Roomy interior; off-road and towing ability; new V8 power.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder Model Changes:

A V8 engine is available in the Nissan Pathfinder for the first time for 2008; the existing V6 is still available, too, and both engines can be equipped with rear- or four-wheel drive.The Pathfinder also gets a new look in front and in back, and new wheel designs and two new exterior colors-White Frost and Mocha-join the lineup along with one new interior color, Russet. Inside, there's a redesigned center-console area, a restyled instrument panel, a new reclining second-row seat, and illuminated switchgear. The Intelligent Key entry system, a navigation system with Music Box hard-drive system, and a heated steering wheel are among the new options.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder Model Value:

With a sturdy fully boxed frame and four-wheel drive, combined with a four-wheel independent suspension, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder's offers a good combination of serious towing, hauling, and off-roading ability with a good ride on-road. And now that it gets the same big V8 as the larger Armada, the mid-size Pathfinder becomes both quicker and more able, with towing capacity now up to 7,000 pounds.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder Model Overview:

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in S, SE, and LE variants, and each are available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. SE and LE models come with a choice of a 4.0L V6 engine rated at 266 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque, or a 5.6L V8 making 300 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.The so-called Endurance V8 is new to the Pathfinder for 2008 and has an aluminum block with cast-iron liners, molybdenum-coated pistons, a forged steel crankshaft, and heavy-duty cooling system for durability.Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, but the available 4WD systems are quite different depending on the engine. The V8 comes with a full-time All-Mode four-wheel drive system that can send up to 50 percent of engine torque to the front wheels on demand, while V6 models come with a part-time 4WD system that is more off-road oriented, with a separate low range and on LE models an electronically controlled transfer case.On the special SE-V6 4WD model, there are several additional off-road-focused features, including a limited-slip system, hill descent control for descending steep, slippery slopes, and hill start assist, which allows a smoother launch on steep inclines when off-roading. The model also includes Bilstein performance shocks, plus additional skid plates.The Pathfinder has a roomy interior with three rows of seating for up to seven. The third row folds flat to easily expand the cargo floor, the second row is split 40/20/40 and also folds forward, and the front passenger seat also folds forward on most models for especially long items.Standout optional features include dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, woodgrain trim, a DVD entertainment system, Bluetooth hands-free system, and a navigation system with Music Box, which has a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing MP3s.All Pathfinders include rack-and-pinion power steering with speed-sensitive power assist, plus four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). Electronic stability control is also standard, while side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants and side-curtain air bags for outboard occupants in all three rows are optional.

Nissan 350Z Model Strengths:

Performance; aggressive style; comfort (for a sports car); reliable.

2008 Nissan 350Z Model Changes:

The 2008 Nissan 350Z continues on with no significant changes from the previous year. One new color is available: Nogaro Red.The limited edition 350Z NISMO that was released for 2007 continues on for the 2008 model year. Available as a coupe only, the NISMO is billed as the best handling Z ever, and is equipped with all manner of performance enhancements, including an aerodynamic kit, tuned exhaust, lightweight wheels, Brembo brakes, and a stiffer body.

Nissan 350Z Model Value:

Nissan's 2008 350Z manages to capture all the excitement of the original Z car. The 350Z is one of the few affordable sports cars that is still offered as either a coupe or convertible. The car's styling is notable, handling is taut, and power is ample, and the coupe starts at $28,605 including destination charge. Few other cars on the market can make such claims, while still being an honest-to-goodness sports car.

Nissan 350Z Model Overview:

Datsun forever changed the world of affordable sports cars when they launched their sleekly styled, six-cylinder missile, the Datsun 240Z, in 1971. Five years after the Z car's reintroduction to the U.S. market, the 2008 Nissan 350Z happily stays true to the 240Z's successful blend of performance, style, and reasonable price.The 350Z shares its platform with the Infiniti G35 sedan and G37 coupe. These cars all use Nissan's FM (front midengine) platform that places the engine behind the front axle line for optimal weight distribution, resulting in excellent handling. The 350Z uses the fourth-generation 3.5L, 24-valve DOHC V6 which in this application, makes 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual and a five?speed automatic transmission with down-shift rev matching are available, and both a coupe and a roadster are on offer.Inside, the Z is obviously a pure driver's car. The tachometer is large and directly ahead of the driver. When you release the tilt lever the whole instrument pod goes up and down with the steering wheel. It's a thoughtful detail that ensures a great view of the instruments at all times. The three small round gauges atop the center of the dashboard echo back to the original Z car, and a large storage compartment opens right below it. This is where the GPS system resides if you choose this option. Everything in the cockpit is pointedly styled, and just flat out works.Even better than the interior is the driving. Nissan obviously went to a lot of trouble to make the Z chassis an exceptionally stiff one. Under the hood a brace connects the two shock towers. There is also a larger cross member that takes up a significant amount of rear cargo area. The Z's power is magnificent. The stiff chassis makes for a firm ride, but it also elevates the handling prowess of the Z beyond some high-buck sports cars. The ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes are absolutely fantastic.The 350Z has a number of trims, including Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring. The Enthusiast adds a limited slip differential, traction control, cruise control, aluminum pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a HomeLink universal garage door opener. The Touring gets heated leather seats, Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, and a Bose audio system. The Grand Touring adds Brembo brakes, super lightweight 18-inch wheels, vehicle dynamic control and front and rear spoilers.Side air bags for both the body and head are optional, as is a DVD-based navigation system, and satellite radio.A limited number of NISMO coupes will be built for 2008. These special edition vehicles have a more rigid body (as much as 60% stiffer in many areas), a rear diffuser, a front spoiler, lighter wheels, large Brembo brakes, and a suspension with high spring rates and a bigger rear stabilizer bar.

Nissan's 2008 Maxima Model Strengths:

Fashionable interior; high-end luxury features for an affordable price.

Nissan's 2008 Maxima Model Changes:

For 2008, Nissan's flagship Maxima sedan gets the SkyView panoramic roof standard, which provides a fixed-glass window down the center of the vehicle roof. A new Platinum Edition Package adds HID headlights, Bluetooth, reverse parking sonar, and a heated steering wheel. XM satellite radio is now standard on the uplevel SL model.

Nissan's 2008 Maxima Model Value:

Nissan's 2008 Maxima sedan straddles the line between luxurious and sporty, and makes a strong design statement with its chiseled appearance and showy wheels. The Maxima offers many luxury features not found on other vehicles in its price range, and its powerful V6 engine, which is shared with the 350Z, makes the Maxima feel sportier than other upscale sedans in the same segment.

Nissan's 2008 Maxima Model Overview:

Nissan has always promoted the Maxima as a car that straddles the performance/luxury line, and the 2008 model continues to fill this role. A four-wheel independent suspension design allows a supple ride but also responsive handling, while four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist provide strong, stable braking.One year off a cosmetic redesign, the Maxima's interior continues to be refined. It now features better ergonomics, fewer buttons, and a Fine Vision Meter display to make the gauges more readable. Nissan's stylish interior continues, providing plenty of aluminum and wood trim throughout.A 3.5L V6 is the only available engine, making 255 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque and incorporating continuously variable valve timing and variable induction. It is now paired with the Xtronic CVT, which simulates the feel of gears for sporty driving.The Maxima is available in two trims, SE and SL, and the SL has almost all of the common luxury amenities standard; however, the options list brings many features usually reserved for more expensive luxury-brand vehicles. Options include a Sensory Package that includes leather seats (heated in front), heated mirrors, a power passenger seat, and a digital compass. The new Platinum Edition includes power driver's seat lumbar, HID bi-xenon headlights, Bluetooth, and a heated steering wheel. There's also a DVD navigation system with a seven-inch display available.A SkyView glass-paneled roof is standard on both Maxima models. It stretches nearly the entire length of the roof and comes with sliding sunshades. A conventional, smaller opening sunroof can be substituted. The advanced air bag system on all Maximas comes with front seat side-impact air bags and roof-mounted side-curtain air bags. Active head restraints are also standard. The vehicle dynamic control system is optional.