Nissan Versa

Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the Versa offers good power and fuel efficiency, a comfortable ride, plentiful interior room and useful cargo space (especially in the hatchback). The sub-$10k sedan base model may seem like a bargain, but it's devoid of any basic features like a radio, power windows and door locks. Buyers must step up to the 1.8 trim levels to even get the option to buy power accessories. 2010 sees ABS become standard on 1.8 S and 1.8 SL trims, and a navigation system will be optional on the 1.8 SL.

MSRP: $9,900 – $16,530
Base Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 107 hp
Base EPA mpg: 26 city/34 hwy/29 cmb
Competition: Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent

Model Highlights
Available iPod integration, satellite radio, and Bluetooth
1.8-liter 4-cylinder models feature 122 hp and mpg of 26 city/31 hwy/28 cmb
High-quality interior materials
Excellent crash test safety 

Nissan Cube

For 2010, the quirky Nissan cube gets some new standard features, like Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted controls on the middle trim levels, while the top level Krom (pronounced like "chrome") gets a color audio display and a backup camera. Its unique rounded-off boxy design will definitely turn heads, and there's a large selection of interior and exterior accessories to choose from if you like to flaunt your own style. The Cube's shape naturally lends itself to plenty of headroom and useful cargo space with the rear seats folded.

MSRP: $13,990 – $20,120
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 122 hp
Base EPA mpg: 24 city/29 hwy/26 cmb
Competition: Kia Soul, Honda Fit, Scion xB

Model Highlights
Sliding and reclining rear seats
6-speed manual or optional CVT
Available iPod interface and Rockford Fosgate audio system
IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2010

Nissan Sentra

The Sentra is a particularly spacious compact sedan, and it gets reworked front and rear ends for 2010. Nicer interior materials are also new, along with an optional in-dash navigation system and an available rearview camera, which is unusual in this segment. The trunk is large and tall drivers will find plenty of headroom. Buyers looking for more performance will find it in the SE-R and SE-R Spec V models, which feature sport suspensions and more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinders with 177 hp and 200 hp, respectively.

MSRP: $15,540 – $20,080
Base Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 140 hp
Base EPA mpg: 24 city/31 hwy/27 cmb
Competition: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Mazda3

Model Highlights
Excellent fuel economy with CVT
Available leather interior and heated front seats
Available 8-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system
Good crash test ratings

Nissan Altima

The Altima comes in two guises: the popular midsize sedan and a sleek coupe. Both receive facelifts, standard stability control and some upgraded options for 2010, while the 3.5 SE models are renamed 3.5 SR. The base engine is a 175-hp 4-cylinder, while the 3.5 SR models come with a punchy 270-hp V6. Edgy styling, quality interiors, sporty handling, strong feature content and good safety ratings make the Altima an attractive choice for practically anyone.

MSRP: $19,900 – $29,600
Base Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 175 hp
Base EPA mpg: 23 city/32 hwy/27 cmb
Competition: Honda Accord, Mazda Mazda6, Toyota Camry

Model Highlights
Straightforward controls, even with optional navigation
Continuously variable transmission (CVT), or available 6-speed manual on coupes only
V6 models come equipped with sport-tuned suspension
Excellent crash test ratings

Nissan Altima Hybrid

The hybrid version of the 2010 Altima gets the same new face as the standard gas-powered one. It offers consumers more fuel-efficient transportation with traditional sedan looks and sport sedan performance, which is a rarity in the hybrid segment. City fuel economy is quite a bit better than the gas-powered 4-cylinder Altima, but the hybrid's price premium is not insignificant. If you want one, hopefully you live near California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island or Vermont, because those are the only states where Nissan sells them.

MSRP: $26,780
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 158 hp
EPA mpg: 35 city/33 hwy/34 cmb
Competition: Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid

Model Highlights
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Quickest 0-60 acceleration in its class
Advanced Technology Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle designation
Battery pack cuts the trunk space down to 9 cu. ft.

Nissan Maxima

The Maxima is Nissan's muscular midsize flagship sedan. Completely redesigned in 2009, all models receive standard Bluetooth for 2010, and some features have been repackaged. It's not the four-door sports car Nissan would have you believe, but it is more lively to drive than most competitors. And though it gets pricey when fully optioned, you get more features for your money than you will with the luxury brands.

MSRP: $30,460 – $33,180
Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 290 hp
Base EPA mpg: 19 city/26 hwy/22 cmb
Competition: Acura TL, Hyundai Genesis, Volkswagen CC

Model Highlights
Standard continuously variable transmission (CVT)
18-inch alloy wheels
Power 8-way adjustable driver's seat
Great crash safety scores

Nissan 370Z

The 2-seater Z is one of the best affordable sports cars money can buy. For 2010, a new 370Z Roadster joins the lineup, along with a 40th Anniversary limited edition. The 370Z features the world's first rev-matching 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 7-speed automatic. Handling, ride and braking are top notch and the engine provides more than enough power, though it feels and sounds rather coarse at high rpm.

MSRP: $29,990 – $41,820
Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 332 hp
Base EPA mpg: 18 city/26 hwy/21 cmb
Competition: BMW 135i, Mazda RX-8, Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Model Highlights
Xenon HID headlights
18-inch alloy wheels
Available limited-slip differential with 19-inch wheels
Roadster features a fully automatic latchless soft top

Nissan GT-R

The extraordinary all-wheel-drive GT-R supercar was probably the most talked-about vehicle of 2009, and it's even better for 2010 with newly tweaked launch control that improves both durability and speed. Purists still lament the lack of a manual transmission and its hefty 3,800-lb. weight, even though it's still more than fast. The interior is nicely appointed with a stitched leather dash cover and the trunk is a useful 8.8 cu. ft., helping make the GT-R very livable for daily driving.

MSRP: $80,790 – $83,040
Engine: 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 with 485 hp
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/21 hwy/18 cmb
Competition: Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Audi R8, Porsche 911 Turbo

Model Highlights
Automated 6-speed dual-clutch manual transmission
3.6 seconds from 0-60 mph and 11.6 seconds through the 1/4 mile
Standard hard-drive navigation system and music storage
Exceptional steering feel and handling 

Nissan Rogue

This compact SUV gets a new Value package available on the base model and new Krom models with more aggressively styling. All Rogues come equipped with a 170-hp 4-cylinder mated to a continuously variable transmission, which some say can be underpowered and buzzy under hard acceleration. Exterior styling is sleek and the interior is surprisingly upscale, with a soft-touch dash and available heated seats. Ride and handling are very carlike, and among the best in the compact SUV segment.

MSRP: $20,340 – $25,140
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 170 hp
Base EPA mpg: 22 city/27 hwy/24 cmb
Competition: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-7

Model Highlights
Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Creative interior storage compartments
Six standard air bags, ABS with brake assist, and stability control
Available backup camera with rearview mirror-integrated display 

Nissan Murano

Truly one of the most unique-looking midsize suvs, the Murano offers striking style, performance and a very nice interior. A plethora of luxurious options are available, including heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, rear-seat DVD player, and hard-drive navigation with music storage and real-time traffic. The continuously variable transmission is a good match with the strong V6, and the Murano drives and handles admirably. All Muranos receive standard keyless entry and ignition for 2010.

MSRP: $28,050 – $38,180
Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 265 hp
Base EPA mpg: 18 city/23 hwy/20 cmb
Competition: Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Equinox

Model Highlights
Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Up to 64 cu. ft. of cargo space
Exceptionally comfortable seats in both front and rear
Good crash test safety ratings

Nissan Xterra

Taking to the trails is the Xterra's specialty, and it's one of the most livable on-road SUVs among its off-road-capable competition. The interior is a bit plasticky, but it's well-suited to a rugged lifestyle. The Xterra rides and handles well for a truck-based SUV, though fuel efficiency is poor. Interior options like Bluetooth, portable navigation and satellite radio will make any trip more enjoyable. For 2010, previously optional equipment is now mostly standard.

MSRP: $22,450 – $30,400
Engine: 4.0-liter V6 with 261 hp
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/20 hwy/18 cmb
Competition: Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota 4Runner

Model Highlights
Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Standard 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Multi-mode transfer case on 4WD models
Easy-clean flooring materials and interior utility hooks 

Nissan Pathfinder

Better suited to off-roading and truck-like duties than everyday family fare, the 7-passenger Pathfinder lags behind the midsize SUV competition. However, it can tow up to 8,000 lbs. with the optional 310-hp V8, and both it and the V6 engine are admirably powerful. The interior is well-appointed and many entry-level luxury amenities are available, but the second- and third-row seats are tight. Fuel economy is near the bottom of the pack. Options packages have been rearranged and an SE Off Road trim level is eliminated from the Pathfinder for 2010.

MSRP: $27,440 – $42,160
Base Engine: 4.0-liter V6 with 266 hp
Base EPA mpg: 15 city/22 hwy/18 cmb
Competition: Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer

Model Highlights
Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Standard front skid plate
Available hard-drive navigation system with real-time traffic
Good crash safety scores 

Nissan Armada

Nissan's 8-passenger Armada is beginning to show some age, but it remains a good choice in the large SUV segment. New Titanium and Platinum trim levels are added for 2010. There is standard equipment aplenty, including rear parking aids and power-adjustable pedals. The V8 is powerful, though it returns dismal fuel economy. Off-road capability is also commendable, the trade-off being truckish ride quality. The exterior styling is polarizing to some, as it does stand out from the crowd.

MSRP: $37,210 – $52,190
Engine: 5.6-liter V8 with 317 hp
Base EPA mpg: 12 city/18 hwy/14 cmb
Competition: Toyota Sequoia, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition

Model Highlights
Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Up to 97 cu. ft. of cargo space and 9,100 lb. towing capacity
Available auto-leveling rear suspension
Second-row captain's chairs or bench seat 

Nissan Frontier

The Frontier is an excellent choice if you need a compact pickup truck. More safety features are standard for 2010, including stability control and side and curtain airbags. Equally as comfortable to drive around town as on the job, the Frontier offers strong engines, plenty of cab and bed combinations, and desirable features like a tough bedliner and the Utili-track cargo-handling system. However, the rear seats are a little too upright and not as comfortable as those of the competition.

MSRP: $17,540 – $29,820
Base Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 152 hp
Base EPA mpg: 19 city/23 hwy/21 cmb
Competition: Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota, Toyota Tacoma

Model Highlights
Simple, easy-to-use controls
Available 261-hp V6 with 16 mpg city/20 mpg hwy
6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission
Strong braking performance 

Nissan Titan

Though the Titan was at the top of the full-size truck pyramid when it debuted, it has fallen to the bottom due to a lack of updates. It still features a burly 317-hp engine capable of towing up to 9,500 lbs and a large, versatile cabin. The Titan gets tnew standard safety features for 2010: seat-mounted side and curtain airbags and stability control.

MSRP: $26,320 – $39,120
Engine: 5.6-liter V8 with 317 hp
Base EPA mpg: 13 city/18 hwy/15 cmb
Competition: Toyota Tundra, Ford F150, Chevrolet Silverado

Model Highlights
Throaty-sounding exhaust
Available Rockford Fosgate stereo
Lockable bedside compartment on SE Utility package
Available tailgate lighting and movable tie-down cleats