The 2009 Nissan Murano looks like its predecessor in many ways, but it has more creases and folds than the original Murano. It’s a more modern look, but not necessarily better. Nissan Murano (2009) – enlarge What was tested? 2009 Nissan Murano SL AWD ($29,480). Options: Premium package ($1,000). Price as tested (including $745 destination charge): $31,245. When Nissan introduced ... Read More »

It has the sporty looks and excellent driving dynamics. Nissan Altima (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE ($24,580). Options: Splash guards ($135), floor mat set ($175), premium package ($4,200), vehicle dynamic control ($900). Price as tested (including $625 destination charge): $30,615. There was a time, not too long ago, when American cars’ suspensions were designed ... Read More »

Even considering the stupid little problems, the 350Z is a great buy. What was tested? 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster Enthusiast ($35,630). Options: Carpeted floor mats ($95). Price as tested (including $625 destination charge): $36,350. It’s hard to believe the Nissan 350Z was introduced five years ago as a 2003 model, but it still looks fresh as ever. If only we ... Read More »

It’s aging and has lost its status as the new kid on the block. What was tested? 2008 Nissan Titan 4×4 SE ($31,600). Options: Popular package with bench seats ($1,200), floor mats ($125), under seat storage bin ($150), tow package ($450), SE high utility bed package ($950), sliding bed extender ($280). Price as tested (including $745 destination charge): $35,500 Until ... Read More »

Versa is simply a good, cheap, efficient commuter car. Nissan Versa (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Nissan Versa S Hatchback ($13,450). Options: Splash guards ($110), floor mats ($155), power package ($700), cruise control ($200), ABS package ($250). Price as tested (including $625 destination charge): $15,490 Pros: It’s super-cheap without many downsides. The interior is especially impressive for such ... Read More »

It’s not as exciting as some of its competitors, especially the razor-sharp Honda Civic Si. Nissan Sentra SER (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R ($19,680). Options: XM Satellite Radio ($150), splash guards ($140), stereo upgrade ($750), moonroof package ($750), floor mats ($165), intelligent key ($250). Price as tested (including $625 destination charge): $22,510 The first time ... Read More »

Avoiding the outlandish styling direction that so many new pickups are taking, Nissan's basic Frontier focuses more on functionality than on sizzle. It's a basic pickup in the classic American tradition. There's nothing too unusual about the Frontier's interior. It has a roomy front seat and, like in most pickups, a dash covered in cheap-feeling plastics. Read More »

Form follows function in the Nissan Xterra. The boxy body shape wraps around its truck-like frame for good clearance driving over boulders and through the woods. All the Xterra's controls are logical and within easy reach, but hard plastics on the dash feel like they came from Fisher-Price. Read More »

The Nissan Pathfinder looks like a truck, and guess what? It is one. Unlike crossover vehicles that use a car-like frame to improve comfort on pavement, the Pathfinder has a truck-like ladder frame designed for off-road performance. Other than an abundance of hard plastic everywhere, there's not much to dislike about the Pathfinder's cabin. It has three rows of seats, two of which are roomy and comfortable. Read More »

The Nissan Quest has an unusually curvy body for a minivan. It's also available in several bold colors. One of the most unique features on the Nissan Quest is this big skylight that extends all the way to the back-row seats. Even little kids riding back there deserve to see the sky. Read More »