact EV that's ideal for urban travel. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and there's no all-wheel drive upgrade available. The Leaf's electric powertrain is capable of producing a respectable 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque when paired with the 40 kWh battery. Upgrading to the 60 kWh battery increases performance to a sportier 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Nissan has never been one to play favorites, and, for the most part, that remains true regarding Leaf lease deals. Most of the United States sees the same lease offer on a new Leaf S with a 40 kWh battery: $289 per month with $2,239 due at signing. That deal is valid for most major hubs, including Seattle, Detroit, Miami, and Los Angeles, as well as Honolulu and Anchorage. Residents of New York City can get that same Leaf model for $269 per month, with a $2,249 down payment. Denver residents seem to get the best lease deal, though, with a $179 monthly payment and $2,599 due at signing. All lease offers run through June 30th, are based on a 36-month term, and include a 10,000-mile allowance. No one is arguing that the Nissan Leaf is the best of the best, but if you want a brand-new EV at an affordable price, there's no beating it. With a starting price of $28,140, the 2025 Leaf undercuts most, if not all, other EVs on the market. Add in Nissan's rather enticing June lease deal, especially for those living in the Denver area, and a new Leaf just looks better and better. Don't forget that time is a factor here, so if you want to get into a new Leaf, act before the end of June! Lease offers may vary based on region, market conditions, vehicle configuration, and are subject to credit approval. Advertised monthly payments may not include taxes, title, registration, or other fees. To learn more about this 2025 Nissan Leaf lease offer, visit the official Nissan website and enter your zip code. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Motor 1
10 hours ago
- Motor 1
2026 Nissan Sentra: Everything We Know
Nissan isn't giving up on small cars. Even though the tiny Versa is rumored to be on the chopping block, the company is currently working on a brand-new version of the Sentra in an attempt to dethrone compact sedan staples like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The current version of the Sentra won't survive past the current 2025 model year, which means a new one should arrive sooner rather than later. Expect it before the end of the year with an on-sale date of 2026. We've already seen the spy photos and heard many of the rumors, but here's everything you need to know about Nissan's next compact sedan. Here's What We Know 2026 Kia Telluride: Everything We Know 2027 Nissan Maxima: Everything We Know What Will the New Sentra Look Like? 2026 Nissan Sentra Rendering by Motor1 Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1 Nissan's new design language will extend to every one of its vehicles, Sentra included. Many of the cues we've already seen on SUVs like the Kicks and Murano , as well as the upcoming Leaf , should trickle down to the compact sedan. Based on the spy photos and teasers we've already seen, the new Sentra will look much sharper—and it could be slightly longer than the current car. The compact sedan will have a new face highlighted by the brand's latest angular headlight treatment. A light bar should run across the hood line just above the V-shaped grille (though, don't call it a V-Motion grille ). New Nissan Sentra Spy Photos Photo by: KGP Photography New Nissan Sentra Spy Photos Photo by: KGP Photography The back end will likely have a similarly svelte design with an LED taillight treatment that extends across the trunk lid. Those same spy photos also show a subtle ducktail spoiler jutting out from the trunk lid, which should give the Sentra a slightly sportier look. Our artist brought those spy photos to life in the renderings you see here. What Kind of Technology Will It Have? 2025 Nissan Murano Interior Photo by: Nissan If you've been in any of Nissan's latest SUVs, the Sentra's interior should look familiar. We expect a streamlined, screen-heavy design with a few touch-capacitive controls. Don't worry, though, Nissan won't ditch buttons entirely. The company's latest products do still have centralized volume knobs and a few tactile controls. The Sentra's current 7.0- and 8.0-inch touchscreen displays should both grow in size, and Nissan will undoubtedly offer a digital instrument cluster to go with it. The company currently offers dual 12.3-inch screens in most of its cars, which should carry over to the Sentra. What Engine Will the New Sentra Have? The current Nissan Sentra has a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine making 149 horsepower, and we don't expect much to change. The base model will likely keep its 2.0-liter engine, with minor upgrades in power and efficiency. That said, the Rogue's turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine could also carry over. Nissan has also been vocal about its lack of hybrids. The company could remedy that with its next-generation Sentra. Even though the automaker doesn't currently offer a hybrid powertrain in the US, Nissan does have a range of e-Power hybrids in Japan that could make their way Stateside—or at least, a version of those powertrains. The Sentra spy photos show a prototype with tailpipes, which leads us to believe that the Sentra won't go all-electric, as others have speculated. In fact, we don't expect Nissan to offer an electric version at all. The new Sentra will likely hit the market with a naturally aspirated gas engine and a hybrid option. Nissan Sentra teaser Photo by: Nissan What Will the New Sentra Compete Against? Even though the 2026 Sentra may grow in size, it will remain in the compact sedan space. That will put it up against current competitors like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, and Toyota Corolla. How Much Will the New Sentra Cost? Don't expect the 2026 Sentra to get a major price hike. The current Sentra starts at just $22,730 for the base SV model, while even the most expensive trim—the SR Midnight Edition—is only $26,425. As a brand-new model, the 2026 Sentra will undoubtedly see a price increase over the current version. We wouldn't be surprised to see a base price of around $25,000. The Sentra could even move production from Mexico to the US to avoid President Trump's proposed tariffs. That said, we expect the new Sentra to remain competitive with the Honda Civic in terms of price, which starts at just over $25,000 for the 2025 model year. When Will We See It? Nissan has already confirmed that the 2026 Sentra will debut later this year before going on sale sometime in 2025. Exact timing is still to be determined. 13 Source: KGP Photography Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
