New Nissan Models

The Nissan 370Z coupe was redesigned for 2009. The Z competes with cars ranging from the Mazda RX-8 to the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. There is also a convertible 370Z, as well as a high-performance NISMO 370Z. 

Nissan's midsize Altima is available in both coupe and sedan body styles. The coupe's powertrain offerings are similar to the sedan's, but the coupe receives unique styling elements. A gasoline/electric Altima Hybrid sedan is also offered. Competitors include the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. 

The Altima Hybrid is Nissan's first gas/electric hybrid, using technology borrowed from Toyota. The hybrid is sold in select states, including California, New York, New Jersey and most of New England.  

The Armada and its sibling, the Infiniti QX, are full-size SUVs that can carry up to eight passengers. The Armada comes in SE, Titanium and Platinum trim levels, and competitors include the Toyota Sequoia and GMC Yukon. It seats up to eight. 

The Cube, which has been a hit in Japan for some time now, recently landed in the U.S. Competitors include the Scion xB and Kia Soul, as well as small SUVs like the Honda Element and Jeep Patriot. 

Nissan has the longest history in the U.S. among import automakers selling compact and midsize pickup trucks. 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Nissan's arrival in the U.S. with its Datsun 1000 garden truck in 1959. 

The GT-R is racetrack-bred and runs zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, according to Nissan, joining the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Unlike that car, the GT-R has all-wheel drive. 

Nissan's Maxima returns for 2010. The Maxima is offered in two trim levels, 3.5 S and 3.5 SV, both of which have a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. As Nissan's flagship sedan, the Maxima competes with cars like the Toyota Avalon and Ford Taurus. 

The Murano was redesigned and reengineered for 2009, and it competes in price and size with the Ford Edge, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. It seats five. There are three trim levels of the Murano: S, SL and LE. All three now come with front- or all-wheel drive. 

The Nissan Pathfinder is a body-on-frame sport utility vehicle with three rows of seats. It's the smaller sibling to Nissan's full-size Armada. The Pathfinder comes in S, SE and LE trims with the V-6; the V-8 is only available in the LE. Competitors include the Jeep Commander and Ford Explorer. It seats seven. 

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. Competition includes the Toyota RAV4 and Saturn Vue, and the Rogue seats five people. 

The Nissan Sentra sits between the subcompact Versa and the midsize Altima. Regular Sentras come in base 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SL trim levels. The Nissan Sentra is an alternative to the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. 

Nissan did nearly everything right with the Titan, but a fickle consumer base never reached out to Japan's first aggressive attempt at the full-size truck market. This may be the last model year for this version of the Titan; production at its Mississippi plant is expected to end in 2010. Nissan's next full-size pickup may be based on the Dodge Ram 1500 and will likely feature Dodge powertrain components. 

Nissan introduced the Versa to the U.S. for 2007. The Versa is available as both a hatchback and a sedan. This subcompact goes head-to-head with the Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Aveo and Hyundai Accent. 

Nissan's truck-based Xterra is geared toward young, active buyers — or those who want to appear that way. A standard 4.0-liter V-6 drives either 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.