2008 Nissan Models

Nissan joins the compact crossover SUV crowd with the introduction of the 2008 Rogue. Offered in base S and uplevel SL trims, the Rogue is powered by a four-cylinder engine and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. It hits dealerships next fall and will have a starting price around $20,000. 

The Armada is Nissan's largest SUV, and the automaker has updated it for the 2008 model year with some minor exterior styling changes and a more luxurious cabin. The Armada is still powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine and has room for up to eight. 

The 2008 Pathfinder is relatively unchanged, aside from the newly available V-8 engine. Larry Dominique, Nissan vice president of product planning, said a V-8 was added to the Pathfinder lineup in response to customer demand for more engine power. Rated at 300-plus horsepower, the V-8 gives the seven-seat Pathfinder SUV the ability to tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Pathfinder's center dash controls have also been redone and now have a more refined appearance. 

When it debuted for 2004, the Nissan Titan was the first Japanese pickup truck to truly challenge the domestics in terms of sheer size. For 2008, the model grows even larger with a new long-wheelbase version. Additionally, the Titan's exterior appearance has been mildly changed, and a new PRO-4X trim level is available. Extended cab (King Cab) and crew cab models are offered, and Desert Stone and Timberline are new colors. 

Nissan's modern-day 350Z coupe went on sale as a 2003 model. Like the original, the 350Z has rear-wheel drive and a six-cylinder engine. Although the only addition for 2008 is a new color, in 2007 it received a more powerful 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. The 350Z competes with the Mazda RX-8, Ford Mustang GT and BMW Z4. 

Redesigned for 2007, Nissan's midsize Altima adds a new coupe body style for 2008. The coupe's powertrain offerings are similar to the sedan's, but the coupe receives unique styling elements. For the sedan, antilock brakes are now standard. Competitors include the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.  

Introduced for 2007, the Altima Hybrid is Nissan's first gas/electric hybrid, using technology borrowed from Toyota. The 2008 Altima Hybrid is essentially unchanged; it comes stocked with an electronic stability system, traction control, antilock brakes, electric power steering and 16-inch wheels. Competitors include other hybrids, such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry. 

Nissan's Frontier compact pickup truck comes in King Cab (extended cab) and Crew Cab forms. For 2008, the Frontier remains relatively unchanged except for minor option and feature changes. It is available with a Utili-track system that features movable, heavy-duty tie-down cleats and a spray-in bedliner. Utili-track accessories include sliding trays, bike racks, sliding dividers and modular storage systems. The Frontier is in the same market segment as the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger. 

For 2007, Nissan gave the Maxima a new grille, hood, bumper and headlights — in short, nearly everything in front of the A-pillars. The sheet metal made the car look much more menacing than the model it replaced, but its bark is worse than its bite. Competitors include premium sedans such as the Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon and Volkswagen Passat. A Platinum Edition package of convenience features is added for 2008 on both SE and SL trim levels. 

Updated for 2007 with a more conventional instrument panel, Nissan's Quest receives some more changes for 2008. Side-impact airbags for the front seats are now standard, and the 3.5 SL trim level gains more features, including a rearview camera, automatic headlights and dual-zone automatic air conditioning. Competitors include the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. 

When it was redesigned for 2007, the Nissan Sentra compact sedan finally became competitive with the likes of the class-leading Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla — after having trailed the Ford Focus and perhaps even the Chevrolet Cobalt. Regular Sentras come in base 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL trim levels. The Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V came along later in the model year with sporting intentions, and it doesn't fare as well against tough competition like the Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen GTI. 

Nissan introduced the Versa to the U.S. for 2007. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Versa goes head-to-head with offerings from Toyota, Honda and General Motors. Little has changed for 2008. Nissan hopes to win buyers with size: The Versa's exterior dimensions beat those of the Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, and the five-seat interior trumps all but the Aveo in volume. 

Nissan's truck-based Xterra is geared toward the young and/or active buyer — or those who want to appear that way. A standard 4.0-liter V-6 drives the rear or all four wheels. Unlike some SUVs, it's a truly capable off-roader, with an available Off Road edition. The other trim levels are X, S and SE. Its competitors include the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.