Car Reviews

Link: http://www.carreviewsonline.net/nissan_murano_crossover.shtml

It's not so much that the Nissan Murano returned to the market in 2009 completely redesigned, it's that it's so much improved, it's bound to rise in class in style and consumer preference rankings.

The redesign retained its attractive qualities while making some key improvements to keep this sporty crossover more than competitive with the top-selling crossovers like the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Toyota Highlander. The Murano is sporty in its handling, but with its highly responsive powertrain, it's a smooth ride.

While the cargo space behind the second row is smaller that some rivals and some rear visibility is compromised, the improvements more than make up for its drawbacks. An upgraded, luxury-feel cabin and key mechanical refinements further its appeal.

You can take a 2009 Nissan Murano home for between $28,500 and $32,800.

Nissan is also throwing its hat into the small, boxy car ring with the new Nissan Cube, competing with Toyota Motors’ Scion and Honda’s Element. Thought it’s been available in Japan for years, we’ll see whether the U.S. market takes to this funky machine.

Its body is asymmetrical, which will probably throw OCD patients into a fit, but its interior is surprisingly spacious and aesthetically comfortable. It’s not a hybrid, and though the EPA hasn’t tested its fuel economy, it’s predicted the Cube will round out at about 30 MPG.

The standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with either an Xtronic continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. When it’s distributed in spring of 2009, we’ll see if this little Cube will pull out its corner of the market.