Would You Buy a Proper Nissan Convertible SUV?

"The World of Vee" (theworldofvee) 04/16/2014 at 18:49 • Filed to: Beyond Motoring

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The passing of the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! really got me wondering what market Nissan was looking to capture with the car. In today's US domestic market, convertible SUVs are much more the exception than the norm but there was a time when pretty much every auto manufacturer at least offered one SUV in a short wheel base two door configuration with a soft top/removable hardtop. I think Nissan could have had a winner on its hands, if only it chose a better starting point.

I personally love them, they're a fun cross between a rugged hauler and a wind in your hair cruiser. The fact that we've had so many cool ones just speaks testament to how great they are. Remember at one point in time, you could choose between a Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Discovery, Chevy fullsize, Chevy/Geo Tracker, Suzuki Swift, Hummer H1, and Lamborghini LM002. Now I'm sure I'm missing a couple, but in 1994 all of those offerings were available for sale in dealers. I know that was 20 years ago but it goes to show that there was once a sizable market for such vehicles and the Japanese auto manufacturers were at the forefront. Now even giants like the Mercedes G-Cabriolet have !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and yes the G Cabrio is the coolest G wagon.

So I ask, would you buy a proper convertible SUV? Pardon my crude photo shop, but a slightly shorter Xterra with 4 seats, a softtop and actual rollcage and light rack would actually be quite cool. I know the Xterra hasn't been updated in about 100 years but it's something worth considering. We always hear clamoring for a Raptor SUV, well a 2 door Raptor with a soft top is what I'd want (could you imagine?) The possibilities are endless. My plan? Import one of those G-Cabrios in a few years time and fit it with all the newer luxury goodies.

Crocket Bernet > The World of Vee 04/16/2014 at 08:56

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Umm, no.

The World of Vee > Crocket Bernet 04/16/2014 at 08:57

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Wranglers rule. But they can be a bit rough day to day

t_s > The World of Vee 04/16/2014 at 09:04

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No I would not. I don't think that the Murano convertible was a good idea to begin with. It started from what was already a lukewarm vehicle and took it to a level of uselessness hitherto explored only by such luminaries of the superfluous like the Maybach Landaulet and that lifted ford pickup with the tank tracks.

Crocket Bernet > The World of Vee 04/16/2014 at 09:04

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I'm sorry let me elaborate, I'm sure you think that a convertible Nissan SUV is a good idea but I'm pretty sure everyone who would want one already has a Jeep. They have a pretty solid hold on the market and I think if Nissan were to enter the market they would need to out do Jeep at their own game. To be successful they would need to be better at off roading, cruising and have a bigger aftermarket than a company that has been building a fan base for decades.

Crocket Bernet > The World of Vee 04/16/2014 at 09:07

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You changed your reply now my other one doesn't make sense.

The World of Vee > Crocket Bernet 04/16/2014 at 09:08

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yeah sorry when you first replied there was no picture so I thought you were just being dismissive

The World of Vee > t_s 04/16/2014 at 09:10

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but what about a proper platform? that's what I'm asking. the murano was a crossover never meant to go off road so making a cabrio was literally pandering to soccer moms

but things like the Xterra and Pathfinder are made to go off road, a 2 door softtop of one of those would be swell

DeliciousTurboSoup > The World of Vee 04/16/2014 at 16:58

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I would at least consider a convertible SUV... not a Nissan though. I do prefer the old convertible truck SUV's though, they'd really have to sell it well to get me to want one over one of these.

jkm7680 > The World of Vee 04/16/2014 at 18:58

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Prolly Not.