Throwback Thursday: First Generation Greatness
Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today we are taking a look at the first generation Nissan Altima, which debuted back in 1993. With the 2020 Altima coming this year, let’s take a look back at this iconic vehicle and what it meant for Nissan.The name “Altima” originally referred to a trim line of the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1993, Nissan discontinued the Stanza line, replacing it with the U.S.-made Altima. The very first Altima rolled off the assembly line in Smyrna, Tenn., in June 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altima models used Nissan’s 150 hp straight-4 DOHC engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Suspension was composed of struts with stabilizer bars at both ends and was noted for providing sporty, satisfying handling. Trim lines consisted of the entry level XE, mid-line GXE, sporty SE, and luxury GLE. Read more below to learn about the available trim levels and their features! Did You Know?
The base XE (rare) had manual windows. The mid-line GXE had power windows, a power retracting antenna, pass thru rear armrest, digital clock in dash, and color matched plastic speaker grilles for the rear 6-inch speakers. The XE and GXE models only had the fixed intermittent wiper switch. In addition to the GXE features, the SE had a stiffer suspension, fog lights, 3-leg mount rear spoiler, side skirts and sport seats (plus a standard sunroof in 1994-1995). It also had 4-wheel disc brakes, which came on the other trim lines when antilock brakes were ordered.
The GLE’s enhancements included a digital head-up display (1993 and 1994 only), which displayed speed in mph or km/h, turn signals, and various warning lights on a unique mirrored patch made into the windshield. Other features included a coin holder built into the fuse panel cover (1993 and 1994 only), adjustable lumbar support on the front seats, automatic digital climate control, keyless entry with alarm (optional), floor mats, color matched side mirrors, cornering lights, sunroof, and a higher-powered six-speaker cassette/CD stereo which included 6X9 rear speakers with black metal “active speaker” grilles.
For 1997 it gave up all of the above in exchange for standard leather (previously optional). All SE and GLE models had alloy wheels and variable intermittent wipers. The 1993 Altima came with a rosewood colored dash trim and only had a driver’s side airbag coupled with automatic shoulder belts. The 1994 Altima gained a darker burl wood dash trim, a flush mount passenger airbag and regular seatbelts. The 1995 model year also brought a new venetian blind-like grille, new taillights (red and clear), and a new 2 leg mount spoiler with a red LED brake light for the SE. Nissan added new wheel covers for base models in 1996. In 1997 the GXE gained a new “Limited Edition” package including alloy wheels, keyless entry, alarm, floor mats, and a Limited Edition sticker on each side near the front wheels. The majority of final-year Altima models were dubbed “1997.5” models, signifying the added crash protection necessary to meet 1997 side-impact standards.
Face to Face Friday: Eddie Rentas
Happy Face to Face Friday all! Today we are speaking with Eddie Rentas, one of our outstanding technicians here at the dealership. He has been in the vehicle industry for 23 years, and 13 of them have been with us here at Bondy’s Nissan. His favorite Nissan model in the 3rd generation Pathfinder(2005-2012), as he has two and they are very reliable. His definition of customer service is as follows: ” I enjoy working on cars,and satisfying customer reviews dor any additional services needed.”. Thanks Eddie!
Face to Face Friday: Jessie Sorrells
Happy Face to Face Friday everyone! Today we are speaking Jesse Sorrells, one of our awesome technicians here in our service department. He has worked in the car industry for 19 years and has been with us for 3 of them. His favorite Nissan model is the Altima because of the big interior and how economic is is. His definition of customer service is precise, timely, and honest application of skills by a team to meet or exceed expectations of all parties involved. Thanks Jesse! #bondysnissan #facetofacefriday
Throwback Thursday: The Fast and the Fairlady
Happy Throwback Thursday everyone!
Today we are taking a look at the 1972 Fairlady 240Z-G. The Fairlady Z was developed as the successor to the Fairlady 2000 (SR311). In late November 1969, the S30 (first-generation model) was launched. The first generation FairladyZ S30 (also known as Datsun 240Z) was developed as successor of Datsun Sports 2000 SR311 and released in December 1969 in Japan. At first, only a 2,000cc model was available, but two years later, in November 1971, the 240Z was launched in Japan, and was powered by a 2,400cc engine. It became a big hit not only in Japan but in countries such as North America because of the beautiful styling, improved driving comfort and safety, high performance engine, 4-wheel independent suspension, and the affordable price. This modified model pictured was the fastest grade 240Z-G that was used as a police car in the Kanagawa Prefecture, mainly on the highways.
Face to Face Friday: James Gray
Happy Face to Face Friday everyone! Today we are speaking with James Gray, one of our awesome Express Lube Techs here at the dealership. He has worked in the car industry for 6 years and he has been with us at Bondys Nissan for almost a year! His favorite Nissan model is the Nissan Titan because it’s the ultimate all around truck. His definition of customer service is to make sure any work that is done is done quickly and correctly, and that any questions on the repairs are answered so customers know what to expect. Thanks James! #bondysnissan #facetofacefriday
Tech Tuesday-360 Degrees of Safety
Happy Tech Tuesday all! Today we are taking a look at Safety Shield 360, a suite of six advanced active safety and driver-assist technologies, as standard equipment on all of its top-selling models by 2021, representing more than one million vehicles annually.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), cross traffic alert reduces crashes by 22 percent; the combination of rearview cameras and sensors reduces crashes by 42 percent; and adding rear emergency braking reduces backing crashes by 78 percent compared with vehicles with none of these features.
Nissan North American chairman Denis LeVot, says “Our philosophy is to bring Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies to market in our most popular and affordable vehicles.” He also stated that “Safety Shield 360 combines six advanced systems to give models like Altima and Rogue a class-leading package of technologies that can improve safety and the overall driving experience for Nissan owners.”
The suite of advanced driver-assist systems includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection , Blind Spot Warning , Rear Cross Traffic Alert , Lane Departure Warning , High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking . These features are sure to revolutionize the way we drive, as well as help safe driving skyrocket with these enhancements.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 supports the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision to redefine how cars are driven, powered, and integrated into society.
Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes front, side and rear sensing technologies – have been introduced as standard equipment on SV and SL grades of the 2019 Rogue, 2019 Rogue Sport and the 2019 Altima, as well as the upcoming 2020 models.
Face to Face Friday: Nathanial Burton
Happy Face to Face Friday everyone! Today we are speaking with Nathanial Burton, one of our stellar sale people here at the dealership. He has been with us here for one month, and this month is his first in the car business! His favorite Nissan model is the Titan, because in 2005 his uncle bought one from Bondy’s and 330,000 miles later it is still going strong! His definition of customer service is ” I like to treat my family the way I want to be treated, and I like to treat my customers like family.” Thanks Nathan!
Throwback Thursday: The Power of Patrol
Happy Throwback Thursday all! Today we are taking a look at the rugged Datsun Patrol, which debuted in 1951.
The answer to the Jeep, the second-generation Datsun Patrol was sold in the U.S. for a short period of time. This generation featured a rugged leaf-spring suspension on a ladder-style frame, with a robust 4×4 system. Overseas, Patrols were used as safari conquerors, along with providing the base vehicle for fire engines, vans and ambulances. Today, the Nissan Patrol is available overseas in Australia, Central and South America, South Africa, parts of Southeast Asia and Western Europe as well as Iran and the Middle East. This is excluding North America where as of 2016, a modified version has been sold as what we know as the Nissan Armada.
Tech Tuesday: Leaf Madness!
Happy Tech Tuesday all! Today we are celebrating a pretty big milestone from the past year. The Nissan LEAF became the first electric car in history to surpass 400,000 sales, solidifying the model’s leading role in the global shift toward more sustainable mobility. Introduced in 2010 as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF has led the way in making the excitement and convenience of electric driving accessible to non-luxury buyers. Less than a decade ago, electric cars were seen as a niche product, and LEAF customers were mostly “early adopters.” Today, a growing number of consumers say their next car may be electric. Customers are choosing the LEAF for its powerful, agile performance and advanced technologies, such as the ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system, in addition to the benefits of sustainable mobility.
Did you Know?
Here are some facts on the Nissan Leaf!
In launching the first-generation LEAF, Nissan pledged to become a global leader in producing and promoting vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions. The company committed itself to working with governments and utility companies to support the adoption of electric vehicles, make charging them easier and more convenient, and develop second-life uses for electric car batteries.
Since then, Nissan has formed partnerships around the world under its Nissan Energy initiative. These partnerships will leverage the ability of electric car batteries to store energy and share it with homes, businesses and power grids – making electric vehicles even more useful, while promoting efficient energy use. Meanwhile, LEAF owners have driven their cars more than 10 billion kilometers in total. The number of LEAF vehicles sold since 2010 is enough to save 3.8 million barrels of oil a year.
The Nissan LEAF embodies the three pillars of Nissan Intelligent Mobility – Intelligent Power, Intelligent Drive and Intelligent Integration. The car’s innovative electric powertrains exemplify the first, while ProPILOT Assist, available in many markets, showcases the second. Designed for single-lane driving on the highway, ProPILOT Assist maintains speed and lane position while reducing driver fatigue.
Nissan Energy also includes new efforts to reuse batteries, a vital step in enhancing the sustainability of electric vehicles. Along with strategic partners, Nissan has taken LEAF batteries and repurposed them for use in off-grid street lighting, power banks for sports complexes, and more.
The Nissan LEAF is built at three factories: Oppama, Japan; Sunderland, England; and Smyrna, Tennessee.
Face to Face Friday: Joey Jaeb
Happy Face to Face Friday everyone! Today we are speaking with Joey Jaeb, a shop foreman and master technician here at the dealership. He has been in the car business for 38 years and 20 of them have been with us here at Bondy’s Nissan! His favorite Nissan model is the Frontier because it is bulletproof and has no problems. You can just drive, drive, and drive! His definition of customer service is to strive to fix things right the first time. Thanks Joey!
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