Nissan Cedric Cima: a luxury sedan with Japanese character

Nissan Cedric Cima is not just a car, but a symbol of Japanese engineering and luxury of the 1980s–2000s. Model created on the basis of the platform Nissan Cedric, has become the top of the brand's line of business sedans, combining elegance, reliability and advanced technology. In Japan Cima It was positioned as a flagship sedan for business people and high-ranking officials, and outside of it - as an exclusive imported car with a unique design and equipment.

History Cedric Cima has four generations (1988–2010), each of which brought innovations: from the first VH41 with naturally aspirated V8 to the last F50 with a hybrid installation. The car was famous not only for its comfort, but also unique all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS, which later formed the basis of the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R. Today Cima - a rare collector's item, valued for its authenticity and technical excellence.

History of creation: from Cedric to Cima

Roots Nissan Cedric Cima go back to the 1960s, when the company Nissan released the first Cedric 30 - a middle class sedan designed to compete with Toyota Crown. However, the idea of a premium flagship only arose in the 1980s, when the Japanese market demanded a car of the same level Lexus LS or Toyota Century. So in 1988 it appeared Cedric Cima VH41 - first sedan Nissan with V8 engine and all-wheel drive.

The name “Cima” (Italian: “peak”) is not accidental: the model was supposed to lead the line Nissan and demonstrate the maximum achievements of the brand. Interestingly, in some countries (for example, in the Middle East) the car was sold as Nissan President - another confirmation of his elite status. Production Cima was produced exclusively in Japan at the Yokohama plant, which added exclusivity to the model.

• 📅 1988–1991 - debut of the first generation VH41 with engine VH41DE (4.1 l, 200 hp).
• 🔧 1991–1996 — restyling and appearance of the system ATTESA E-TS (later used in GT-R).
• 💎 1996–2001 - second generation FY33 with more aggressive design and engine VH45DE (4.5 l, 260 hp).
• 🌿 2001–2010 - last generations F50 with hybrid version and system Laser Cruise Control.

⚠️ Attention: Many Cedric Cima The first generations suffered from suspension corrosion due to the use of low-quality materials in the 1980s and 1990s. When purchasing, be sure to check the condition of the levers and silent blocks!

Technical characteristics: engines and transmissions

With my heart Nissan Cedric Cima There have always been powerful and reliable engines. Basic versions were equipped with in-line sixes RB20/25, but the real highlight was the V8 VH41DE And VH45DE - the first serial eight-cylinder engines Nissan for 20 years. These units were famous for their smooth operation and service life. 300,000+ km with proper maintenance.

The all-wheel drive system deserves special attention ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain), which automatically distributed torque between the axles. Normal mode Cima It was rear-wheel drive, but when slipping, the front axle was connected. This technology later became the basis for the legendary Skyline GT-R R32.

Generation	Engine	Power (hp)	Drive	Gearbox
VH41 (1988–1996)	VH41DE 4.1 V8	200–220	Full/Rear	4-st. automatic
FY33 (1996–2001)	VH45DE 4.5 V8	260	Full/Rear	5-st. automatic
F50 (2001–2010)	VQ30DD 3.0 V6 + electric motor	225 (hybrid)	Full	CVT

Last generation F50 became revolutionary thanks to the hybrid installation Nissan Hybrid System, which combined gasoline VQ30DD with an electric motor. This system made it possible to save fuel in the urban cycle, but due to the complexity of the design, today such units require special attention during maintenance.

Design and interior: Japanese luxury

Appearance Cedric Cima has always been distinguished by the discreet elegance typical of Japanese business sedans. First generation VH41 had strict straight lines and a massive radiator grille, while FY33 (1996) acquired more streamlined shapes and headlights with “drop-shaped” turn signals - a corporate style Nissan those years.

Interior Cima was made of high quality materials: genuine leather, wood (most often walnut or maple), soft plastic. In top versions they were installed electric drives for everything: adjustment of seats, steering wheel, mirrors, as well as climate control with separate zones for rear passengers. The option was especially appreciated Rear Seat Entertainment with TV and DVD player - a rarity for the 1990s.

• 🪑 Seats: ventilation, heating, massage (optional in F50).
• 🎛️ Steering wheel: wood trim, audio control buttons.
• 🔊 Audio system: premium Bose with 10+ speakers.
• 🚗 Additionally: refrigerator in the center armrest (optional).

⚠️ Attention: In models before 2000, climate control electronics often fail due to oxidation of contacts. Repairs cost 15–30 thousand rubles, but original spare parts are difficult to find.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the legendary reliability, Nissan Cedric Cima has a number of “diseases” that any potential owner should be aware of. The main problem is corrosion. Japanese cars from the 1990s often suffer from rust in the arches, sills and suspension mounting points. Cars operated in regions with salt on the roads are especially vulnerable.

The second "Achilles heel" - automatic transmission. In the first generations (VH41) 4-speed automatic RE4R01A known for wear of the torque converter after 200 thousand km. B FY33 And F50 the situation has been improved, but even there regular oil changes are required (every 60 thousand km).

More about gearboxes

In hybrid version F50 CVT is used Jatco, which is sensitive to overheating. When towing or aggressive driving, it is recommended to install an additional cooling radiator.

• 🔋 Electronics: frequent malfunctions of the on-board computer (especially in F50).
• 🛞 Suspension: wear of silent blocks and stabilizer struts after 150 thousand km.
• 🔥 Engine: in VH45DE There may be problems with the oil supply after 250 thousand km.
• 🔧 Brakes: rapid wear of pads and discs due to the heavy weight of the car.

Cedric Cima on the secondary market: prices and what to look for

Today Nissan Cedric Cima - a rare guest on the secondary market, especially in good condition. Prices vary from 300 thousand rubles per copy with a mileage of 200+ thousand km up to 1.5–2 million rubles for collector's versions with minimal mileage. The most popular models FY33 (1996–2001) with engine VH45DE and all-wheel drive.

When choosing, pay attention to:

1. Mileage: optimally up to 150 thousand km. After 200 thousand km, a major overhaul of the suspension and gearbox is required.
2. Country of origin: Japanese examples (from auctions) are usually in better condition than American or Middle Eastern ones.
3. Equipment: presence of leather interior, climate control and system ATTESA significantly increases the cost.

Best search sites:

• 🌐 Japanese auctions: USS Auction, Goo-net (through intermediaries).
• 📱 Russian boards: Avito, Drom (filter by year and mileage).
• 🤝 Owners clubs: groups in VK And Facebook (for example, "Nissan Cedric & Gloria Club").

Tuning and modifications: how to improve Cedric Cima

Thanks to its robust design and powerful motors, Cedric Cima lends itself well to tuning. Most popular destinations:

1. Engine:
   • 🔥 Installing a turbo kit on VH45DE (potential up to 350+ hp).
   • 🛢️ Replacement of the oil pump and piston rings to reduce oil burn.
2. Suspension:
   • 🚗 Installation of air suspension for better handling.
   • 🔧 Replacing racks with sports ones (for example, Tein or KYB).
3. Exterior:
   • 🎨 Full painting in original colors (for example, AR3 Dark Green Metallic).
   • 💡 Replacing optics with LED or xenon (while maintaining the style of the 1990s).

The best option is restoration to factory condition with minor improvements (for example, a modern audio system or climate control).

⚠️ Attention: When tuning the engine VH45DE be sure to strengthen the gearbox! The standard automatic is not designed for power above 300 hp. and may fail.

Cedric Cima in pop culture and racing series

Despite the status of a business sedan, Nissan Cedric Cima appeared more than once in films, games and even racing. The most famous facts:

• 🎬 Cinema: Cima FY33 used in Japanese crime dramas as a yakuza vehicle (for example, the film "Outrage" by Takeshi Kitano).
• 🎮 Games: the model is present in Gran Turismo 2 And Forza Horizon 4 (like a rare collector car).
• 🏁 Racing: in the 1990s Cedric (not Cima) participated in the Japanese championship JTCC, but due to weight it was inferior to lighter rivals.

I wonder what Cima became a prototype for Nissan President - a limousine that was used by Japanese prime ministers. This once again emphasizes its status as one of the most prestigious cars. Nissan.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Cedric Cima

🔧 Which engine does the Cedric Cima have the most reliable?

The undisputed resource leader - VH45DE (4.5 L V8). With proper maintenance, it easily covers 300–400 thousand km. Straight-six RB20/25 also reliable, but less powerful. Hybrid version VQ30DD more economical, but more difficult to repair.

💰 How much does it cost to maintain Cedric Cima per year?

Costs depend on the condition of the car:

• 🛢️ Fuel: 12–15 l/100 km (V8) → ~150 thousand rubles/year with a mileage of 15 thousand km.
• 🔧 Service: 50–100 thousand rubles/year (change of oils, filters, brake pads).
• 🚗 Insurance: 20–40 thousand rubles. (depends on the region).
• 🛠️ Repair: from 30 thousand rubles. (if nothing breaks) up to 200+ thousand rubles. (with suspension or gearbox capitalization).

🔄 Is it possible to install the engine from the Skyline GT-R on the Cima?

Technically possible, but extremely expensive. RB26DETT from GT-R physically fits into the engine compartment Cima, but you will need:

• Replacing the gearbox (for example, with Getrag from GT-R).
• Reworking engine mounts and exhaust system.
• Setting up electronics (it is better to use a standalone unit, for example, Haltech).

The budget for such a swap is from 500 thousand rubles (excluding the cost of the donor motor).

🌍Where can I find spare parts for the Cedric Cima?

Main sources:

• 🇯🇵 Japan: auctions Yahoo! Japan Auctions, shops Amayama or Buyee.
• 🇷🇺 Russia: groups in VK (“Spare parts for Nissan Cedric”), stores JapZap or CarJapan.
• 🇺🇸 USA: eBay (search by engine code, e.g. VH45DE).

Advice: buy spare parts only with a guarantee - counterfeits (especially electronics) are common!

🚗 What is the alternative to the Cedric Cima among Japanese sedans?

If you like Cima, please note:

• 🏆 Toyota Century - more conservative, but even more luxurious.
• 💎 Lexus LS400 (1990–2000) - similar level of comfort, but with V8 1UZ-FE.
• 🔥 Mazda Sentia - rare sedan with a rotary engine 20B-REW.
• 🚀 Mitsubishi Debonair - less prestigious, but reliable and cheap to maintain.