The 2012 Nissan 370Z is proof that Japanese car manufacturers can indeed build more than regular cars. The Nissan 370Z, in fact, ranks well in the list of affordable high performance cars.

Its looks are truly iconic and the car is indeed worthy of being sought after.

High-performance car enthusiasts will certainly appreciate the 370Z.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $32,280.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71L)	MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 167.2 in. (424.6 cm)	Wheel Base: 100.4 in. (255 cm)
Height: 51.8 in. (131.5 cm)	Width: 72.6 in. (184.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 3245 lbs (1471 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 6.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 3.7L 24 Valve V6 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 11: 1
Horsepower: 332 HP	Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:370Z Touring	MSRP: $36,980; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy
Option:370Z NISMO	MSRP: $41,660; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy
Option:370Z Convertible	MSRP: $40,500; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Engine

The 2012 370Z comes standard with a V6 3.7 liter engine that delivers 332 horsepower and 270 lbs/ft of torque. The standard model comes with a 6-speed manual transmission but prospective owners can choose the optional 7-speed automatic transmission to transfer the power.

What is most interesting about the engine of the 370Z include its Downshift Rev and the SynchroRev system? After changing gears, these systems match the engine speed to the new gear by automatically adjusting the engine speed. This clever feature helps the engine deliver optimum power all the time.

Performance

The 370Z is indeed powerful and the transmission undeniably smooth. Driving the 370Z can make you feel that you can conquer the road. Sure there are more powerful engines, but what makes you feel even better is its competitive price.

According to the EPA, the 370Z with the automatic transmission has a fuel economy rating of 26 mpg for highway and 19 mpg for city driving. The model with a manual transmission has a rating of 26 mpg for highway and 18 mpg for city driving.

The 370Z has good brakes and handles well. We can definitely say that this Nissan is nimble. It definitely has the poise of a sports car with all the essential dynamics. It gives great value for the money.

Exterior

Curves on the 370Z are inspired by the looks of the 240Z, only with a wider stance. By the first glance, you will definitely have the impression that this Z is poised to give you exceptional performance on the road.

Interior

The first noticeable thing about the Z’s interior is the quality of material that Nissan used. Its cockpit is racing inspired and its seats are snug. Although we give Nissan credit for it, we believe that taller drivers may find the snug seats uncomfortable.

Another drawback is that the cabin is not the quietest in its class. These are the areas where Nissan can further improve the 2012 370Z.

Safety

It is unlikely for a sports car not to undergo crash tests and this is apparent in the 370Z. The federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety cannot provide details because they have not crash tested this car.

Nevertheless, the 2012 370Z has the standard safety features such as traction control, anti-lock brakes, side airbags (front seat mounted), supplemental front airbags (dual stage), and side-impact roof mounted airbags. Prospective car owners can go for the optional rear view camera if they find difficulties about rear visibility.

Pros & Cons

The 2012 370Z definitely gives great value for your money, better than other affordable sports cars. Braking and handling is excellent, it has clever transmission features, a powerful V6, and premium quality interior.

The 370Z does not have the quietest cabin in its class. In certain situations, the 370Z seems to lack the refinement present in other sports cars.

The cabin noise should not bother you too much along with the “unrefined” character, which is an isolated flaw. For its performance and looks, the 2012 370Z is definitely a good choice.

Competition

There are a number of other high end vehicles that may be compared to the 370Z, these include the BMW 328i (MSRP $38,700; 18 city / 28 hwy), the base Chevrolet Corvette V8 (MSRP $49,600; 16 city / 26 hwy), and the Mercedes Benz C Class Inline 4 (MSRP $37,220; 21 city / 31 hwy).

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“Performance per dollar, the 2012 Nissan 370Z is a bargain, and it’s quick enough in absolute terms to reach toward the domain of much more expensive sports cars.”Car Connection

“Base, Roadster, or NISMO, 370Z is stable, controlled, and balanced. All models carve corners with poise exhibited by cars that cost thousands more. Steering feel is direct and responsive. NISMO and models equipped with the Sport Package and manual transmission include Nissan’s new “SynchroRev Match” system, which automatically raises engine speed when downshifting the transmission.”Consumer Guide

“The Z two-seater shares mechanical components with the Infiniti G coupe, including a wonderfully strong and smooth V6.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“If you’re looking for seat-of-your-pants performance in a sexy coupe that won’t break the bank, take a spin in a 2012 Nissan 370Z Coupe. Open-air fans will love the 370Z Roadster version.”KBB

“Excellent handling and braking; nifty rev-matching manual transmission; powerful V6; compliant highway ride; high-quality interior; relatively low price.”Edmunds

The 2012 Nissan Frontier is designed as a compact pickup truck. Anyone looking for a Pickup with top notch safety features and reliable performance should go for this particular model.

The diversity of pickups has undeniably dwindled in recent years, with only a few makers focusing on this vehicle type.

The Frontier shows great promise in particular areas in performance compared to its competitors but also suffers some drawbacks when it comes to interior design.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Truck	Base Price: $19,010.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (54L)	MPG: 19 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 205.5 in. (521.9 cm)	Wheel Base: 125.9 in. (319.7 cm)
Height: 68.7 in. (174.5 cm)	Width: 72.8 in. (184.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 3686 lbs (1672 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.6 in. (19.3 cm)
Max Payload: 971 lbs	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16 Valve 4 Cylinder DOHC	Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 152 HP	Max RPM: 5200 RPM
Torque: 171 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1587 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Frontier SV King	MSRP: $22,300; MPG: 19 city / 23 hwy
Option:SV V6 King	MSRP: $22,890; MPG: 16 city / 20 hwy
Option:Pro 4X 4×4 King	MSRP: $28,780; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy
Option:Crew S 4×2	MSRP: $23,050; MPG: 16 city / 20 hwy
Option:Crew SV V6 4×2	MSRP: $24,140; MPG: 16 city / 20 hwy
Option:Crew Pro-4X 4×4	MSRP: $29,670; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy
Option:Crew SL V6 4×2	MSRP: $29,540; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy

Engine

This model comes with 2 engines. Frontier models fitted with the 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine boasts 152 horsepower. Frontier trims fitted with 4.0 liter V6 engines run at 261 horsepower. The Frontier also comes with either a 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

Performance

The 4-cylinder engine comes with a 5 speed manual transmission while those equipped with the V6 come with the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is generally better with the V6 engine.

The additional cylinders that go with the 2 liter model pose a significant drawback to fuel economy. However, the 5 speed automatic transmission that comes with the highest model trim, the SL Crew Crab boasts a fairly stable performance compared to other brands within the vehicle class.

Exterior

The 2012 Frontier is definitely one of the best looking modern Compact Pickups. Everything from how the fenders are designed against the wheel wells to the distinctive grille, this model features a sleek modern look from the outside.

Interior

Seating, on the other hand, has always been a touchy issue with Compact pickups. The Frontier does indeed suffer from terrible feedback when it comes to the spacing and comfort for the rear seats, especially with the 4 seat King Crab trim.

You should be aware of the seating limitations of most pickups. The 5 seat trims, however, are significantly more comfortable in the back seat area.

The interior features of the Frontier are adequate albeit somewhat cheap plastic look and feel of the materials. To be fair, most pickups do suffer from such complaints. However, when compared to its competitors, the Frontier is a step behind when it comes to style and standard in interior design. To get standard functionalities seen in other brands, shoppers will have to go for the higher Frontier trims. Despite all this, the Frontier still boasts a handy and easily accessible layout.

Safety & Reliability

The Frontier scores pretty well when it comes to highway safety standards. Roof strength, side impact and frontal offset scores for the Frontier are “Good” while it ranks at “Acceptable” when it comes to rear crash testing.

Generally, the four wheel drive models score much better compared to the two-wheel drive models in rollover risks tests. Safety functions include dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags as well as side curtain airbags.

The Frontier also comes with front-seat active head restraints. Furthermore, the Frontier scores 4.5 out of 5 in Reliability according to the standards set by J.D. Power.

Overall

The Nissan Frontier is reliable. It has the best safety features available and scores well in several standard safety tests. It is one of the best looking Compact Pickups in the market. Interior features are substandard but are accessible.

Engine performance is top notch. However, fuel economy may not be a strong point for particular engine models. Anyone looking for a straightforward, safe and reliable design may find all the essentials in the Frontier.

Overall Rating
67 out of 100

What others say:

“If you’re looking for a compact pickup with big aspirations, the 2012 Nissan Frontier Pickup makes a good choice. Able to tow up to 6,500 pounds, the Frontier Pickup is a rugged workhorse that just also happens to be rather fashion savvy around town.”KBB

“Nicely balanced for a pickup truck. The steering feels weighty and direct, but is slow to react in tight U-turns and parking spots. Body lean is evident in corners but is not excessive for a vehicle of this type.”Consumer Guide

“You may not need to go full-size–the 2012 Nissan Frontier pickup truck can cover a lot of the same ground a bigger pickup can.”Car Connection

“Sturdy chassis; strong V6; easy-to-use cabin controls; comfortable front seats; stout bed lining and tie-down points; agile handling.”Edmunds

If you’re looking for off road ruggedness, this weekend warrior utility vehicle may be just what you want. You will find that the 2012 Nissan Xterra combines comfort with toughness.

There is plenty of storage space and your sports equipment will fit just fine.

You can enjoy this SUV in the city or off road for a weekend trek.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $25,210.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (80L)	MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 178.7 in. (452.9 cm)	Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Height: 74.9 in. (190.2 cm)	Width: 72.8 in. (184.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 4143 lbs (1052 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.2 in. (20.8 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 36.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 24 Valve V6 DOHC	Displacement: 4.0 Liter
Horsepower: 261 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 281 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Xterra S 4×2	MSRP: $27,200; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy
Option:Xterra Pro-4X 4×4 auto	MSRP: $30,370; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy

Engine

The 4.0 liter V6 engine puts out 261 horse power with a torque of 281 ft lbs. Equipped with a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed automatic transmission, the Nissan Xterra is perfect for the tough jobs. The suspension is built for rugged driving and you get 9.5 inches of ground clearance. Steering is weighted and direct. 4 wheel drive is what makes this a perfect fit for off-roading.

Performance

This mid-size SUV has a double wishbone front extension and a live axel rear suspension as well as a front rear stabilizer bar. The car runs on regular unleaded gas and gets approximately 16 miles per gallon city and 22 miles per gallon highway.

Exterior

The first glance at this ruggedly designed car may bring up hazy memories of the old classic Toyota Land Cruiser. The body design features the traditional body – on – frame structure as well as side moldings, sprinkle pads and double power exterior mirrors.

The steps on the rear bumper make the roof much more accessible. The roof has a latchable bin at the front of the tubal shaped roof racks for storage.

Like the Toyota Highlander, the alloy wheels and all terrain tires are standard on the Nissan Xterra. There are eight standard Nissan colors to choose from so you can choose the look to suit your taste. The over all exterior design is great for its rugged image as an tough off road vehicle that gives you a truck like ride on the highway and city streets.

Interior

The interior of the 2012 Nissan Xterra is not fancy and does not say luxury in sense of the word. But who cares when you plan on getting down and dirty on the rough terrain? What the interior does offer is plenty of room and an easy to clean hard plastic dashboard. The controls are simple and well placed.

There is plenty of head and leg room and the cargo capacity is excellent. The cargo compartment does feature an easy to clean floor and before I forget, I want to mention that this SUV features a built in first kit which fits right in with the rugged purpose of this vehicle. If you are looking for a fancy interior this is not the vehicle for you. You may want to check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee for a more luxurious interior.

Safety

The standard safety equipment includes the front seat side impact airbags as well as the front and back seat curtain airbags. There are front seat active head restraints and also a tire pressure monitoring system. Together with the anti-lock brakes, stability control and security system, all these safety features are sure to give you peace of mind.

Reliability

The Nissan Xterra comes with a basic 36 months/36,000 mile warranty and a 60 month 60,000 mile power train warranty. These are topped off with the 60 month unlimited distance corrosion perforation warranty to ensure you of the reliability of your vehicle.

Pros

• Safety features
• Versatility
• Over all good performance
• Cargo space
• Spacious interior
• Affordable pricing

Cons

• Poor gas mileage
• Back seat is not very comfortable for long rides.

I would get this vehicle for rugged off roading. It is well made and the reviews from those who own the Xterra are generally enthusiastic and positive. The price is great fro a SUV in this class and the safety features are more then enough to encourage a second look at this rugged vehicle.

Competition

The Xterra is comparable in price to the Ford Escape XLT (MSRP $24,870; 21 city / 28 hwy) and the Toyota FJ Cruiser (MSRP $26,115; 17 city / 20 hwy). The Toyota 4Runner SR5 (MSRP $31,090; 17 city / 23 hwy) is similar when it comes to the engine.

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“The Nissan Xterra goes for an appealing, trail-ready look outside; inside, it’s a little wash-and-wear.”Car Connection

“Fast cornering induces marked body lean, plus some tail hop over bumps; PRO-4X’s stiff suspension bounces even more. The steering feels slow in parking and quick direction changes, but Xterra has a relatively tidy turning circle for easy close-quarters maneuvering. Stopping control is unexceptional.”Consumer Guide

“The Xterra feels crude but is very capable off-road. Although the ride is stiff, handling is relatively responsive.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Unlike so many SUVs that have moved to a more carlike unit-body design, the 2012 Nissan Xterra retains its traditional body-on-frame architecture, which is just fine by us and most off-road enthusiasts”KBB

“Even though the 2012 Nissan Xterra doesn’t have the funky styling or legendary brand name of its off-road-ready SUV competitors, it’s equally capable in the dirt and a lot easier to live with in everyday driving.”Edmunds

Every Jaguar XK is a representation of advanced engineering coupled with a cosseting luxury and the 2012 Jaguar XK & XKR Special Editions are no exception.

They even further enhance the luxuriousness of the XK through handcrafted Artisan interiors.

Interior

The Artisan interior, used in the Special Edition models, introduces ‘scraffito’ finished, tactile leather on the front seats, the instrument binnacle, rear quarter casings and door casings. Two veneer finishes (Dark Figured Aluminum and Shadow Walnut) combined with leather head-linings are available.

Also included in the modified interior is a Bowers and Wilkins sound system, heated steering wheel, heated Performance seats, keyless entry and keyless start.

Also standard in all models is the 7″ touch screen that offers navigation system control and a wide range of other features. Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive Front lighting features are optional extras.

Exterior

Complimenting the sumptuous materials used, two exclusive ‘Artisan colorways’ have been specifically designed for the XK and XKR Special Edition models – Canvas with Truffle head linings and Navy with Jet head linings.

Hood colors of the convertible models are also available in a range of carefully selected colors including Black, Grey, Blue and Brown. Additional discreet enhancements include stainless steel pedals and Special Edition tread plates.

The Special Edition XK/XKR exclusive exterior color is Celestial Black, however, Ultimate Black, Lunar Grey, Rhodium Silver, Crystal Blue and Polaris White are available alternatives. In addition to the new color palette, two new 20 inch alloy wheel designs are available to choose from.

Special Edition

Whether you buy the new Special Edition in Convertible or Coupe form, both models utilize the advanced engineering techniques found in other Jaguar XK/XKR models. Jaguar is the industry leader in the use of aluminum technology and both models are lightweight yet exceptionally rigid and strong.

Performance

Standard in all models is the 5.0 liter direct injection V8 engine which is available in two versions: naturally aspirated 385 hp in the XK and a supercharged 550 hp in the XKR. The result is a controlled ride that is beautifully damped, precise handling and an effortless high performance.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $132,000.00
Vehicle Type: Convertible	Base Price: $138,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 gallons (61 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 15 city / 22 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 188.7 in. (254 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275.2 cm)
Height: 52 in. (132.2 cm)	Width: 74.5 in. (189.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 3968 lbs (1800 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 11.7 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: 5.0 L Supercharged V8	Compression Ratio: 9.5: 1
Horsepower: 550 HP	Max RPM: 6000-6500 RPM
Torque: 502 lb-ft @ 2500-5500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds	Maximum Speed: 186 mph (299 km/h)

The 2012 Nissan Rouge is Nissan’s entry to the arena of compact and affordable SUVs.

Overall, the new Rogue has good looks, excellently made cabin and innovative storage attributes.

The powertrain does not meet many peoples expectations, it still manages to give you an enjoyable ride.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Crossover	Base Price: $22,070.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons (60L)	MPG: 23 city / 28 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 183.3 in. (465 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.9 in. (268.9 cm)
Height: 65.3 in. (165.8 cm)	Width: 66.3 in. (168.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 3276 lbs (1486 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (21 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 28.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16 Valve 4 Cylinder DOHC	Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 170 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 175 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: Xtronic CVT®

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Rogue SV

MSRP: $24,510; MPG: 23 city / 28 hwy

Engine

The 2012 Nissan Rogue is equipped with a 4-cylinder 2.5 liter engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 175 lbs/ft of torque. The powertrain is paired with the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).

The front-wheel drive Rogue, according to the EPA, has a fuel economy rating of 28 mpg for highway and 23 mpg for city driving. The all-wheel drive trim has a rating of 26 mpg for highway and 22 mpg for city driving.

Performance

The 2012 Rogue provides adequate power for city and highway driving. However, it is still not as powerful as other cars. If you are the type of car owner that looks after power, the Rogue may not deliver what you expect especially when you need that extra power for passing.

And although the CVT works well for the Nissan Murano, it makes the Nissan Rogue noisy especially during hill climbs. It helps make the compact SUV more fuel efficient though.

The steering for the Rogue is accurate and gives adequate feedback which ultimately makes the car a good handler. Other testers are not satisfied with the Rogue because of the noticeable body leans. The Rogue is composed during straights but loses some poise during sharp turns in corners and twisted roads.

Exterior

The styling of the 2012 Rogue is inspired by the appearance of the 2012 Murano. It has fine lines and subtle curves that make it very modern. It is sleek and smart but it does not have the same sportiness that its bigger brother exudes. Nevertheless, there is no reason for you not to love the looks of the Rogue.

Interior

The Nissan Rogue has a good interior, considering its price. However, its competitors can give better. It can seat up to five persons, provided that the rear passengers are children or teenagers. If you are bringing full grown adults, it is ideal to limit the passengers to four. Remember that the Rogue is compact and therefore cannot provide space like midsize SUVs can.

The center console of the Rogue is compatible with many modern devices. If you are in your 20s and you are buying a Rogue, you will find its technology useful. It provides entertainment and wireless connectivity with your SmartPhone. Also, the center console is fairly easy to use.

Safety

The federal government gave the Rogue 4 out of 5 starts for rollover and front crash tests, and 5 out of 5 stars for doing well in side crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave “acceptable” for roof strength but gave it a “good” score in rear protection, side impact and frontal offset tests.

Reliability

The 2012 Rogue comes with the standard 3-year limited warranty and a 5-year warranty for the power train. It also has a 5-year corrosion and perforation warranty. All these warranties are typical for its class.

Pros & Cons

The Rogue has good handling, good interior and good looks. It doesn’t have enough passing power and the CVT produces a lot of noise.

Although there are some flaws, the 2012 Nissan Rogue still has many things to offer, making it worthy of your consideration.

Competition

There are many Crossovers available in the market. They’ve become popular along with the likes of the Subaru Forester (MSRP $21,795; 21 city / 27 hwy), Hyundai Tucson (MSRP $22,295; 22 city / 32 hwy), and the Honda CRV (MSRP $22,495; 23 city / 31 hwy).

Overall Rating
69 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Nissan Rogue’s comfortable ride and versatile layout make it a good fit for a value-conscious small families–but it’s far from exciting to drive.”Car Connection

“Body lean in sharp corners is pronounced. Steering feel is responsive. Rogue is subject to wandering in gusty crosswinds, making steering corrections at highway speeds necessary. The brakes provide good stopping control, but one test model suffered from a slightly touchy pedal.”Consumer Guide

“Based on the Sentra, the compact Rogue is enjoyable and competitive in the small-SUV class.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Nissan Rogue crossover departs from the traditional quasi-SUV look popular with so many competitors and replaces it with a curvaceous carlike design.”KBB

“The 2012 Nissan Rogue is a comfortable crossover with an unusually nice interior. It’s also unusually fun to drive. Unless you require maximum cargo space and rear-seat functionality, it’s a strong contender.”Edmunds