2008 Nissan Xterra Review

The 2008 Nissan Xterra is a rugged SUV with serious off-road handling and power. Four models are offered: the X ($20,050), S ($22,300), Off Road ($26,200), and SE ($25,900.) All are equipped with a 261 horsepower , 4.0-liter, V6 with built-in overdrive, generating 281 lb ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Available as a in both four- and front-wheel drive, estimated fuel economy ranges from 16 city, 22 highway to 17/22 on a 21.1 gallon tank. Interior passenger volume measures 99.8 cubic feet. Cargo space is 35.2 with all seats in the user position; 65.7 with the second row folded flat. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lbs.

The Xterra's focus is on handling, and Nissan has loaded it with special features to help it perform well at everything from starting on an incline, to zooming down a hill, including special traction control features and an anti-lock braking system. Off-road models outfitted with a manual transmission are equipped with technology to allow the vehicle to start from a stop without using the clutch. The 4WD system features shift-on-the-fly for severe off-road conditions.

Inside, the 2008 Nissan Xterra is outfitted with a proprietary cargo storage system, which includes two channels in the floor with four adjustable cleats for versatile configuration. (Custom accessories such as an interior bike rack, sliding cargo area divider, and an organizer are also available.)

2008 Nissan Versa Review

The 2008 Nissan Versa is available from a starting MSRP of $12,550. Equipped with a 122 horsepower, 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine, both the sedan and hatchback (in S and SL trim levels) are equipped with air conditioning standard including a microfilter located inside the car. The base audio system is a four-speaker AM/FM/CD combo. The SL models have a six-speaker premium system with a six-disc, in-dash changer, an auxiliary audio input, MP3/WMA playback capability, and speed-sensitive audio volume with six speakers.

With a manual transmission both models return 30 mpg city and 34 highway (automatic is 28/35) on a 13.2 gallon tank. The sedan has an interior passenger volume of 94.3 cubic feet and cargo room measuring 13.8. The hatchback has the same passenger space with a cargo volume of 17.8 with the rear seats up and 50.4 when they're folded. The driver's seat on the S level is a four-way adjustable; six on the SL. Both have a four-way manual front-passenger seat.

Occupants in the 2008 Nissan Versa are protected by roof-mounted side-impact air bags and front seat-mounted side-impact bags. Both the S and SL have a vehicle immobilizer system for security as well as keyless ignition and entry.

2008 Nissan Titan Review

The 2008 Nissan Titan is a full-size truck available as either a king or crew cab. There are three models: the XE ($23,700), SE ($25,850), and LE ($30,650). With a 317-hp, 5.6 liter V8 under the hood producing up to 385 lb-ft. of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500 lbs., the Titan is a workhorse with classic Nissan endurance and performance built in.

Fuel economy is rated at 14 city, 18 highway for the 4x2 and 13/18 on the 4x4 (all with a 28-gallon tank.) Nissan's usual airbag system comes standard, and includes multi-stage front air bags with sensors that detect the presence or absence of a front passenger. Roof-mounted bags for side impact and rollover protection are also present as are driver and front-passenger side-impact bags. Additional safety features include special reinforced body construction, hood buckling creases, and steel side-door guard beams.

The standard audio system on the 2008 Nissan Titan XE is an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD combo with the SE and LE jumping to a Rockford Fosgate-powered system with a 6-disc, in-dash changer. On the king cab models there's also an option for a back seat DVD entertainment system with a 7" monitor, remote control, two wireless headphones, and auxiliary inputs.

2008 Nissan Sentra Review

The 2008 Nissan Sentra is available in five models: the 2.0 ($14,750), 2.0 S ($15,650), the 2.0 SL ($18,400), the SE-R ($19,400), and the SE-R Spec V ($19,900). The 2.0 models are equipped with a 140 hp, 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine while the SEs have the more powerful, slightly larger 200 hp, 2.5 liter model. The 2.0 and 2.0 S come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 SL has Nissan's Xtronic "continuous variable" transmission, the SE-R has a sport-tuned Xtronic, and the SE-R Spec V is equipped with a six-speed manual that comes with a flywheel.

Fuel economy on the 2.0 and 2.0 S is 28 mpg city and 24 highway; on the 2.0 SL 29/36; the SE-R 27/33' and the SE-R Spec V 24/31. All models have a 14.5 gallon fuel tank. Interior passenger volume on the Sentras is 97.4 cubic feet on the 2.0; 97.7 on all other models. Cargo volume is 13.1 cubic feet on all models except the SE-R Spec V, which has 12 cubic feet.

The 2008 Nissan Sentra employs an advanced air bag system with dual front air bags featuring seat-belt and occupancy sensors, as well as seat-mounted bags for side-impact protection for the driver and front seat passenger.

2008 Nissan Quest Review

The 2008 Nissan Quest mini van comes in four trim levels: 3.5 ($24,350), 2.5 S ($25,650), 2.5 SL ($27,500), and 3.5 SE ($33,900). All are powered by a 235 hp, 3.5 liter, 24-valve V6 with overdrive, and come with a five-speed automatic transmission. All models are front engine/front-wheel drive with four-wheel vented disk brakes and come standard with an anti-lock braking system as well as an electronic brake distribution system. Estimated fuel efficiency is 18 mpg city and 25 highway on a 20 gallon fuel tank.

Interior passenger volume on the Quest is 211.3 cubic feet. Cargo capacity with all seats in the user position is 32.3; with the third row folded 87,7, second and third row down 145.7. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. The Nissan Advanced Air Bag System includes dual-stage supplemental front bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant-classification system; driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags; and roof-mounted side curtain side-impact bags for outboard occupants on all rows.

The standard audio system in the 2008 Nissan Quest 3.5 is an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD unit. The 2.5 S and SL add a six-disc in-dash changer, while the SE is outfitted with a digital Bose system. All models can be equipped with a back-seat entertainment system (dual monitor on the 3.5 SE).

2008 Nissan Murano Review

The 2008 Nissan Murano SUV is available in three models: S ($27,750), SL ($29,300), and SE ($31,850). With a 240 hp, 3.5 liter, 24-valve V6 under the hood, the Murano is a study in urban sophistication that responds like a dream with its sculpted, aerodynamic exterior and continuously variable transmission. Estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city, 24 highway for the AWD and 20/25 for the FWD on a 21.7 gallon tank.

Interior passenger volume measures 109.9 cubic feet. Cargo volume is 32.6 with the rear seat up; 81.6 down. Maximum towing capacity for the vehicle is 3,500 with ground clearance at 7 inches. For security, all models have a vehicle immobilizer system. Both the SL and SE have an standard security system.

The Nissan Advanced Air Bag system includes multi-stage front air bags with seat belt sensors and a passenger presence detection system. In addition, driver and front-passenger side-impact bags are included as are roof-mounted bags for side-impact and rollover protection. As well, all Muranos include the LATCH system for child safety seats.

The standard audio system on the 2008 Nissan Murano is a four-speaker AM/FM/CD combo (six speakers on the SL and SE.) There's an option for either XM or Sirius Satellite Radio as well as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 6.4" LCD monitor.

2008 Nissan Maxima Review

The 2008 Nissan Maxima is available as the SE for $28,050 or the SL for $30,300. Both are equipped with a 255 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, but while previous-year models featured a six speed manual transmission, this model is available only as an automatic. Estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city and 28 highway on a 20 gallon tank. Interior passenger volume is 103.6 cubic feet (without the optional sunroof) with cargo capacity of 15.5.

The Maxima comes standard with rotary controls for air conditioning, as well as a re-designed, dome-shaped display panel, while more tech-savvy features like a DVD-ROM-based GPS navigation system (with 7" color LCD) and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system are optional. Other standard features include automatic temperature control, remote entry, and a steering column with some adjustability, as well as illuminated audio and cruise options, and a center console with removable tray in the armrest. The driver's seat adjusts eight ways, the passenger's four, and while the driver's seat adjustments are powered by default you can upgrade to a powered passenger seat. The back seat is a 60/40 split fold-down. Occupants are protected by an advanced air bag system including curtain and side bags.

The 2008 Nissan Maxima SE has an AM/FM/CD audio system standard while the SL has a digital Bose unit with an in-dash, six-disc changer with MP3 capability. Both systems have eight speakers but the Bose audio adds two woofers. XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio are available options.

2008 Nissan Frontier Review

The 2008 Nissan Frontier is one of the most powerful mid-size trucks available today. There are four models: XE King Cab ($16,050), SE King Cab/Crew Cab ($18,950), NISMO King Cab/Crew Cab ($22,600), and LE King Cab/Crew Cab ($22,900.) With a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs., the Frontiers are powered by a 261-hp, 4.0-liter V6. Estimated fuel economy ranges from 15 city, 20 highway on the SE 4x4 with an automatic transmission to 22/25 on the XE 4x4 manual. Fuel capacity is 21.1 gallons.

Interior passenger volume on the trucks is 87.7 cubic feet. The cargo bed is 73.3 inches long, 61.4 wide, and 18 deep. Maximum ground clearance measures 10.1 inches. Curb weights for the vehicles range from 3,675 lbs. for the XE manual to 4,345 for the LE 4x4 automatic. Security systems and vehicle immobilizers are available for the NISMO and LE.

Safety features include crumple zones (front and back) and an energy-absorbing steering column, as well as specially constructed side-door beams and the LATCH system for child safety seats. The 2008 Nissan Frontier also includes the maker's airbag system, which is comprised by multi-stage front airbags, as well as side-impact bags for the front seat, and head-protecting airbags mounted in the roof.

2008 Nissan Armada Review

The 2008 Nissan Armada SUV, with seating for up to eight, offers a smooth ride on independent rear suspension and the power to tow up to 9,100 lbs. The Armada is available in two models, the SE ($34,950) and LE ($40,250.) Both are powered by a 317 horsepower, 5.6-liter, V8 engine, and come with a five-speed automatic transmission. Both front-wheel and four-wheel drive are available.

Estimated fuel efficiency on both the SE and LE is 13 mpg city, 19 highway on the 4x2 and 13/18 for the 4x4. Both have a 28 gallon fuel tank. Interior passenger volume is 188.4 cubic feet with cargo capacity at 20 cubic feet when all seats are up and 97.1 when they are down. Maximum ground clearance for the Armada is 9.86 inches to 10.69 inches. The driver's seat is adjustable eight ways, the fold-down front passenger seat six. The second row is a 40/20/40 on the SE and fold-flat captain's chairs on the LE. The third row is a 60/40 split flat-folding bench seat.

The standard audio system on the SE is an eight-speaker AM/FM in-dash 6-CD unit with MP3/WMA capability. The LE has a ten-speaker Bose audio system. Both models of the 2008 Nissan Armada are pre-wired for satellite radio and a back-seat DVD entertainment system is an option.

2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid Review

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid, a mid-sized hybrid sedan, is the automaker's first outing in the hotly emerging hybrid class. Under the hood there's a 2.5-liter engine (four cylinders) producing 158 horsepower. That unit is connected to two electric motors boosting total horsepower output to 198, edging out the Toyota Camry hybrid by 11 hp. (The vehicle is also outfitted with continuously variable valve timing control.) Working together the engine and motors should give drivers 41 mpg in town and 36 on the road. According to the Nissan site, owners can expect a per tank range of 700 miles in the city.

Naturally the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid's major appeal lies in its green credentials for low emissions and its stellar gas performance, music to the ears of drivers weary of increasingly high fuel prices. Don't worry though. You won't be making any comfort compromises with this sedan. You can pick and choose from the standard range of Altima amenities. Expect the price tag to start at $24,990 and to go up from there depending on your choices. The price is roughly the same as a standard Altima 3.5 SE ($24,000) and approximately $5,000 above the base model ($19,800.)

2008 Nissan Altima Review

Available in five trim levels, including a hybrid, the 2008 Nissan Altima comes standard with a 175 horsepower 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder engine, with higher trim levels equipped with a 270 horsepower, 3.5 liter V6. The Hybrid has a 2.5 liter engine in combination with a permanent electric motor, which work together and offer net power of 198 horsepower. The Altima's default transmission is a six-speed manual.

The Nissan Altima features a comprehensive array of airbags. All models are equipped with dual-stage bags that include an occupancy detection feature, in front. In addition, there are additional airbags mounted in the seats and the roof, in case of a side-on collision.

The Altima 2.5 is pre-wired for audio while the 2.5 S, SE, and the hybrid have a six-speaker AM/FM/CD combo. The Altima SL has a nine-speaker Digital Bose audio system with AM/FM and an six-disc, in-dash changer.

Fuel efficiency on the 2008 Nissan Altima is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and up to 35 on the open road, and the base model has a starting MSRP of $19,000

2008 Nissan 350Z Review

The 2008 Nissan 350Z sports car is offered as both a coupe (from $27,900) and a roadster (from $35,500). The coupe is available in three models: the base 350Z, Z Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring. The roadster starts at the Z Enthusiast level and moves through the Touring models.

The base model 350Z coupe is outfitted with a 3.5-liter, V6 using a manual transmission with six speeds (the standard engine on all models of both the coupe and the roadster.) Anti-lock brakes are present on all wheels and electronic brake force distribution and brake assist technologies are both in place.

Eighteen inch wheels of cast aluminum alloy are standard with five spokes. Aerodynamically the Zs have been engineered to maximize airflow and to lower the drag coefficient to 0.30 on the coupe. LEDs are used in the parking and tail lights with high intensity, bi-xenon lamps in the front. You'll find a single-touch hatch release and the glass in the windows reduces UV exposure.

Inside an automatic system regulates temperature on all models. A hands-free Bluetooth system for your mobile phone is standard on the Touring models. Other technological amenities include a multi-function trip computer, power windows and locks, remote entry, cruise control mounted on the steering wheel, and a rear view mirror with auto dimming.

The seats on the two lower modes are carbon cloth with the Touring editions featuring leather. All drivers seats adjust to eight levels. Audio systems vary from six to seven speakers with the Touring models using a digital Bose combo unit with a changer in the dash holding six discs. The driver and occupants are protected by a comprehensive airbag system including sensors to detect the use of seat belts as well as those to classify the occupants present.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder Review

Essentially the same as last year's model, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has had some minor cosmetic changes. The doors, for example, have new rub strips, and the front bumper has been subtly altered. It still comes standard with 16-inch aluminum wheels, with optional upgrades to 17- or 18-inch wheels available.

It is under the hood where this year's Pathfinder really distinguishes itself. Oh, the base model still sports a fairly standard 4.0 liter, 266 horsepower V-6, but the real news is the uplevel 5.6 liter V-8, which produces 310 horsepower and more than 380 pounds/feet of torque. Both engines come with a five-speed automatic transmission, and both rear- and four-wheel-drive is available as well.

Inside the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, there is seating for seven, with the back two rows featuring fold-flat capabilities. Cloth seats are the default, with leather upholstery available as an optional upgrade, as are automatic dual-zone air conditioning, and a DVD entertainment system for the rear seats. There's also an optional navigational system which features a 9.3 GB hard drive which can be used to store music files. Otherwise, the standard audio configuration is a pretty basic AM/FM Radio/CD player combination.

Safety features on the Pathfinder include active head restraints and side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, but side curtain airbags are optional. Anti-lock disc brakes and an electronic stability control system are standard.

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has starting MSRPs ranging from $25,700 for the most basic S model to $36,500 for the tricked-out LE with the V-8 engine. Estimated fuel economy is 15/16 mpg in the city and 21/23 for highway driving.