More equipment like Michelin PAX run-flat tires and a RearView video monitor pile on Nissan's slinky minivan in 2006. Quest has the longest wheelbase in class to forge a five-door cabin with considerable space arranged in anartful manner. Bucket seats on the second tier and the third row bench flip and fold to form a flat floor for hauling more cargo. A sliding slab door on either side is the widest portal in this minivan's segment, while the optional Skyview roof adds multiple glass roof panels.

Power flows from a dual-cam 3.5-liter V6 worth 240 hp through an automatic transaxle. Gear increases up the model ladder with Quest 3.5 S, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE. New-for-2006 Quest 3.5 S Special Edition adds extra equipment like power to the right sliding door and liftgate, upgraded audio gear and a rear sonar warning device.

Concepts for Nissan's four-door flagship sedan came from designers in Japan, but assembly occurs in the United States at a Nissan manufacturing plant in Tennessee.

Maxima for 2006 packs class-topping V6 power with two trims that vary in suspension tuning. The sport-oriented 3.5 SE uses a performance-tuned suspension for tight handling control, while the comfort-oriented 3.5 SL has cushy settings for a luxurious ride quality. Maxima's sophisticated 3.5-liter V6, with dual cams and a drive-by-wire throttle, scores at 265 hp.

For 3.5 SE trim, the engine connects to a smooth electronic automatic five-speed transmission with manual shift mode or a six-speed close-ratio manual stick. For elegant 3.5 SL, the V6 employs a four-speed automatic with gated shifter. Maxima's cockpit with standard glass-paneled roof supplies front bucket seats and a three-place rear bench, although the Elite Package on 3.5 SE puts buckets in front and back.

The compact-class sedan from Nissan, scaled smaller than flagship Maxima and mid-size Altima, borrows styling cues from both in a slick package loaded with features for comfort, practicality and safety. Styling concepts for Sentra came from Nissan's California design studio, with engineering work derived from the Nissan Technical Center in Japan and Nissan Research and Development in California, Michigan and Arizona. Assembly occurs by Nissan Mexicana in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Trims for 2006 list the Sentra 1.8 and Sentra 1.8 S. Each stocks a dual-cam 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine racked to 126 hp and teamed with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.

In the cabin there's generous space with two bucket seats mounted up front and a split-and-fold bench in back. Sapphire Blue and Sunburst are two new paint shades on Sentra's 2006 color chart.

Nissan's five-door wagon for the compact class works as a pure SUV that's part cushy transportation vehicle for riders and part tool box for hauling lifestyle sports paraphernalia like a load of mountain bikes, gear for camping or rock climbing, skis or kayaks.

Platform and powertrain come from the Frontier pickup with 2WD traction or a part-time 4WD device with 2WD/4WD-high/4WD-low modes. The 4.0-liter V6 in Xterra achieves 265 hp with a six-speed manual shifter or five-speed electronic automatic.

Revised trim designations apply with Xterra X as the new base grade. Xterra S stocks preferred equipment, Xterra OR stands for Off-Road and brings traction choices, while Xterra SE is the top trim with a Rockford Fosgate audio kit aboard. Xterra's cabin carries twin front bucket seats and a second-row bench with split/folding seatback. The rear cargo floor is flat and made of hard vinyl for easy cleaning.

Nissan's Z-car returns in 2006 as a sleek two-door hatchback coupe or curvy roadster convertible. Each shows revamped bodywork with more equipment aboard. All Z-cars stock Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 engine, which has been spiked to 300 hp with manual transmission models.

On the prow stylists revised Z's bumper, headlamps and grille, then made 18-inch aluminum wheels standard for all trims. 350Z the coupe comes in many models -- 350Z 6MT, Enthusiast 6MT, Enthusiast 5AT, Performance 6MT, Touring 5AT, Touring 6MT plus Track 6MT. And new 350Z Grand Touring adds nose and tail spoilers, Brembo brakes and a vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. Z as a roadster offers two flavors -- Enthusiast and Touring. A power-operated soft top on the roadster lowers the lid in 20 seconds.

New gear for all includes bi-xenon HID headlights, speed sensitive power steering, revised HVAC controls and fresh paint shades like Interlagos Fire.