The most visible, but probably least impressive, of the changes to the Titan is a newly designed front end. Ruthlessly modern, with chrome and bullish styling making no apologies for the trucks massive stature, but it’s called the Titan so that was probably never high on the agenda.

What we can be sure was high on the original feature list however, is the no-compromise V8 engine. Nissans VK56DE Endurance 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine produces 317 hp at 5,200 rpm and 385 lb-ft of torque for the Titan. Not an inconsiderable amount of power for a deceptively light chassis, and let’s just say that dampening the sound created by the rough and ready engine also hasn’t been a priority for Nissan.

Ignoring the obvious economic and environmental question marks hanging over large SUV’s this year, the only major blight to the 2009 Nissan Titans character is its lack of internal finish quality and features. Even compared to Dodge’s rough and ready offerings, the Titan falls short on value when it comes to included extras.

The ‘09 Frontier’s guts remain unchanged for 2009, Nissan simply sat on their hands and watched as fuel prices and green tax breaks made the Frontier a far more attractive vehicle without them having to lift a wrench to its basic mechanisms. This isn’t a bad thing, as the Frontier has always been a decent drive.

Nissan has made various cosmetic changes though: The Frontiers grille, headlights and wheels have all been altered in some way. There are also new trims offered which will help to keep this years Frontier relevant even as driving costs and conditions change dramatically over the course of the year.

Overall, the 2009 Nissan Frontier has always been a decent choice for the driver who needs budget but effective off-road capability. It’s fortunate for the company that economic changes have made the Frontiers position far more profitable than previous years ñ but this will weight against them in their sale of large SUV’s.

The new Armada uses a 5.6-liter DOHC V8 which delivers 317 hp with 385 ft-lbs of torque at just 3,400 RPM. This gives it an excellent towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds. The standard 5-speed automatic transmission comes with a tow/haul mode, which is a handy feature. Unfortunately, all that power results in a frankly atrocious 12 mpg city, 18 mpg highway fuel economy.

The Armada borrows much of its basic design from Nissans Titan Pickup, which isn’t a bad thing at all. It means that the chassis is tough but relatively light weight and also guarantees the Armada a decent amount of cabin space for its class.

Unfortunately those problems that we hinted at in the first paragraph remain. Poor ride quality, more like a large truck than most competing full size SUV’s. Unresponsive handling which hasnít been improved an iota since the 2008 version and a generally poor interior quality to fixtures and fittings. Still, even with all these problems the 2009 Nissan Armada puts in a decent appearance and is forgivingly priced compared to higher quality competition.

Built from the ground up to be an extremely competitively priced all-rounder for outdoor pursuits and off-road driving, the Xterra seems to have its work cut out in meeting both seemingly opposing requirements. Fortunately, Nissan possesses a certain ability to build well beyond the means of many competing manufacturers when it comes to producing decent budget vehicles.

The Xterra is equipped with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine which produces 261 horsepower. Quite a bit more than its former version; and certain to quieten the complaints about underpowered drive trains that plagued the 2008 version.

Nissan has managed to pack everything but the kitchen sink into the Xterra, even a cubby hole for a first aid kit has been thought of, a feature which reveals Nissans careful analysis of their target market.

Overall, the 2009 Nissan Xterra is much improved over earlier versions of the vehicle. Issues with handing and drive trains have been dealt with without much fuss from Nissan. They call the new Xterra an evolution, but a lot of people will see it as a revolution.

Nissan claims the Murano was the first crossover SUV; a statement which is tricky to validate, but does demonstrate the Muranos relative age in the market. All that experience has taught Nissan some lessons which other manufacturers haven’t cottoned on to yet.

All the materials in the Murano are absolutely top quality. While Nissans budget cars might cut every corner safely available to them, the Murano is built for longevity and rugged performance. It’s useful then that the base Murano features a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 265 hp and 248 pound-feet of torque – More than enough to move this large crossover SUV with some purpose.

Equally high quality parts give the 2009 Nissan Murano tough suspension and responsive handling; features which can sometimes lack in crossovers. When these features are combined with the high quality interiors, packed with neat utilities and entertainment options it’s becomes clear that the Murano really is the complete package. This kind of quality doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth every penny.

The 2009 revision list for the Rogue is short and to the point. Nissan has recognised their poorly timed introduction to the market and have obviously pulled back a lot of the Rogues budget to focus on manufacturing far more economical vehicles. Still, there are some changes worth noting.

The Rogue features a tweaked engine, putting out 170 horsepower from a 2.5 liter configuration with a continuously variable transmission. It comes in either front wheel drive, or four wheel drive with a general rating of 22 miles per gallon city and 27 miles per gallon highway. That’s a significant improvement over the 2008 models fuel economy.

The inside of the 2009 Nissan Rogue is well finished, with plenty of luxury fixtures and fittings to keep the family entertained and the driver well informed. New buyers will inevitably be working hard to make the right purchasing choice, and for that reason I can’t recommend the Rogue above the majority of the competition, but it’s a decent CVT, and if you like the features on offer then it’s a safe purchase.

2009 sees a few small, and not so small, changes for the Z. Available in both coupe and roadster configurations, Nissan has focused primarily on bringing the looks up to scratch by deploying substantially tweaked bodywork. The new design is thinner, curvier, and generally more contemporary than its 2007 version, which was starting to look a bit classical.

Under the bonnet is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission optional. Astonishingly, the new engine is reportedly 80% new ñ meaning that Nissan redesigned almost every part for better performance and fuel economy. This results in 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Inside, the Z is as well turned out as ever; this is no track car, and Nissan haven’t scrimped on the luxury fixtures and fittings which admittedly increase weight, but result in a very pleasant drive. The 2009 Nissan Z is a well conceived and worthwhile update to an extremely popular and successful series.

The Maxima is entirely restyled for ‘09, and the Nissan designers haven’t done a half bad job, either. The new lines and measurements make the Maxima generally smaller, but it looks every bit as imposing as it ever did.

Fortunately Nissan hasn’t repeated their usual mistake of matching the car with a poor quality engine. Every part of the Maximas engine is perfect for the car; the 3.5-liter V-6 has been upgraded to 290 hp, up from 255 hp last year. A continuously variable automatic transmission is the only available option, but it’s a surprisingly responsive system.

A pretty decent package overall, then. The 2009 Nissan Maxima successfully combines power, style and luxury in equal measures and the car manufacturer has finally found an engine suitable for the car they are putting it into. Even the breaks are of a surprisingly decent quality, making the Maxima one of the best value cars in the Nissan range.

The Altima is Nissans volume seller in this market segment, and one of the most popular vehicles overall. I shouldnít be any surprise then that the Altima is a generally robust and decent value vehicle, but it is let down by a few classic Nissan mistakes.

Firstly, the Altima features yet another strangely unsatisfactory Nissan engine. The standard model is equipped with a 2.5-liter, 175-hp engine that achieves 23-mpg city and 31-mpg highway. The 3.5 SL is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 270-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. Fine horsepower figures, but the mileage betrays somewhat under achieving engines.

Fortunately the 2009 Nissan Altima offsets this one problem with excellent build quality throughout the bodywork and in its parts usage. Relative luxury is available to car occupants, which high quality fixtures and decent extras included in most trims. Expect the Altima to last a very long time, but don’t expect it to surprise you, not even once.

For starters, the Sentra is somewhat underpowered. The basic trim comes with a 140-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine which, though seemingly suitable, is tuned for maximum fuel efficiency which results in a mediocre driving experience. Upgraded trims donít help the situation substantially.

The engine situation should end any hopes that this is a driverís car, but it does result in an economical, smooth and quiet ride. As it happens, these are increasingly popular design choices amongst Nissans target consumers. These same consumers will be pleased to note a decent internal finish quality, which is somewhat upgraded in the 2009 Sentra.

There are no bells and whistles on the 2009 Nissan Sentra, but if you are looking for a car designed for comfort, fuel economy and a bit of style on a budget; the sentra should be a strong contender for your cash.

The 2009 version features a tweaked engine setup, with a 4.0-liter V-6 roaring away inside, there is plenty of power to put down. Unfortunately, sub optimal suspension and breaking parts result in a drive which feels mediocre on tar-mac.

Slightly sub-par handling aside, the Pathfinder is comfortable on tricky terrain, but not quite so much as the Land Rover Discover, which though admittedly slightly more pricey- is an excellent all rounder. This is the challenge that the Pathfinder faces, but it remains a good value car despite these short comings.

New buyers won’t do much better than the Pathfinder, but that doesn’t mean that there are not better vehicles out there. A subjective look at the market reveals a lot of high quality competition, and in the end the individual must weight up their own requirements. In that respect alone, the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is well placed to win a few hearts and minds in 2009.

A little known fact is that Nissan wanted to distinguish the Quest from the competition, they did this by making the van sexy, or at least as sexy as a minivan can be. When you set eyes on it, the differences in design are not immediately obvious but they build to create the impression of a far more streamlined and curvaceous vehicle than most minivan drivers are used to.

The Quest remains a family car, though, a fact which is demonstrated by Nissan with clever design rather than marketing. The basic Quest is equipped with a message center with outside temperature display, rear air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an AM/FM stereo and CD player with 2nd-row audio controls with two headphone jacks for back seat head bangers.

The 2009 Nissan Quest sets out to do a few things differently. It’s clear that there have been a few compromises with space and configuration to accommodate the sexier look, but not so much that its value as a family car is seriously damaged. If you like the look, you’ll get what you want from the Quest

Nissan build their new Versa in Mexico, already this shows us just one way they are bringing the cars manufacturing cost down without impacting quality. Coupled with Nissans significant buying power, which likely brings down the cost of materials substantially, itís easy to see where Nissan is saving the cash.

Nissan produce the Versa in two trims: A 1.8-S which uses a 1.8-liter, 122-horsepower engine which achieves 26-mpg in the city and 31 highway miles per gallon. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with an optional 4-speed automatic. The 1.8-SL is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine which produces a fraction less power in exchange for an extra 3 miles per highway gallon. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard in this trim.

Overall Nissan are probably one of the car manufacturers most suited to making the claim “Cheapest new car in 2009.” Because of their significant buying power and manufacturing savings, this does not require a significant reduction in overall build quality of the 2009 Nissan Versa ñbut the old axiom is still true; you get what you pay for.

The 2007 Murano offers several standard safety features, including Nissan’s Advanced Airbag System and a 3-point passenger seat belt system. This model keeps children in mind as well, with the LATCH system, which lowers tethers and anchors for the youngsters. The Murano also can switch between all-wheel and front-wheel drive depending on weather conditions, but switches back to front-wheel for optimum fuel economy.

Chrome side sill accents, LED taillights and a power sliding glass moonroof add to the Murano’s sleek look, while rear back privacy glass and fog lights are convenient to this model.

Interior comfort is provided with Murano’s Dual climate control with air filtration, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat including lumbar support, and also 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats. Also included in the Murano is the standard AM/FM CD system, and other audio options available are MP3/CD playback capability and satellite radio. A navigation system with LCD display and convenient rear monitor make this vehicle even smarter.

Nissan includes ample cargo space for storage in each Murano, however, this model’s 240-horse power, V6 engine is sure to handle the extra weight.

Nissan’s 2007 Murano is a car that combines safety, technology and affordability, and is likely to be at the top of the market this year.

The 2008 Nissan Quest offers several standard safety features, including Nissan’s Advanced Airbag System, which protects against front and side impact in all three rows of this model. Its glass-paneled Skyview roof makes the ride convenient for all passengers, as the sliding roof extends to the rear rows, and the shade can be pulled on the roof for added convenience. The Quest is a family-oriented vehicle, with children-friendly rear-assist grip and with the Snug Kids program, which aids buyers in selecting a child safety seat to fit their vehicle.

Unique tail lights, chrome door handles and roof-rack side handles and cross bars make this not only a family vehicle, but a stylish ride as well.

Interior comfort is provided with the air conditioning and dual zone automatic temperature control, and heated front seats, available in both manual or power adjustment options. An AM/FM CD system comes standard in the Quest, and a Digital Bose 6-disc in-dash changer is available, along with WMA/MP3 playback and satellite radio capabilities. Bluetooth capability, wireless technology including a navigation display are also available.

This Nissan’s 235-horse power, V6-engine will get the job done as it carries all that extra cargo or passengers it has the capacity for.

Nissan’s 2008 Quest is a car that combines technology, safety and affordability, making it one of this year’s most likely models to be in demand.

The 2008 Nissan Xterra offers several standard safety features, including Nissan’s Advanced Airbag System. This sporty 4WD model also keeps the family in mind with a LATCH system, which lowers anchors and tethers for children. Another standard safety bonus is a tire pressure monitoring system.

Skid plates, roof rack crossbars, and a front tow hook add to the look of the Xterra, while dual-power outside mirrors and UV-reducing solar glass contribute to convenience.

Interior comfort is provided by air conditioning with filtration and an adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats for additional storage. The Xterra also comes standard with an AM/FM CD system, and a Rockford-Fosgate system with 6-disc in-dash changer is also available. Other audio options include WMA/MP3 playback capability and satellite radio. Bluetooth capability, driver computer display and additional cargo storage areas are available.

With features like this Nissan’s variable intake system and electronic drive-by-wire throttle, the Xterra appears ready to go any distance. Plus, the Xterra’s 260-horse power, V6 engine allows ample power for carrying around all that cargo or passenger weight.

Nissan’s 2008 Xterra is a vehicle that combines safety, convenience and technology, making it one of the most appealing models this year.

Six airbags are included for safety, along with front-seat active head restraints, all standard in the Sentra – these items are among 50 safety features in this model vehicle. The Sentra, though stylish, is designed with the family in mind. It, like all other Nissan vehicles, comes with a Snug Kids Child Safety Guide to help find the right safety seat.

A power sliding moonroof with tilt and rear spoiler add to the Sentra’s sleek look, and fog lights and splash guards make it more functional.

Appealing features on the interior include Bluetooth technology, allowing drivers to have a hands-free, safe cell phone conversation with the touch of a button. Also, there’s height adjustable seat belts, 60/40 split manually reclining rear seats and cruise control with illuminated switches. The Sentra also comes standard with an AM/FM/CD audio system, and a 6-disc-in dash CD-changer is available on some packages. MP3/WMA playback and satellite radio capability are also available.

Nissan includes a digital clock standard on each Sentra, and a trip computer is available with some packages. However, its 140-hp, 2.0-liter engine gets 33 mpg, proving it is economic as well as stylish.

Nissan’s 2008 Sentra is a car that combines safety, technology and space, making it an appealing model for this year’s buyer.

The 2008 Nissan Versa has several safety features, including Nissan’s air bag system, including dual-stage supplemental front air bags, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear-seat occupants’ head protection. Anti-lock brakes are available, as are electronic brakes, which adjust braking based on additional passenger or cargo weight.

Adding to style, the hatchback comes available with a rear roof spoiler and front and rear fascia and lower body side sill extensions. The sedan comes available with a power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature, and dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors.

Interior comfort is provided with the Versa’s air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter and 60/40 split fold-back rear seats. The Versa hatchback also comes standard with an AM/FM/CD audio system. Other audio options include a 6-disc in-dash CD-changer, and availabilities for the sedan include MP3/WMA CD playback and satellite radio capability.

The Versa offers Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT, on the sedan, which uses a high-strength belt to deliver infinite gear ratios to adjust the shifting, avoiding “shift shock” for a smoother ride. The Versa’s 122-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine makes this model powerful for its small package.

Nissan’s 2008 Versa is a car that combines safety, technology and affordability, making it one of this year’s most attractive models.

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder also features several standard safety features, including Nissan’s Advanced Airbag System, and a 3-point passenger seat belt system. Its novel Rearview Monitor shows the driver what’s behind the car, to allow for convenience when backing it up. The Pathfinder is a vehicle with the family in mind. It includes the LATCH system, which lowers tethers and anchors for children and Snug Kids, a guide which aids the buyer in purchasing a child safety seat to fit the vehicle.

A power-moonroof with one-touch power, body-color side moldings with chrome inserts and running boards add to the unique look of the Pathfinder, while UV-reducing solar glass and rear privacy glass keep it practical.

Interior comfort is provided with this Nissan’s dual climate control and rear controls, second-row 40/20/40 split fold-flat bench seat and third-row 50/50 fold-flat bench seat. The Pathfinder also comes standard with an AM/FM CD system, and a 6-disc in-dash changer also is available, along with options including WMA/MP3 playback capability and satellite radio. Bluetooth capability, wireless technology including navigation and a 9.3-gigabyte music box hard drive are also available.

Nissan includes a trip computer display, outside temperature display and front map lights in each Pathfinder. However, this smart car also is powerful, at two levels. Options include a 266-horse power, V6 engine or a 310-horse power, V8 engine.

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is a vehicle that combines safety, space and technology, making it likely to be a high-demand ride for this year’s Nissan buyer.

The 2008 Nissan Rogue offers several standard safety features, including Nissan’s Advanced Airbag System and a 3-point passenger seat belt system. With its front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, combined with Xtronic CVT, or shiftless transmission, the ride can be as smooth as the driver wants it to be.

Body-color bumper and grille and door handles, heated outside mirrors with timer and polished stainless steel exhaust tip finisher make the Rogue an attractive model on the road.

Interior comfort is provided by air conditioning with microfilter and rear heater ducts, and 60/40 fold-down rear seats. The Rogue also comes standard with an AM/FM CD system, and a Digital Bose system with 6-disc in-dash changer also is available, along with WMA/MP3 playback capability and satellite radio options. Bluetooth capability and a drive computer display showing miles per gallon, distance to empty fuel tank, average speed and elapsed time also is available.

Nissan also has available in each Rogue wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual shift mode, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which adjusts braking for better control on the road. The Rogue cruises on the highway behind 170-horse power and a 4-cylinder engine, with gets up to 27 miles per gallon.

The 2008 Nissan Rogue is a car that combines convenience, versatility and technology, making it a car hard to pass up for the Nissan buyer this coming year.