Nissan Skyline review

The Nissan Skyline is best known as a race-winning sports car. However, more are sold as sedans for daily use. Offering rear or all-wheel drive, this model is also sold internationally under Nissan’s Infiniti brand and competes with premium cars like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. An SUV-like ‘Crossover’ version also became available in 2009.

The Skyline 250GT looks sleek and muscular with its bulging front and rear wings. The lights follow a similar shape. From the side, the car has a slightly coupé-like roofline. The rear has a large chrome lip running across the boot lid and the tail lights curve down into it. Twin tailpipes add to the sporty look.

Inside, the Skyline doesn’t feel as spacious as you’d expect for its size. The sleek look eats into the interior space and makes it feel closed in.

Most surfaces are a quality dark plastic and a large strip of metal trim runs down the centre console. Items your hands come in contact with – such as the steering wheel, transmission shifter and armrest – are covered in black leather.

Both front and rear rows are sculpted with sizeable bolsters for more support when cornering. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and features a control for lumbar support. 

The rear seat has a large lump between the two window seats and shoulder room is tight. That makes it better for two adults. The legroom is acceptable but the shape of the front seats means they can feel like they’re eating into the rear passenger space.

The dashboard features an infotainment screen with the main controls immediately underneath. Local maps are not available in the navigation system and a band expander will be required to receive most stations. 

Under this is a large analogue clock with more stereo controls on either side. There are also separate climate control settings for driver and passenger. Phone and radio controls are found on the steering wheel.

Although the boot has a generous capacity for a medium-size sedan at 382 litres, its odd shape reduces its practicality. It should take two large and two small suitcases. If you use soft luggage, you will be able to fit more. A ‘ski port’ is available for carrying long narrow items.

Three engine options are available in the Skyline sedan: 2.5, 3.5 and 3.7-litre versions of Nissan’s well-regarded ‘VQ’ six-cylinder engine. The 2.5-litre powering our review vehicle is the most common. The 3.7-litre replaced the 3.5-litre in 2008.

Producing 165kW and 263Nm, the 2.5-litre engine offers decent performance, allowing the car to overtake with reasonable urgency. It does feel like it is having to work hard with the weight of the car so if you regularly have a full vehicle, consider the larger engine options. The impressive five-speed automatic can be shifted manually and is smooth and quick to shift down when required. The 3.7-litre engine comes paired with a seven-speed automatic.

With a rear-wheel drive chassis and sporting legacy, the Skyline is fun to drive. The steering is quick and well-weighted and offers good feedback. There is plenty of grip and it is enjoyable to corner. The downside to this is that the ride is very firm.

Under Japan NCAP testing in 2008, it performed very well. The model received a full six-stars for both driver and front passenger protection. 

The car also has the option of electronic stability control. If this is fitted, you will find an off button below and to the right of the steering wheel. Side airbags became standard on all Skyline sedans in 2008.

There are no ISOFIX mountings in the rear seat of our review car. However, many are fitted with them so look for the metal loops between the seat base and back when shop

The Skyline’s six-cylinder engines feature a timing chain that does not need regular replacement. However, high-mileage cars that have travelled more than 150,000km can suffer from chain stretch. 

Watch out for an excessive rattle and noise from the front engine cover, reduced performance and the appearance of the engine check light on the dashboard. Replacement will require the removal of a lot of equipment from the front of the engine bay.

The oil on the dipstick should not be too thick and dirty. Poor quality oil or infrequent servicing can result in a build-up of sludge in the engine. This will cause wear and other problems.

Skylines can suffer from corrosion. Check for yourself under the rear of the vehicle. Where the rear suspension meets the body, look for bubbling or discolouration of the metal. If you find anything, have it professionally checked because rust repairs are expensive.

The touchscreen infotainment and stereo system can be difficult to repair when it goes wrong. It can also be tricky to fit a band expander to this system so it’s a good idea to have one fitted professionally.

The model name is made up of two parts, the engine size and specification level. The engine component is 250 for a 2.5-litre, 350 for a 3.5-litre and 370 for a 3.7-litre. The 250 is available with the option of all-wheel drive and this adds FOUR to the name.

• GT – the standard specification for most cars. Includes 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, keyless entry and start, and part-leather upholstery.
• GT Type S – adds a subtle sports body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel steering.
• GT Type SP – adds lower suspension and sportier body kit, front and rear bumpers and headlights.

• 2006 Launched in Japan
• 2007 GT Type S version launched
• 2008 All models receive a significant update, including cosmetic changes, the addition of a centre rear headrest, side and curtain airbags become standard and the 3.5-litre engine is replaced by a 3.7-litre
• 2010 A further update, with cosmetic changes, the option of a seven-speed automatic added to the 250GT and optional adaptive cruise control for 370 models
• 2014 Replaced by new model