New Car Guide Nissan

2012 Nissan 370Z

An icon since 1970, the Z is the epitome of outstanding price/performance. For around $30k, the base Z offers a 332-bhp 3.7L V6, 6-speed manual, fully independent suspension, rear-wheel drive and eye-catching styling. The spartan interior has seating for 2-passengers and a wide shallow cargo area accessible through the rear hatch. The factory-tuned NISMO (NISsan MOtorsport) model upgrades the suspension, body aerodynamics, and increases the engine output to 350-bhp.

2012 Nissan 370Z Roadster

The iconic Nissan Z is also offered with a convertible top. The roadster includes the same 332-bhp 3.7L V6, fully independent suspension, rear-wheel drive and eye-catching styling of the coupe. The convertible model trades the hardtop and hatchback for a power-operated soft-top with a glass rear window. Transmission choices mirror those of the coupe, although the base model includes the 7-speed automatic transmission. With pricing starting at around $41,000, the Z roadster is significantly more expensive than the Mazda MX-5, but more affordable than roadster models from luxury automakers.

2012 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is a front-wheel-drive, midsized sedan similar in size to the Toyota Camry. Nissan also sells the similarly sized Maxima, but that car is aimed at the entry-luxury segment and is significantly more expensive. The Altima is generally available in S, SL and SR trim levels with either a 2.5l four-cylinder engine, or 3.5l V6 engine. All Altimas equip a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for improved fuel economy which is unusual in this segment. The base S model is somewhat basic with steel wheels and wheel covers, but option packages add common upgrades for a reasonable price. The 2012 model is the last year of this body style before a major update in 2013.

2012 Nissan Altima Coupe

The Altima coupe is Nissan's answer to the Accord coupe, but it also competes with similarly sized coupes like the Scion tC and the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis coupe. The Altima coupe has two side doors and two rows of seats for up to five passengers. The Altima is generally available in S, SL and SR trim levels with either a 2.5l four-cylinder engine, or 3.5l V6 engine. Most Altima coupes equip a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for improved fuel economy, but a six-speed manual is available with both engines. The base S is reasonably well equipped, but numerous option packages add desirable features and cost. At around $30,000, an Altima coupe with leather seating is priced a bit higher than some competitors.

2012 Nissan Armada

Nissan's entry in the full-size SUV market is big and boldly styled. Unlike Ford and GM who offer two different length vehicles in this segment, the Armada splits the difference between the extremes with just one length. The Armada has three rows of seats for up to 8 people. A powerful 5.6L DOHC V-8, mated to a 5-speed automatic provides the power and torque for heavy-duty towing (up to 9,000 lbs.). A fully independent rear suspension improves ride and handling. Armadas are available in three trim levels ranging in price from $40,000 to well over $50,000. Although full-size SUVs have become popular as family haulers, their only real advantage is the higher tow ratings. Full-size SUVs with truck underpinnings are robbed of interior space with the body mounted over the frame. Modern FWD-biased SUVs offer similar interior room with improved maneuverability, cargo capacity and fuel efficiency for far less money.

2012 Nissan Cube

The third generation of the Nissan Cube is offered for the first time in the US market. The Nissan Cube is a small boxy vehicle with seating for five. The stylish exterior is asymmetric with a body-colored c-pillar on the driver's side and a hidden pillar on the passenger side. The interior features an undulating headliner inspired by a Jacuzzi. The side doors are traditional forward hinged, but the tailgate is side hinged opening to the left. The Cube is powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder rated at 122-bhp. Fuel economy is as high as 28 city/30 hwy on models equipped with a CVT. Although the Cube is uniquely styled, its diminutive size and pricing beg comparisons with the Honda Fit and other small imports.

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

The smaller Nissan Frontier truck is one of the last few compact pickups on the market. Nissan offers the Frontier in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Engine choices include a 2.5L I-4 (King Cab only) and a 4.0L V-6 mated to either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual (five speed on 2.5l). King Cab and long-wheelbase Crew Cab models have a 73" bed. A properly equipped Frontier can tow up to 6500 lbs. With some full-sized trucks achieving better fuel economy, the most compelling reason to shop a smaller truck is for the lower starting price. A well-equipped Frontier starts at around $23,000.

2012 Nissan Frontier King Cab

2013 Nissan GT-R

A legend among Japanese supercars, Nissan's GT-R finally made it to the US in 2008. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.8L V-6 coupled to a 6-speed dual-clutch transaxle, the all-wheel drive GT-R is one of the highest performance sport coupes available at any price. Each engine is assembled by hand at Nissan's Yokohama engine plant. The latest iteration of the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system varies torque-split from the normal 0:100 to 50:50 (F/R) as road and driving conditions require. Nissan's VDC stability control system and transmission shift mode have three settings controlled by the driver. Brembo disc brakes are at all four wheels, with 6-piston calipers in front and 4-piston calipers at the rear. Dedicated Bridgestone run-flat tires on forged 20-inch alloy wheels are standard: 255/ZRF20 (front) and 285/35ZRF20 (rear). In the cockpit, a complex multi-function display tracks all mechanical and electronic subsystems of the GT-R, and can record vehicle performance data for review. The GT-R was a bargain when first introduced in 2008, but is steadily increasing in price to near supercar levels.

2012 Nissan Juke

Nissan's robust lineup of small cars in North America includes the unique Juke. The Juke is a tall five-passenger hatchback with optional all-wheel-drive. Because the Juke has some SUV styling traits and optional AWD, Nissan is marketing it as a crossover vehicle. A sophisticated 1.6l four-cylinder engine with direct injection and a turbocharger is standard. With 188-horspower, the small Juke should feel quick. The optional all-wheel-drive system can split the torque between the front and rear axle and between the left and right rear wheels to enhance traction and maneuverability. Juke is offered in eight trim levels ranging from $19,000 to $25,000. The closest direct competitor to the Juke is the Mini Countryman.

2012 Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is arguably the first electric vehicle designed from the ground up to be produced and sold in large volumes worldwide. The Leaf is a five-passenger vehicle with every expected amenity expected in a modern automobile like power windows, power locks, stability control, navigation system, etc. Leaf is offered in two trim levels: SV and SL. According to the EPA, the Leaf can travel about 73 miles on a full charge. The battery is fully rechargeable in 7 hours at 240V, but an optional DC quick charger port (SL models) allows the Leaf to be 80% charged in 30 minutes. The EPA considers 33.7kW-hrs electricity to be equivalent to 1 gallon of gas, so the Leaf gets the equivalent of 106/92 city/highway. Upon its launch in 2011, the Leaf was only available in small number of states, but Nissan is now taking reservations in nearly 30 states.

2012 Nissan Maxima

The Maxima is the flagship sedan of the Nissan lineup, but largely overlaps the less expensive Altima in size and the outstanding Infiniti G in price. The Maxima is a stylish alternative though, with aggressive lines and large wheel/tire combinations. This front-wheel-drive sedan is powered by a standard 3.5l V6 rated at 290-bhp mated to Nissan's CVT transmission. The interior has seating for five. Two trim levels are offered: S and SV. A couple of option packages tilt the SV model towards either the luxury or sport direction. With leather equipped models starting at around $35,000 there are a number of alternative vehicles including the Audi A4 and Acura TL that offer all-wheel-drive.

2012 Nissan Murano

When it was introduced in 2003, the Murano was a unique combination of a car platform and SUV utility. As the market for FWD-biased SUV designs has matured, the second-generation Murano is now one of many similar offerings in the segment. The Murano has four doors, and two rows of seats for five passengers. The large hatch area can hold up to 31.5 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats up. A standard 3.5l V6 engine producing 260-bhp is mated to a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 18/24 (city/highway), the Murano lags that of competitive models with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Murano models carry a high level of standard equipment. Models with leather are available from the mid-thirties.

2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

The Murano CrossCabriolet is an unusual variant of the Murano crossover SUV. This convertible has 2 side doors and 2 rows of seats for four passengers. The power operated soft top retains a curved silhouetted when up and includes a unique skylight over the rear seat. With the top stowed the cargo area retains 7.6 cubic feet of storage. The Murano Cross Cabriolet is offered in just one fully-equipped trim level. There are few four-passenger convertibles on the market and fewer still with all-wheel-drive. The Murano CrossCabriolet stands on its own as a unique interpretation of a convertible.

2012 Nissan NV Cargo Van

Nissan has expanded their capable truck platform in to a closed box van line. The NV 1500/2500/3500 series vans are offered in one wheelbase length with either a conventional low roof or optional high-roof. Power is provided by either a 4.0l V6 or 5.6l V8 depending on the model. Although the NV has a slightly longer front end than traditional van designs, the cargo box has a floor large enough to haul 4x8 sheets of plywood. The NV can also tow up to 9500 lbs.

2012 Nissan NV Passenger Van

Nissan has expanded their capable truck platform in to a closed box cargo and passenger van line. Nissan's approach is unique in that the models retain a traditional truck look in the front. This allows for easier maintenance and lower operating costs. The NV3500 HD Passenger Van is a versatile vehicle with four rows of seating for up to 12 passengers. A large curb-side sliding door provides access to the rear seats. Each of the four rows of seats is comprised of one and two passenger sections, so the seating can be configured in any number of ways to mix passengers and their gear. Power is provided by either a 4.0l V6 or 5.6l V8 depending on the model. The NV offers Class-IV towing when equipped with a V8 engine and tow package. Like other full-sized passenger vans, the NV offers the unmatched capability of hauling lots of passengers while also being able to tow.

2012 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan's long-running Pathfinder SUV is a body-on-frame SUV with optional three-row seating for up to seven passengers. The styling is reminiscent of the larger Armada SUV, but the Pathfinder is some 15 inches shorter and 6 inches narrower. The Pathfinder offers both V6 and V8 power and can tow up to 7000 lbs. when properly equipped. The 2012 model year is the last for this body style. The 2013 Pathfinder switches to a larger FWD-biased design.

2012 Nissan Quest

Now in its fourth generation, the Quest is a tall minivan with angular styling. Although the Quest is nearly identical to the class-leading Odyssey in wheelbase and track, the taller Quest should have more room inside. A 3.5l V6 engine powers all models. Rated at 253-bhp, the Quest is competitive with other minivans. Like other Nissan models, the Quest is equipped with a CVT rather than a conventional automatic. One area that sets the Quest apart from the competition is the design of their seating. Most minivans have a third row seat the folds flat in to the floor, creating a large storage well when the seats are in use. Chrysler vans also offer this feature on the second row. The Quest is more like a SUV. The second and third row seats fold forward creating a flat load floor on their solid backs. This allows the Quest to preserve its covered storage well even when the third row is stowed. The Quest offers all the modern minivan conveniences like power sliding rear doors, conversation mirrors and optional entertainment systems. One novel feature is the optional climate filtration system that can purify the air with the touch of a button.

2012 Nissan Rogue

The Rogue is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five passengers. The Rogue is similar in size to vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox. A standard 2.5l four-cylinder engine is the only engine offered. Unlike some others in the segment, there is no V6 option. The Rogue also trails some of the higher mileage numbers of recent entries in the segment. Offered in S, SV and SL trim levels, well-equipped models are priced from $24,000 to over $30,000.

2012 Nissan Sentra

Once Nissan's smallest car in the US, the Sentra has had to make room for newer models like the Versa and Cube at the bottom of the lineup. The Sentra has bulked up on advanced features and creature comforts while cutting costs by equipping some models with drum brakes and a twist-beam rear suspension. Most models are powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder rated at 140-bhp. When equipped with the CVT transmission, fuel economy is a 26 city/34 highway, which trails some newer models in the segment. The performance-oriented SE-R adds a larger displacement 2.5L engine, disc brakes and upgraded tires. With a MSRP of over $20,000, the SE-R is no longer the performance value that it once was.

2012 Nissan Titan Crew Cab

The Nissan Titan is their first full-size pickup truck. Nissan gave the Titan an aggressive look that stands out from the crowd. All Titans have a 5.6l V8 engine under the hood. Two cab styles are offered: the King Cab and the Crew Cab. Crew Cab models are offered in two bed lengths. All models are offer in RWD and 4WD. The Titan range also includes a PRO-4X model with a lower final gear ratio, skid plates and locking rear differential. A Titan can tow up to 9300 lbs. when properly equipped.

2012 Nissan Titan King Cab

The Nissan Titan is their first full-size pickup truck. Nissan gave the Titan an aggressive look that stands out from the crowd. All Titans have a 5.6l V8 engine under the hood. Two cab styles are offered: the King Cab and the Crew Cab. The King Cab model has enormous rear-hinged access doors to provide access to the second row. Crew Cab models are offered in two wheelbase lengths. All models are offer in RWD and 4WD. The Titan range also includes a PRO-4X model with a lower final gear ratio, skid plates and locking rear differential. A Titan can tow up to 9300 lbs. when properly equipped.

2012 Nissan Versa 5d

Nissan's large lineup of small cars includes the five-door Versa hatchback. The Versa hatchback is a small compact car with seating for five. Even though it rides on a shorter platform than the Sentra, the Versa 5-door actually has more legroom. A standard 1.8l four-cylinder engine is mated to a six-speed manual, four-speed automatic or CVT transmission depending on the model. The most fuel efficient model the Versa SL with CVT is rated at 28/34 (city/highway). The Versa employs some cost -saving measures like drum brakes and steel wheels to achieve its low starting price of $15,000. While this is common in the segment, there are vehicles in the same price range with disc brakes. The 2012 model year is the last for this body style. A new model is due for the 2013 model year.

2012 Nissan Versa sedan

The Versa is Nissan's smallest car and least expensive model. All-new in 2012, the second generation model uses advanced powertrain technologies to turn in a respectable EPA rating of 30/38 (city / highway). Roughly the same size as the Hyundai Accent, the Versa has more legroom and cargo volume than other vehicles in its class. Touting a low starting price of under $12,000 the base model forgoes some common equipment, but a Versa with a reasonable amount of equipment can still be had for around $16,000.

2012 Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is one of a handful of SUVs that are actually suited for off-road duty. Closely related to the third generation Pathfinder and Frontier pickup, the Xterra was last redesigned in 2005. Power for this body-on-frame SUV is provided by a 261-bhp 4.0l V6 engine. Xterra are offered in 2WD and 4WD versions, with a choice of a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. The ruggedized cargo area can be ordered with a utility track system for tying down cargo.

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