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Posts Tagged ‘Nissan’

The 2009 Nissan Titan is largely unchanged for what is likely this large pickup truck’s final model year in its current design. Titan comes in two body styles, the extended King Cab and 4-door Crew Cab. Kings have rear-opening back doors that don’t open independently of the fronts, but swing out flat against the bodysides. Cargo beds of 5.5, 6.5, 7, and 8 feet are available depending on cab choice.

Trim levels include XE, SE, LE, and off-road-themed PRO-4X. The sole powertrain teams a 317-hp 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission; the engine is capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Maximum towing capacity is 9400 lb with the Crew Cab and 9500 lb with the King Cab. XE, SE, and LE models are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. PRO-4X models are 4WD only.

The 4WD system should not be left engaged on dry pavement, but it includes a low-range gear for off-road use. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Standard seating is for six with front and rear benches. Available front bucket seats reduce seating to five. Also available are power-adjustable pedals, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and DVD entertainment.

The 2009 Nissan Sentra sees a few mid-year changes, including some new trim-level designations. This compact car offers five models: Base 2.0, uplevel 2.0 S, top-line 2.0 SL, sporty SE-R, and performance SE-R Spec V. All 2.0 versions have a 140-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 2.0 S comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on 2.0 S and standard on 2.0 and 2.0 SL is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

In mid-model-year 2009, Nissan added an “FE ” designation to all Sentra 2.0 models equipped with the CVT. The FE includes some powertrain tweaks designed to increase fuel economy. Also added mid-year was the 2.0 SR model, which has the CVT and specific styling. The SE-R has a 177-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a CVT; Spec V also has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder but with 200 hp and a mandatory 6-speed manual. SE-R and Spec V have 4-wheel disc brakes, sport suspension, and specific exterior and interior styling cues.

Available safety features include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. On 2.0 models, the rear seat cushion can be flipped forward, allowing the split rear seatback to fold flat with the floor. Leather upholstery, wireless cell-phone link, and keyless locking and starting are standard on SL.

The 2009 Nissan Rogue adds a few new features and options, but is largely unchanged after its 2008 introduction. This compact SUV from the Japanese automaker is based on Nissan’s Sentra compact sedan and is a 4-door wagon with seating for five. S and SL models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing.

The sole powertrain is a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). SLs offer steering wheel mounted paddles for manual shifting. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

Optional equipment includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, wireless cell-phone link, keyless entry/engine start and xenon headlights.

The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is largely unchanged. This seven-passenger midsize SUV comes in S, SE, SE Off-Road, and luxury-oriented LE trims. All have a 266-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine. Also offered is the LE V8 with a 310-hp 5.6-liter V8 engine. The only transmission is a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 6000 lb with the V6, 7000 lb with the V8. SE Off-Road and LE V8 models are 4-wheel drive only. The others are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD.

Available on all LE Pathfinders is Nissan’s All-Mode 4WD system that can be left engaged on dry pavement. The 4WD on other models should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Both 4WD systems have a low-range gear for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, and front side airbags.

Pathfinders have a 50/50 split-folding 3rd-row seat. Leather upholstery is standard on LE and optional on SE. SE Off-Road comes with specific tires and shock absorbers and additional chassis skid plates. A navigation system is an LE-exclusive option.

The 2009 Nissan Murano is redesigned. This midsize SUV seats five and is based on Nissan’s “D” platform, which is shared with the midsize Altima sedan. Models are S, SL, and LE. All use a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. S and SL offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. LE is AWD only.

Murano’s AWD system lacks a low-range gear for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

Heated front and rear seats are available, as are a navigation system and DVD entertainment. LE includes 20-inch wheels, xenon headlamps, a rearview camera, leather upholstery, and keyless entry and starting.

The 2010 Nissan Maxima sees no major changes following its redesign for the 2009 model year. Two trim levels are available: 3.5 S and 3.5 SV. 3.5 SVs can further be equipped with a Sport Package that features equipment such as 19-inch wheels, sport suspension, faux metallic interior trim, heated leather seats, and power tilt and telescopic heated steering wheel.

Also offered on the 3.5 SV is a Premium Package, which includes a heated and cooled driver seat, rearview camera, and power rear sunshade. All Maximas are powered by a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. A manual shift gate is standard; paddle shifters are optional.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Keyless access and engine start and a wireless cell-phone link are standard. Available equipment includes satellite radio with real-time traffic information, a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital-music files, and rear-seat climate and audio controls.

The 2011 Nissan GT-R lineup shrinks and all models gets a slightly revised suspension. Long known as the Skyline GT-R in Japan, the GT-R is Nissan’s flagship sports car. It comes in a single Premium trim level. The Base has been discontinued. The sole engine is a 485-horsepower turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. It teams with a 6-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission that behaves much like an automatic.

It also includes steering-wheel shift paddles for manual operation. All-wheel drive is standard as are a sport suspension and 20-inch wheels with run-flat tires. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

A navigation system with hard drive for storing digital-music files is standard. New for 2011, the navigation system includes real-time traffic and weather alerts. Heated front seats are standard. A no-charge Cold Weather Package includes special coolant and specific wheels and tires.