Isn’t that a Maxima?
If you were a kid in the ’80s, you might see this and think, Maxima! Close. This is a Nissan Gloria. Sharing a toned-down RB inline-six with the Skyline, it never made it to the U.S. due to market positioning and cost concerns.
Here’s my 1992 Gloria Wagon with 183K miles! Look at those fender mirrors!
The Nissan Gloria had strong demand in Japan as a luxury sedan, but in the U.S. market, it would have competed with existing models like the Maxima . Given this overlap, Nissan likely saw no need to introduce the Gloria to the American lineup. Additionally, differences in emissions regulations, drivetrain preferences, and overall consumer demand meant the Gloria wasn’t well-suited for the U.S. market, leading Nissan to forgo its export.
That said, it’s intriguing to imagine how the Gloria might have performed in the U.S. had it been available. Thanks to the 25-year import rule, these cars are now eligible for import, and they’ve started to gain popularity among JDM enthusiasts looking for something unique. 🚗💨
1. Market Positioning and Differences
In Japan, the Gloria was positioned as a luxury vehicle, commonly used for corporate fleets, taxis, and executive transport. It shared a platform with the Nissan Cedric, which filled a similar role.
Meanwhile, in the U.S. market, Nissan had already introduced models that catered to this segment, such as the Infiniti Q45 (launched as a luxury brand) and the Maxima, which was marketed as a sporty, premium sedan. Since these models were already available, there was little reason to add the Gloria to the lineup.
2. Engine Size and Powertrain Differences
During the late ’80s and ’90s, the U.S. market favored V6 and V8 engines, with a preference for larger displacement powertrains. The Gloria, however, primarily came with inline-six engines (L-series, RB-series) or diesel options, which didn’t align with American consumer preferences.
While the RB engine family is now legendary among enthusiasts, back then, U.S. buyers expected larger engines for highway cruising and performance, making the Gloria a less attractive option.
3. Emissions and Safety Regulations
In the 1980s and 1990s, the U.S. imposed strict emissions regulations (EPA standards) and crash safety requirements, which varied significantly from Japan’s. Adapting the Gloria to meet these standards would have required significant investment in development and testing, making it an impractical move for Nissan. Instead, the company focused on refining models like the Maxima and Infiniti Q45 to better suit the American market.
4. Competition in the Luxury Sedan Market
During the 1990s, Japanese luxury sedans were rarely exported to the U.S. without significant changes—even the Toyota Crown was not officially sold stateside. Instead of bringing over high-end models directly from Japan, Nissan launched the Infiniti brand to cater to American buyers, with vehicles like the Q45.
Given that Nissan was already positioning Infiniti as its premium brand in the U.S., adding the Gloria to the lineup would have created unnecessary overlap. The company likely saw little benefit in marketing another large sedan under the Nissan name when they were already investing in Infiniti’s success.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Nissan Gloria was a great car for the Japanese market, but it simply didn’t fit into Nissan’s U.S. strategy at the time. However, with its classic styling, smooth inline-six engines, and undeniable nostalgia factor, it has become a desirable import for collectors and enthusiasts today. What was your favorite Nissan from the ’80s or ’90s?