Nissan

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Nissan Versa, 2012: Budget concious buyers don't have to settle for less

The redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa sedan is small on the outside, big on the inside. Basically, the new Versa sedan is a no-frills, all-business mode of transportation priced between $10,990 for the S model and $15,560 for the SL model. Utilizing a "clean sheet" ground-up design, Nissan approached the Versa redesign with maximizing usable volume space and increasing fuel efficiency. The goal was to create a totally new global platform and drivetrain, reducing the size of engine and transmission, reducing the number of component parts and reducing platform weight. I drove the middle-child of the model range which was the 1.6 SV model configured with a CVT and the optional Convenience Package. After adding floor mats and destination charges, MSRP

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Nissan Xterra, 2012: Rugged, comfortable, keep off-road

Named after the off-road triathlon race series that began in 1996 as the Aquaterra, the Nissan Xterra was introduced in 2000 as a compact sport utility. Nissan ended its sponsorship of the multi-sport event in 2006, but the vehicle bearing the same name remains. It's now in its fourth generation, the 2012 edition is largely unchanged from the previous year's model. The Xterra was Nissan's entry-level SUV until the arrival of the 2008 Nissan Rogue. In the model lineup, the Xterra is priced between the Rogue and the Murano. The Weekly Driver Test Drive For my week's test, I drove the PRO-4X edition, the most off-road geared of three Xtrerra trims. It feature all-terrain tires, skid plates, locking rear differential,

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Nissan Murano, 2012: Flagship SUV offers smooth drive as segment leader

By Mary Ellen Ash In the highly competitive crossover SUV segment, Nissan offers buyers its flagship, the five-passenger Murano. First presented almost a decade ago, the Murano has stood apart from its competitors for years and is still an industry leader. Its appeal goes deeper than ts distinctive styling — the drive quality is also a step above the rest. The combination of Nissan’s strong 260 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, smooth shifting CVT, well-tuned suspension, and a plethora of features adds up to a crossover that rides like an oversized Maxima. New for this year, the 2012 Nissan Murano is available in five trim levels each with varied specifications to attract potential buyers. Build & Styling It’s always nice to

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FOX News picks BMW, Nissan, Ford among favorite 2011 cars

Like many other print and electronic publications, the online edition of Fox News has announced its selection for "Five Favorite Cars of 2011." The selections couldn't be more surprising and diverse — BMW to Fiat, Ford to Nissan. Dodge is in the mix, too. Fox chose its cars via one consideration: "Memorability." Gary Gastelu, the FOX News reviewe, has nice things to say about the Lamborghini Aventador (who doesn't?) and he defines the Toyota Prius V as "possibly the most practical yet created." But neither of the two cars made the "favorite" list. The choice that makes the most sense but simultaneously is illogical is the BMW 1 Series Coupe. The choice doesn't make sense because no one can now

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Chevy, Ford, Buick, BMW among automakers with cars driving into the sunset

So long, Ford Ranger, Buick Lucerne, Dodge Dakota and Mazda Rx-8. Farewell, BMW Active Hybrid 6, Cadillac DTS and Chevrolet HHR. Nice to know you, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Volvo S40 and V50. Take care Ford Crown Victoria, Mazda Tribute, Cadillac STS, Honda Element, Lotus Elise and California-based electric car start-up, Aptera. As for Saab and Maybach, both are joining the manufacturers' graveyard. In automotive year when perennial best sellers like the Ford F150, Toyota Camry and Honda Civic maintained their dominance, the ever-evolving auto industry experienced its share of change in 2011 — and losses of friends. More manufacturers began to offer hybrid and electric vehicles. Even iconic brands like Rolls Royce and Ferarri announced plans to

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Sears goes Green with electric charging system for Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf

For more than a century, Sears has built its brand recognition on its appliances and tools. Now the iconic retailer is entering the green car business in a joint arrangement with Evatran to offer consumers reliable installation of Plugless Power electric vehicle charging systems. Plugless power systems recharge electric vehicles (EVs) as quickly as traditional corded options and require the same electrical installation inside a customer's home. Product offerings will initially focus on Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf models but will quickly expand to include additional electric vehicles. Installation will be offered with the sale of each Plugless Power system and priced based on the customer's home and current electrical service. Sears will also offer commercial installation for electric vehicle

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Mitsubishi i-MiEV top mpg on EPA 2012 list, Nissan Leaf 2nd

As expected, the much-touted 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV has the highest gas mileage of any vehicle available in the United States, according the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The new Mitsubishi gets a combined 112 mpg, with the combined mileage weighted via 55 percent city and 45 percent highway mileage calculation. The Mitsubishi attained a 126 mpg average in city driving and 99 mpg on the highway.

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World Series, 2011: Audi, BMW, GM, Nissan will have TV ads

Audi, Nissan, BMW and Chevrolet will help comprise a large presence for the car industry during the World Series on Fox when the 107th edition of the Fall Classic between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers begins Oct. 18 in St. Louis. According to a report on the website www.broadcastingcable.com, World Series commercial spots sold out for about $500,000 per per spot, up from last year about $50,000 per spot. "Led by several categories, especially cars, MLB postseason has been solid for us. We're pacing well ahead of last year," Neil Mulcahy, executive VP for sports sales at Fox, told the website. Fox Sports said its top categories during the World Series will include cars, financials/insurance, movies, pharmaceutics, packaged

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Nissan Versa 2012 keeps cheapest car in the U.S. status

The 2012 Nissan Versa, equipped with a standard transmission, air conditioning, electronic stability control and AM/FM/CD/AUX stereo, is the cheapest car in the United States for the second straight year and is priced at $10,990. The 2012 model year marks the first time a new car is available in the United States for less than $10,000. For 2011, the base models of the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent, both categorized as subcompacts, were both priced at less than $10,000. The increase of $1,000 for the base Nissan Versa in 2012 reflects two items: air conditioning wasn’t standard in the 2011 model. Additionally, government regulations now require that new cars are equipped with electronic stability control. The 2012 Nissan Versa is

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Nissan Murano, 2011: No beauty queen, but makeover works

Those who want a sporty crossover vehicle with SUV utility should check out the 2011 Nissan Murano. The second-generation Murano — one of the original “crossover” vehicles — benefits from improved styling and a solid reputation for comfort, performance and utility. The technically advanced Murano was introduced seven years ago and was overhauled for 2009. While no beauty queen despite a sculptured exterior, the latest Murano looks better, thanks to a revised grille and front bumper and freshened taillights. There are redesigned standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and 20-inch alloy wheels for the top-line LE trim level. All 2011 Muranos also have interior and content additions, and there’s a new mid-range   SV model. Front seats for all Muranos have been designed

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Nissan signs on as cycling title sponsor for 2012

Automobile manufacturers involved in cycling are nothing new. But Nissan will be first and currenly only carmaker title sponsor among the top-level World Tour team in 2012 with the announcement Monday that the Japanese carmaker will be part of the newly named RadioShack-Nissan-Trek Professional Cycling Team. The squad represents the merger of the current Leopard-Trek squad and the Team RadioShack squad. The latter is partially owned by Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner who competed for the squad in 2010 and for one race this season before retiring in January at the Tour Down Under in Australia. The team will hold a license in Luxembourg, with marketing operated out of Austin, Texas, by CSE Pro Cycling LLC. All

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Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet: Most hated car of 2011?

There’s plenty of time left for a surprising challenger, but the overwhelming front-runner for the dubious honor of “Most Disliked 2011 Car” is the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. A report on CNNMoney.com from Fortune Magazine details, “Not since the Mercedes R-class, and, before that, the Pontiac Aztek has the overall verdict been so bruisingly negative. The CrossCabrio has been tarred for being lumpy, dumpy, shaky, and sluggish.” The Murano CrossCabriolet is an all-wheel-drive Murano crossover in which an automatic folding fabric top replaces the metal roof, and the two rear doors have been eliminated. It’s billed as the first convertible crossover and has a raised suspension and high deck lid. The CNNMoney.com author commented the CrossCabrio looks “somewhat like an artichoke

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Nissan Versa, 2012 car review

The reasonably priced second-generation 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan offers good value. While lively, it’s no thrill. It just provides solid basic, comfortable transportation. Nissan is mainly aiming the new Versa Sedan at single 25-29 year-old college graduates with no children. However, Nissan said at a preview of the car in Seattle the new car also should appeal to older buyers on budgets who want a roomy, economical compact car. The front-drive Versa looks more aerodynamic than distinctive. But it has clever, more-efficient packaging. Automakers strive to make new editions lighter. But the new Versa sedan is fully 150 pounds lighter than its predecessor — thanks to a new “V” (Versatile) platform. It uses nearly 20 percent fewer platform components. Note

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Tour of California: caravan of cars traverse the state

Beyond many of world’s best cyclists, including top Tour de France contenders, world titlists and Olympic gold medalists, the 800-mile Tour of California, like other cycling events, features a caravan of automobiles, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. An estimated 300 vehicles are traveling start to finish in sponsors’ cars, including Nissan, the co-sponsor of the RadioShack team, and Acura, the co-sponsor of BMC. Each starting and finish city also has its own law enforcement jurisdictions with a sizable array of police vehicles. The caravan of vehicles is nothing new to bike racing, but the sixth annual Tour of California this year began in South Lake Tahoe, California. Inclement weather, including snow, rainy and wet roads, prompted the cancellation of the opening

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Nissan Juke 2011 car review

The 2011 Nissan Juke, like its sibling Cube and the Kia Soul, is another automaker’s bold new style. But like two now infamous vehicles of yesteryear — the Pontiac Aztec and Ford Pinto — any new car design too risky prompts diverse opinions. With the Juke, the mini-crossover that debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the reactions were immediate, strong and mixed: Is the Juke an automotive revolution? Is it so ugly it’s cute? Or is the Juke just ugly and ill-conceived? Regardless, the Juke from a sales perspective, is an unqualified success. In Japan, where the Juke debuted to the public in June 2010, strong sales were immediate. Likewise, in Europe and the United States, early sales have

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Nissan Leaf gets World Car of the Year honors in New York

The Nissan Leaf, the zero-emission electric car, powered by a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged in about eight hours and has a 100-mile range, has been selected as the 2011 World Car of the Year. The Nissan Leaf was chosen from an initial entry list of 39 new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten, then three finalists: the Nissan Leaf, the Audi A8 and the BMW 5 Series. The World Car Awards jurors, announcing the award at the New York International Auto Show, commented: “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world’s first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. Dropped onto a unique

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