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Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Luxury

Consumer Reports picks the best cars for teens and seniors - Click above for high-res image gallery

The car-savy folk over at Consumer Reports have released a new list of its best picks for vehicles suited for teens and seniors. The group suggests parents looking to send their teens off to school with a newer vehicle should try to avoid the common misstep of assuming that a larger SUV is safer than its smaller, more efficient counterparts. Instead of opting for a heavy roller, Consumer Reports suggests that parents look toward cars with standard traction control and side curtain airbags - cars like the Mazda 3, Scion xB, Honda Accord or Nissan Rogue.

Meanwhile, the publication points to a number of models for seniors that offer good visibility and easy access, including the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Azera and Subaru Forester XT Limited. As you might expect, CR notes that each of the vehicles on the list can boast at least average reliability and carry the publications' Recommended label.

Interestingly enough, the only vehicle that Consumer Reports recommends for both driver types is the Honda Accord. Check out our galleries of the winners below and hit the jump to peruse the full press release.

Gallery: Consumer Reports Best Cars for Teens

Gallery: Consumer Reports Best Cars for Seniors

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors

Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Nissan Rogue shows up at 2010 Z Car Convention

Zach Bowman — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Hatchback, Nissan, Design/Style

2011 Nissan Rogue - Click above for high-res image gallery

We managed to make our way to the 23rd annual Z Car Convention at the Nissan North America headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee this weekend. Aside from a slew of Zed-related goodness of unmatched acclaim, the 2011 Nissan Rogue was also rolled out as part of the celebration. Overall, the little crossover sticks close to last year's recipe, though some subtle visual updates help the ute better stand out from the rest of the mall parking lot crowd.

The tweaked front fascia now has a more angular look aimed at giving the nose of the Rogue some definition. Likewise, the grille has been massaged to incorporate a larger Nissan badge, and the optional fog lights now reside in sculpted inserts. A chrome strip spans the 2011 Rogue's flanks, and a similar piece of brightwork now glams up the rear liftgate. Lastly, buyers who opt for the 2011 Nissan Rogue Krom or Rogue SL will get new 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, too. Otherwise, it's much of the same from Nissan's compact people hauler. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Rogue

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Rogue shows up at 2010 Z Car Convention

2011 Nissan Rogue shows up at 2010 Z Car Convention originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen New Beetle still number one with the ladies

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen New Beetle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Men, take note: According to a new survey from research firm TrueCar, the Volkswagen New Beetle is (still) the ultimate car for women. Apparently, its combination of cute-as-a-button looks and affordable pricing make the reborn Bug a total hit with the fairer sex.

This data was determined not by some silly woman-on-the-street clipboard survey, but rather by looking at the registrations of more than 13 million vehicles over the past two years. We could have saved them quite a bit of work if they wanted to know that the New Beetle was a chick car, but whatever. There was some other interesting info gleaned from the research, including the revelation that 64% of all cars are registered by men despite the fact that there are more women (at 51% of the population, just a tad) than men in America.

Rounding out the top five vehicles that scored well with the mono-chromosomed gender were the Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, (saw this one coming) Volkswagen Eos and Volvo S40.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Volkswagen New Beetle still number one with the ladies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volcano stops JDM Nissan plant, could hurt U.S. Cube, Murano, Rogue supplies

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan

2009 Nissan Cube - Click above for high-res image gallery

The wrath of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano continues. Airlines are just now beginning to get brave enough to test the skies after airborne ash put a stop to all flights last week, and today there are new reports of volcanic activity putting everyone on notice. And while the volcano has left plenty of travelers stranded across Europe, the eruption is having a widespread impact on the manufacturing sector, too. Case in point: The Wall Street Journal reports that Nissan is suspending production at its plants in Fukuoka and Kanagawa. The reason? The Japanese plants use pneumatic sensors produced in Ireland that are delivered by aircraft, and that whole 'just-in-time' production methodology apparently doesn't jibe all that well with Icelandic ash.

If you've been anxiously waiting delivery of your new Nissan Cube, Murano or Rogue, odds are you're probably okay - for now. But all three models use the sensor in question, and as such, are facing production delays. The company doesn't know when the plants will be able to resume production, but odds are it will depend on when Iceland's volcano stops wreaking havoc on Europe's airspace.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Cube (U.S.-spec)

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Report: Volcano stops JDM Nissan plant, could hurt U.S. Cube, Murano, Rogue supplies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Japan, Videos, Crossover, Nissan, Specialty

Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition - click above for high-res image gallery

We're not apologizing to Nissan, but we were pretty flippantly dismissive of both the 40th Anniversary Z and the Rogue S Krom Edition. Why? Because both struck as as badge jobs. When we think of special edition Nissans, we think of V-Spec, and that typically entails more power and/or pumped up handling. But not with these two cars. Though at least the Krom gets a new front end, which sadly isn't nearly as eye-catching as the nose of the not-for-us 2010 Qashqai.

However, the truth of the matter is that our favorite ever special Nissan was the legendary Black Gold 10th Anniversary Datsun 280ZX (and the even rarer Black Red - only 500 made, as opposed to 3,000 Black Golds). And that car was little more than a plaque and a ~~coke habit~~ paint job. Our point? Nissan had better produce a theme song for this new car.

Anyhow, the prices of both the 40th Z and the Rogue Krom have just been announced. The Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition will set you back $38,860. Some of you might be asking why not spend the extra $330 and get the better-than-a-regular-370Z NISMO for $39,190? Well, Nissan will only be producing 1,000 40th Anniversary Zs. Other than that, we can't think of any reason. The Rogue S Krom Edition comes in at $23,940 for the front-wheel drive version, $25,140 if you want all-wheel drive. The 40AZ will be available in Q2 of 2010, the Krom in late Q3. Press release(s) can be found after the jump, along with a little surprise.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO]

Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan updates Qashqai crossover - and no, we're still not gonna get it

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Nissan

2010 Nissan Qashqai - click above for high-res image gallery

The Nissan Qashqai has a silly name. Though not as silly as the Qashqai+2, the seven-seat version of the British built small CUV. But silly name not withstanding, the slightly smaller than a Nissan Rogue compact crossover has been something of a sales phenom for Nissan, selling more than 500,000 copies around the world since 2007 despite not being offered in the North American market.

For the 2010 model year, some things are changing, and some aren't. The biggest and most obvious difference is the front end, which is all-new and quite handsome looking. We especially like the sculpted lower fascia and intake. And while it is slightly smaller than the Rogue we do have in America, the Qashqai (named after a nomadic Iranian tribe) looks tougher. In the rear, the song remains largely the same, though the taillights have been slightly revised. The colors you see here are both new -- Magnetic Red and Mineral Gray.

Inside, functionality is up with a new dash computer, gauges, lighting and "oddments" storage. Refinement is also up, with more baffling in place to reduce NVH, along with a revised windscreen and A-pillars to cut wind noise. The suspension has also been redesigned to improve both ride comfort and handling. All in all, the Qashqai looks to be a pretty tasty package. But you can almost set your watch to the fact that Nissan will not be bringing it to our red, white and blue shores, and while we like the Rogue just fine, we'd just assume that Nissan give us this one instead. What do you think? Check out the ress release after the jump and the high-res gallery below, and then let us know which one you'd prefer to see on sale in America.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Qashqai

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan updates Qashqai crossover - and no, we're still not gonna get it

Nissan updates Qashqai crossover - and no, we're still not gonna get it originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe

Chris Shunk — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Wagon, Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

2009 Nissan Cube - click above for hi-res image gallery

If you own a 2008-2010 Nissan with Tire Pressure Monitoring and you live in one of the 21 "cold weather" states, your tires could lose an air load in a big hurry. Nissan is recalling 143,000 vehicles equipped with TPMS after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that the material in the nut may corrode in areas that use high concentrations of road salt. If this happens, the nut could come out of the sensor-transmitter, illuminating the amber TPMS lamp. if the driver ignores this warning, the tire could quickly deflate, possibly resulting in a crash (or at least a ruined trip to the grocery store).

What models are covered in the recall? The 2009 Nissan Cube and Murano, along with the 2008 Rogue. 2008-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 sport sedans are also affected by the action. Owners of model affected by the recall will be able to head over to the nearest Nissan or Infiniti dealer to get a "more robust nut." Dealers will be able fix recalled vehicles on or before November 2010. Hit the jump to see if you live in one of the states affected by the recall. Hat tip to Art G.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube (US Model)

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe

Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan prices 2010 Rogue at $20,340, offers new value package

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Nissan

2010 Nissan Rogue - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has just announced updated pricing information on its smallest crossover, the Rogue. New for 2010 is a so-called 360° Value Package that adds such niceties as 16-inch aluminum wheels, privacy glass, auto-dimming rearview mirror with rearrview monitor, rear spoiler and chrome grille. At $1,040, the Value Package saves you a cool thousand bucks over the cost of these items if purchase separately.

Base versions of the Nissan Rogue will run $20,340 - a reasonable increase of $1,090 over the CUV's starting price in 2008 - its first year on the market - and stepping up to an all-wheel drive model will cost you $21,540. A top-of-the-line Rogue SL AWD with 17-inch alloys begins at $23,130. All Rogue models come standard with the same powertrain: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated up to a CVT automatic transmission. Want to know more? Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Rogue

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan prices 2010 Rogue at $20,340, offers new value package

Nissan prices 2010 Rogue at $20,340, offers new value package originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canadian Car of the Year winners announced

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Supercars, BMW, GM, Honda, Mini

Every year the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) pick the top new vehicles by category to give their Canadian comrades a reference point for potential purchases. The AJAC tested 177 vehicles in an event at Niagra they call "Test Fest" to come up with their final list, which you can find after the jump.

Even though Canadians have different automotive tastes than us Yanks, they seem to like many of the same cars we do. The AJAC picked the Audi R8 as its "Most Coveted Vehicle", the Honda Accord was honored as best family car, and the Audi S5 took honors for best sports car over $50,000, all of which are fine picks with us. We do, however, question the Nissan Rogue as Best New SUV/CUV under $35,000. It's also interesting to note that no Toyotas made the final list of 12, and GM was the only U.S. domestic to hit the list, impressively taking four categories.

[Source: Auto North]

Continue reading Canadian Car of the Year winners announced

Canadian Car of the Year winners announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First drive: 2008 Nissan Rogue S

Chris Tutor — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Nissan

click above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Nissan Rogue S

Crossovers. Every automaker either has one or has one in the works. Nissan has perhaps the first CUV in the Murano, and now it's joined by the Sentra-based Rogue. Let's start with that name. We're pretty sure Nissan intended to invoke thoughts of rebelliousness and individuality. But the word can also be used to indicate someone who is a cheat, a swindler, disobedient and savage. Nissan's Rogue is none of these, which is neither bad nor good. The Rogue is pretty much a tall Sentra wagon, and we think perhaps Sentra Wagon might have been a much more honest name.

On the outside, there's little to get excited about. Our base model Rogue's monochrome exterior could have benefited greatly from some chrome door guards, handles or mirrors - just something shiny to break up that expanse of Venom Red. The Rogue's face gets a little shiny nose sandwiched between two egg-crate Venom-red nostrils that lead down to, again, a Venom Red air dam. Those two creases seem lost in the hood, and do little to give the car any visual excitement. Out back Nissan continued the monochrome theme and we're surprised they didn't find a way to fit a body-color exhaust tip. We've seen photos of a chrome roof-rack equipped Rogue that proves brightwork can be a good thing. Nissan, meet chrome. It can be your friend.

Continue reading about our first encounter with Nissan's new Rogue after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Nissan Rogue S

Continue reading First drive: 2008 Nissan Rogue S

First drive: 2008 Nissan Rogue S originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan prices Rogue from $19,250

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Nissan

Starting tomorrow, Nissan will begin selling what the market needs most: another small-sized SUV/CUV/thingy. The Rogue, which originally debuted in Detroit last January, joins a highly competitive segment that includes perennial best sellers, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4.

Based off the automaker's "C" platform underpinning the new Sentra, the Rogue will get 170 HP and 175 lb.-ft. of torque sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels depending on spec.

Five packages are offered, beginning with the base SL 2WD model that starts at $19,250, while upping the ante with all wheel drive will boost the price another $1,200. The premium package on the SL 2WD model will set you back $1,900, while the AWD-equipped premium model gets a bump in the sticker by $2,200. A leather package and a moonroof are also available, priced at $1,800 and $800 respectively.

You can read through Nissan's full press release after the jump and check out the gallery below to see if the Rogue has what it takes to compete with the big boys in the CUV marketplace.

Gallery: Nissan Rogue

Continue reading Nissan prices Rogue from $19,250

Nissan prices Rogue from $19,250 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Nissan Rogue priced under $20,000

Chris Tutor — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Nissan

When Nissan's small CUV, the Rogue, goes on sale in just a couple of weeks, it'll carry a sub-$20,000 base MSRP. That just undercuts the popular Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which are right in the Rogue's crosshairs.

Based on the Sentra platform, the Rogue is a few inches longer than both the Toyota and Honda, but offers less interior room. Rogue's 2.5 liter 4-cylinder will be paired with a CVT to counter the CR-V's 2.4 liter and RAV4's 2.4 liter base engine. No 6-cylinder is planned, Automotive News reports.

[Source: Automotive News via Winding Road]

UPDATE: Check out the first review we found of the 2008 Nissan Rogue over at Cars.com.

Gallery: Nissan Rogue

2008 Nissan Rogue priced under $20,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti releases brushstroke art of crossover concept

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Infiniti

Labeled simply "CROSSOVER" this brushstroke profile of an upcoming concept was released by Infiniti today. Actually, Infiniti called this line drawing a "gesture" of a "new luxury crossover concept" that we'll be seeing at the New York International Auto Show in April. Infiniti even promised that the production version of this luxury crossover concept will be in Infiniti showrooms by the end of 2007. Is it a new FX replacement? It actually looks like a Mazda RX-8 to some of us, and definitely not a four-door. Perhaps it's an altogether new model to go head-to-head with all those crossover coupe offerings coming from the Euro luxury car makers like the the BMW X6 or Land Rover Coupe. Perhaps with all of the leaked photos that came out ahead of the Detroit unveilings, this will be the closest we get to seeing what the mystery vehicle really looks like until April in New York.

[Source: Infiniti]

Infiniti releases brushstroke art of crossover concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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