2010 Nissan Murano Review The 2010 Murano, a 5-passenger V6 wagon is Nissan's offering in the SUV "crossover" niche. Murano aims at the segment of the population looking for the features and comfort of a sedan coupled with the cargo capacity of an SUV. The all-new 2010 Nissan Murano carries people and cargo like an SUV with the handling and smooth ride of a sport sedan. Good looks and luxury interior tip the scales in our 2010 Nissan Murano review for top dog in a highly competitive class of vehicles.
Walkaround Nissan Murano comes in SL and SE trim levels. Both offer only two row seating. The more popular Nissan Murano SE comes with a firmer suspension and high-intensity xenon headlights as standard. Rear seats recline, and offer a remote flip-down function. When more cargo space is needed, Murano's rear seats can fold flat. Dual-zone climate control and tilt steering wheel are standard on both. Options include antiskid/traction-control system, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and rear-DVD entertainment. The options and standard equipment complete the 2010 Nissan Murano picture, a vehicle that satisfies your needs to be ensconced in luxury while hauling people and cargo. Nissan outfits the Murano with a 3.5- liter V6 240 hp engine linked to a continuously variable automatic (Xtronic CVT), which, unlike standard automatic transmissions runs through a seamless transition of gear ratios. The Murano sports antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front torso side airbags and front and rear curtain side airbags as standard equipment. While front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are offered, the more accurate Nissan Murano picture is not that of an offroad vehicle. The 2010 Nissan Murano does not ship with low-range gearing in AWD. For extra traction up to 30 mph, its AWD can be locked into a 50-50 power split. To insure predictable handling and a comfortable ride, Nissan utilizes 4- wheel independent suspension. Taking everything into account, the 2010 Nissan Murano MSRP price of $28,199 is not too hard to take considering what you get.
Summary Safety systems in the 2010 Nissan Murano include: dual stage front air bags, front seat side impact air bags, curtain-type air bags for front and rear head protection and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Summarizing our 2010 Nissan Murano review, we conclude Murano offers state-of-the-art safety, classy good looks, and SUV practicality at a Murano MSRP price that will allow you to continue paying the rent. We suggest that yoou check back occasionally for updates to our 2010 Nissan Murano review, get a free 2010 Nissan Murano price quote and see what all the excitement is about.
2010 NISSAN 370Z REVIEW For the 2010 model year, Nissan delivers on its much-anticipated promise of a roadster version of the resurgent 370Z sports car. Unlike the 350Z roadster of two years ago, the 2010 Nissan 370Z droptop appears to be very deliberately designed and the car boasts stunning good looks. Also new for 2009 is track-ready Nissan 370Z NISMO edition.
OPTIONS The interior of the 2010 Nissan 370Z is upgraded for the new model year, and its appearance upgrades sit well with the automotive press. The coupe retains much of the interior, which Jalopnik calls "a vast improvement over the 350Z," but the convertible and NISMO are upgraded beyond the coupe. Left Lane News observes that the Nissan 370Z roadster "goes further and refines the interior with taller backed and ventilated seats, rollover bars, and the like," while Motor Trend lists "a bit of decoration" on the NISMO edition-including 16 NISMO emblems throughout the vehicle. Other styling elements include "a minimalist look, with a sculpted dash wrapping around the gauges and passenger confines," according to Automobile. The only major criticism of the interior comes from Motor Trend, where reviewers find that the computer readout is "hard-to-read" and "another case of function following form."
SUMMARY Nissan continues to impress us with its fresh designs and innovative thinking. The new 370Z Roadster is the second part of a left-right (or should it be a one-two combination?) combination of solid hits to show this company is on a roll.
2009 Nissan Altima Review Available as either a coupe or sedan, the Altima delivers plenty of behind-the-wheel stimulation as well as enough comfort and tranquility to satisfy all five occupants. The coupe, which Nissan added last year, is more than just a sedan with two doors lopped off. It rides on a shorter wheelbase and has its own distinctive styling -- from a distance, you might think it's an Infiniti G37 that hasn't quite come out of adolescence. As you would hope, the coupe's smaller size makes it a bit sharper in terms of handling and road feel, though it does comes at the expense of rear passenger comfort. Both Altima body styles can be luxuriously appointed with an impressive array of options, but those options are typically part of large and pricey packages. These feast-or-famine packages are further complicated by being conditionally paired with other packages. This structuring makes it difficult, if not downright impossible, to pick and choose among options you would consider essential or frivolous. Despite its inconvenient options structure, the 2009 Nissan Altima is still a prime choice for a midsize sedan or coupe. Its closest competitors include the Ford Fusion, the Honda Accord (also available as a coupe), the redesigned Mazda 6, the Saturn Aura and the Toyota Camry. All are worthy choices, but if you want your "family car" to have some "sports car" in it, the Altima is definitely worthy of your attention.
Model Overview The 2009 Nissan Altima is available as either a midsize sedan or a coupe. Trim levels for the sedan start at the bargain-basement level with the Altima 2.5. This Altima comes with 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, cruise control and a trip computer. Noticeably absent is an audio system, although it is pre-wired with four speakers. This base model is only available as a sedan and by customer order. No options are offered. The first step up from the base 2.5 is the 2.5 S trim level, which is available in either coupe or sedan format. Additions include a six-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack, keyless ignition/entry and various interior trim bits. Above the 2.5 S trim level is the 3.5 SE, which, as the name implies, sports a 3.5-liter V6. The 3.5 SE also comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, sideview mirrors with integrated signals, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, and wood-tone interior accents. The 3.5 SE coupe gets further adorned with 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a sunroof and foglights. The luxury-oriented Altima 3.5 SL is the most amply appointed trim level and is only available as a sedan. Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, leather seats (heated for the driver and front passenger), metallic interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear passenger vents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, interior mood lighting, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio. Options for the Altima are as difficult to comprehend as particle physics and come with more restrictions than a last-minute vacation reservation. A luxuriously appointed 2.5 S can be had with the addition of two different Convenience Packages -- they contain many of the standard features found on the 3.5 SE. There's also the 2.5 SL Package. Each of these requires purchasing the preceding package. The 3.5 SE can be augmented with a Sport Package as well as an SL-like Premium Package. The Connection and Technology Packages add conveniences like a navigation system with a rearview monitor, as well as additional SL-level items.
Summary The sport-oriented suspension and precise steering provide enough exhilaration to satisfy driving enthusiasts while still managing to deliver a civilized, comfortable and quiet ride. The four-cylinder models should provide sufficient power for the majority of drivers, while the V6's 270 hp is enough to thrill more spirited pilots.
2009 Nissan Maxima Review While wrapped in sharp, unique styling, the '09 Maxima was put together using the best bits and pieces found in the Nissan and Infiniti warehouses. The basic front-wheel-drive architecture comes from the sporty Altima midsize sedan; however, its length was reduced and width increased to improve handling. Nissan's ubiquitous 3.5-liter V6 shows up yet again, in this case with an ample 290 horsepower on tap. The Altima's excellent continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the lone transmission choice, but in the Maxima's SV trim, it comes with metal paddle shifters that control artificial transmission "gear" ratios. The low-friction, high-feel power steering is similar to the Altima too, but once again, it was upgraded to provide a more driver-focused feel.
Features and Options The 2009 Nissan Maxima is a midsize entry-level luxury sedan available in S and SV trim levels. The base model S comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering column, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer, an auto-dimming inside mirror and an in-dash six-CD changer with an auxiliary audio jack. The Maxima SV adds foglamps, a driver seat manual thigh-support extender and power lumbar support, leather upholstery, a compass, a Homelink universal garage remote and a nine-speaker Bose stereo upgrade.The SV can be equipped with either the Premium or Sport packages, which offer much of the same equipment but differ in key areas. Both add transmission paddle shifters, xenon headlights (available separately, but curiously, this requires adding Bluetooth, too), a driver-side auto-dimming outside mirror, heated front seats, driver memory functions with automatic entry/exit, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel, rear bucket seats with a center trunk pass-through (60/40-split feature deleted), upgraded leather upholstery and trim, Bluetooth (available as a stand-alone option) and satellite radio. The Premium Package is differentiated by a dual-panel sunroof, a rearview camera, a seven-inch LCD screen, a cooled driver seat, rear-seat audio and HVAC controls, automatic up/down rear windows, a power rear window shade, wood trim, an audio-visual auxiliary audio jack and a dedicated iPod interface. The Sport Package features a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and metallic-look interior trim. High-performance summer tires are an added option with the Sport Package. The Technology Package available on the Maxima SV adds a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, a rearview camera, an auxiliary audio-video jack, a dedicated iPod interface, satellite radio, a single in-dash CD player (which replaces the six-disc version) and 9.3GB of digital music storage. This package is cheaper when combined with the Premium Package, since several features overlap. The heated front seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors can also be had in the Cold Package.
Summary Every 2009 Nissan Maxima comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front and rear outboard active head restraints. A rearview camera is optional.The Maxima's potent V6 feels very strong, and unlike other CVTs, the Maxima's is well-suited to the engine. Still, those who've never driven a CVT-equipped car may initially feel like the Maxima is stuck in a hopelessly tall 1st gear.
2009 Nissan GT-R Review Despite focusing on real-world driving here, we can't ignore the eye-popping numbers generated by our Nissan GT-R at the test track ? although those numbers seem to differ depending on the test car itself. The 0-60-mph sprint disappeared in 3.9 seconds, while the quarter-mile went by in 12 seconds at 114.7 mph. That's quicker than an Audi R8 and only a hair slower than a Porsche 911 Turbo. However, given that each GT-R engine is hand-built and therefore slightly different, it's not surprising that we've generated lower numbers with other GT-R testers. We've also discovered from talking with Nissan engineers that after such constant use/abuse, special tune-ups are required to maintain the GT-R's performance potential. When it comes time to stop, our long-term GT-R went from 60 to zero in 108 feet, although another GT-R we tested previously stopped in 98 feet, which is remarkable. On our favorite mountain roads, the 2009 Nissan GT-R was a ceaselessly capable car that seemed to reach only about 65 percent of its capabilities. For a majority of drivers, it's going to be far more car than they'll ever be able to experience fully ? particularly if they never take it to such circuitous roads or a track. But at least the GT-R makes it easy. Its all-wheel-drive system constantly moves power between front and rear, distributing torque based on steering input, and yaw and lateral G sensors.
Summary The 2009 Nissan GT-R is best for car nuts and power junkies who want exotic supercar thrills for half the price. Living in an area with pristine pavement or having a high tolerance for suspension crashing is a must.
2009 Nissan 370Z Review The 2009 Nissan 370Z carries on this tradition while raising the bar for all sport coupes. There are clear visual ties between the 370Z and its successful 350Z predecessor (which continues on this year as a convertible only), but from the ground up,every aspect of the Z has been revisited, redesigned or re-engineered to create a more finely polished performance machine. The 2009 Nissan 370Z is only available in a two-seat coupe body style with base and Touring trim levels. The convertible roadster version retains the 350Z name and body style. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, performance summer tires, cruise control, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, an eight-way manual driver seat and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Features And Options The 2009 370Z is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 good for 332 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and when equipped with the sport package includes SynchroRev Match. This feature automatically blips the throttle during downshifts, eliminating the need to heel-and-toe downshift. A seven-speed automatic transmission is optional and includes manual-shift paddles. In the inside, the new Z benefits from a revised interior that's higher in quality than before. There's less hard plastic, easier-to-read gauges (yes, they still move with the tilt action of the steering wheel) and even a proper glovebox. The Touring trim level continues this year, with upscale features such as leather seating, Bluetooth and a hard-drive-based navigation system with music storage capability. The 370Z Touring adds leather and faux suede upholstery, power seat adjustments, heated seats, a rear cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and an upgraded Bose stereo with six speakers, two subwoofers, an in-dash six-CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio. Optional on both 370Z models is a sport package that adds 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, upgraded brakes, front and rear spoilers and the downshift rev-matching SynchroRev Match feature for manual-equipped cars. Optional on the Touring is a navigation package that includes a navigation system, real-time traffic, a 7-inch screen, voice recognition, digital music storage (9.3G, an auxiliary audio/video jack and an iPod interface. Gone is the stiff-legged feel of the 350's suspension, replaced by a ride that's almost European in its ability to be supple without mucking up the handling. Standard safety equipment on the 2009 Nissan 370Z includes side torso and head curtain airbags, traction control, stability control and active head restraints. The interior was probably the old 350Z's low point: a dour den of cheap black plastic with limited storage capacity. The 2009 370Z features the same basic look with equally intuitive controls, but materials are greatly improved and in line with the rest of Nissan's pricier offerings. The driving position is now friendlier for tall folks even though there's still no telescoping feature for the steering wheel. The instrument pod continues to tilt along with the wheel, though the gauges tend to reflect off the windshield. Storage has also been enhanced, thanks to a traditional glovebox (the old car only had a bin behind the passenger seat) and a cargo area that's no longer intruded on by a large structural brace. You can now actually fit a suitcase in a Z car. However, there's a rather nasty right-rear blind spot to contend with.
Summary On the road, the 2009 Nissan 370Z provides unrelenting contact and razor-sharp control, and yet it's also easy to drive and generally makes you feel like a better driver. In the 50-some-odd years that Japan has been exporting automobiles to the U.S., most have been of the reliable, sensible-shoes variety. There have been very few "icons" -- cars that transcend basic transportation, eliciting a strong emotional connection that resonates for decades. The Nissan Z car is one of those few and the first to show up on American shores. Although various numbers have appeared in front of that Z (plus the occasional X on the back end) as the engine displacement rose, each Z car has been a top performance choice among contemporary sports cars. The 2009 Nissan 370Z carries on this tradition while raising the bar for all sport coupes.
2009 Nissan GT-R Review Despite focusing on real-world driving here, we can't ignore the eye-popping numbers generated by our Nissan GT-R at the test track ? although those numbers seem to differ depending on the test car itself. The 0-60-mph sprint disappeared in 3.9 seconds, while the quarter-mile went by in 12 seconds at 114.7 mph. That's quicker than an Audi R8 and only a hair slower than a Porsche 911 Turbo. However, given that each GT-R engine is hand-built and therefore slightly different, it's not surprising that we've generated lower numbers with other GT-R testers. We've also discovered from talking with Nissan engineers that after such constant use/abuse, special tune-ups are required to maintain the GT-R's performance potential. When it comes time to stop, our long-term GT-R went from 60 to zero in 108 feet, although another GT-R we tested previously stopped in 98 feet, which is remarkable. On our favorite mountain roads, the 2009 Nissan GT-R was a ceaselessly capable car that seemed to reach only about 65 percent of its capabilities. For a majority of drivers, it's going to be far more car than they'll ever be able to experience fully ? particularly if they never take it to such circuitous roads or a track. But at least the GT-R makes it easy. Its all-wheel-drive system constantly moves power between front and rear, distributing torque based on steering input, and yaw and lateral G sensors.
Summary The 2009 Nissan GT-R is best for car nuts and power junkies who want exotic supercar thrills for half the price. Living in an area with pristine pavement or having a high tolerance for suspension crashing is a must.
2009 Nissan Maxima Review While wrapped in sharp, unique styling, the '09 Maxima was put together using the best bits and pieces found in the Nissan and Infiniti warehouses. The basic front-wheel-drive architecture comes from the sporty Altima midsize sedan; however, its length was reduced and width increased to improve handling. Nissan's ubiquitous 3.5-liter V6 shows up yet again, in this case with an ample 290 horsepower on tap. The Altima's excellent continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the lone transmission choice, but in the Maxima's SV trim, it comes with metal paddle shifters that control artificial transmission "gear" ratios. The low-friction, high-feel power steering is similar to the Altima too, but once again, it was upgraded to provide a more driver-focused feel.
Features and Options The 2009 Nissan Maxima is a midsize entry-level luxury sedan available in S and SV trim levels. The base model S comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering column, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer, an auto-dimming inside mirror and an in-dash six-CD changer with an auxiliary audio jack. The Maxima SV adds foglamps, a driver seat manual thigh-support extender and power lumbar support, leather upholstery, a compass, a Homelink universal garage remote and a nine-speaker Bose stereo upgrade.The SV can be equipped with either the Premium or Sport packages, which offer much of the same equipment but differ in key areas. Both add transmission paddle shifters, xenon headlights (available separately, but curiously, this requires adding Bluetooth, too), a driver-side auto-dimming outside mirror, heated front seats, driver memory functions with automatic entry/exit, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel, rear bucket seats with a center trunk pass-through (60/40-split feature deleted), upgraded leather upholstery and trim, Bluetooth (available as a stand-alone option) and satellite radio. The Premium Package is differentiated by a dual-panel sunroof, a rearview camera, a seven-inch LCD screen, a cooled driver seat, rear-seat audio and HVAC controls, automatic up/down rear windows, a power rear window shade, wood trim, an audio-visual auxiliary audio jack and a dedicated iPod interface. The Sport Package features a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and metallic-look interior trim. High-performance summer tires are an added option with the Sport Package. The Technology Package available on the Maxima SV adds a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, a rearview camera, an auxiliary audio-video jack, a dedicated iPod interface, satellite radio, a single in-dash CD player (which replaces the six-disc version) and 9.3GB of digital music storage. This package is cheaper when combined with the Premium Package, since several features overlap. The heated front seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors can also be had in the Cold Package.
Summary Every 2009 Nissan Maxima comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front and rear outboard active head restraints. A rearview camera is optional.The Maxima's potent V6 feels very strong, and unlike other CVTs, the Maxima's is well-suited to the engine. Still, those who've never driven a CVT-equipped car may initially feel like the Maxima is stuck in a hopelessly tall 1st gear.