Born and headquartered in Japan, Nissan is one of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Nissan is also one among the top three Asian rivals of the big three car brands in the US today. Nissan has a reputation for crafting quality vehicles. Its extensive lineup of vehicles includes sporty coupes, sedans, minivans, SUVs and trucks. The automaker was launched in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, it merged with another Japanese automaker and the new company was named Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Initially, Nissan marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand. The first Datsun vehicles were built in 1934. After World War II, Nissan entered into a partnership with the UK-based Austin Motor Co. and established its presence in the United States. The Datsun car line entered America in 1958.

In the '60s, Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the manufacturer build luxury vehicles. In the US, Nissan began offering its first vehicle designed for the US market, the Datsun 510 Sedan. Datsun had exported more than one million vehicles by the end of the decade. Datsun's 240Z sports car became a huge hit in the '70s. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car offered style and performance at an affordable price. By the end of '70s, Nissan's vehicle exports exceeded the 10-million mark. In 1981, Nissan dropped the Datsun name and began selling vehicles under the Nissan name throughout the world. It started a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to America by constructing a Tennessee-based plant. The early '90s saw Nissan rolling out fun-to-drive sedans, such as the Maxima, 300ZX and Sentra. A 1999 alliance with French carmaker Renault helped to shore up the company's finances. After the turn of the new century, Nissan redesigned Sentra and Altima and introduced new models, such as the Titan and Armada. Today, the manufacturer has more than 1,100 dealerships in the United States. At present, Nissan vehicles are available in many countries, including the United States, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, France and United Kingdom.

2008 Nissan Versa
The 2008 Nissan Versa ($12,710) is available as a four-door five-passenger hatchback or sedan with a spacious interior and several convenience features. Both the hatchback and sedan body styles are offered in base 1.8 S and 1.8 SL trim levels. A 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Versa. The hatchback provides a sizeable 50.4-cubic feet of trunk space, while 13.8 cubes are available on the sedan. Revisions for the 2008 Versa include a rear spoiler and a lower body kit on the SL sedan and optional cruise control on the base S versions.

2008 Nissan Sentra
The 2008 Nissan Sentra (starting at $15,830) is a five-passenger economy sedan that offers well-organized controls and spacious seating. The Sentra is available in five trim levels - 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R and SE-R Spec V. All the trims are powered by a 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Trunk space is a respectable 13.1-cubic feet. For 2008, cruise control, anti-brake system and security system are standard features on the 2.0 S versions, while satellite radio is standard on the Sentra 2.0 SL.

2008 Nissan Altima
The 2008 Nissan Altima (starting at $20,180) is available as a midsize family sedan or coupe. Hybrid version of Altima is also available. This five-passenger sporty vehicle offers a powerful engine, sportier suspension and unique exterior styling. The Altima Sedan comes in four trim levels - base 2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL. The sedan features a 175 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The sedan hybrid version gets a 158-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 40-horsepower Electric Power Motor. The Altima Coupe is offered in 2.5 S and 3.5 SE trim levels with the same engine types as the sedan.

2008 Nissan Maxima
The 2008 Nissan Maxima (starting at $28,270) is a midsize sedan that offers luxury, performance and plenty of space. The four-door five-passenger Nissan flagship comes in two trims - the sporty 3.5 SE trim and the luxurious 3.5 SL trim. The Maxima is equipped with the 255-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. For the current year, the Platinum Edition Package largely replaces last year's Elite Package.

2008 Nissan Z
The 2008 Nissan Z ($28,120) is a two-seater affordable sports car, available as a coupe and roadster. It comes in Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring and Nismo trim levels. The Base and Nismo trims are exclusive to the Z coupe. Both the coupe and the convertible get a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Unchanged for 2008, the Nissan Z looks fresh and offers sharp handling, compact dimensions and excellent value. The Z convertible includes a power-operated soft top that can be dropped in about 20 seconds, and power seats.

2008 Nissan Quest
The 2008 Nissan Quest ($24,750) is a striking minivan with its bold exterior styling and a radical interior. The seven-seater Quest offers a roomy interior and responsive handling. It comes in four trims: 3.5 base, 3.5 S, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE and is motivated by a 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. For 2008, the Quest receives minor changes.

2008 Nissan Rogue
All new for 2008, the Nissan Rogue ($19,250) is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV that looks and rides better. Available in four trim levels: S, S AWD, SL and SL AWD, the Rogue features a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. It is firm at higher speeds and offers a combination of city road and highway manners. This stylish SUV is well-built with superb materials and comes with comfortable front seats.

2009 Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano ($26,330) has been completely redesigned for 2009. The 2009 Murano is a midsize crossover SUV with sharp handling and sporty styling. This five-passenger car is offered in three trim levels: S, SL and LE. All the trims are equipped with a 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, that provides ample power for almost all surfaces. An upgraded cabin and state-of-the-art electronics gizmos, such as iPod interface, hard-drive-based navigation system and a rear-seat DVD system with a nine-inch screen, enhance its appeal.

2008 Nissan Xterra
The 2008 Nissan Xterra ($21,240) is a midsize five-passenger SUV designed for off-road situations as well as for daily use. Offered in four trim levels - X, S, SE and Off-Road, it uses a 261-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 engine. For 2008, this truck receives minor trim upgrades. The X versions get standard power features, cruise control and remote keyless entry. The Xterra comes with a new Technology Package featuring auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio pre-wiring and an upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder ($25,920) is a seven-passenger midsize SUV that offers top performance and high towing capacity. The V-8 engine is available for the first time on the Pathfinder for 2008 and its maximum towing capacity has been increased to 7,000 pounds from the previous 6,000 pounds. Other new features for the current year include a new navigation system with a hard-drive-based music storage unit. It gets a visual change with new wheel designs and updated front and rear styling. The Pathfinder is available in four trim levels - S, SE, SE Off-Road and LE with a choice of two powerful engines - the V-6 and the V-8.

2008 Nissan Armada
The 2008 Nissan Armada ($35,500) is a full-size SUV equipped with a strong engine. The eight-passenger SUV is capable of off-road situations and generous towing. Available in SE and LE trim levels, it is powered by a 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 engine. Maximum luggage capacity of the Armada is 9,100 pounds. For 2008, the Armada gets a restyled cabin with more luxurious ambiance, new grille and headlights and many high-tech features.

2008 Nissan Frontier
The 2008 Nissan Frontier ($16,250) is a midsize five-passenger pickup truck with excellent off-road capability. It is available in two body styles - extended cab (known as a King Cab) and a crew cab. The King Cab comes in XE, SE, LE and Nismo trim levels, while the Crew Cab is offered in base XE trim only. The four-cylinder-powered Frontier with rear-wheel-drive or the V-6-powered Frontier with four- or two-wheel-drive can be chosen by the buyers. For the current year, several option packages and new equipment are available. The Technology Package which includes an auxiliary audio jack, upgraded sound system, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a security system has been introduced on the 2008 Frontier.

2008 Nissan Titan
The 2008 Nissan Titan ($25,330) is a six-seater full-size pickup truck with a functional and roomy cabin. It is offered in two basic configurations: an extended cab (King Cab) or a crew cab and four trim levels - XE, SE, Pro-4X and LE. The Titan features only one drivetrain - a 317-horsepower, 5.6-liter V-8 engine. Significant changes for the current year include the availability of a new longer wheelbase model, interior design enhancements, fresh exterior styling and new features.