WomanOnWheels.ca

First Look: 2025 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano is all-new for 2025, and I got a quick look at it at an event in Tennessee. Find out more in my story at AutoTRADER.ca.

First Drive: 2025 Nissan Kicks

 The Nissan Kicks is an all-new model for 2025, on a new platform and with a larger engine than before. Find out more in my story at AutoTRADER.ca.

Road Trip: 2024 Nissan Ariya

Can you go across Britain and Europe in a single charge in a 2024 Nissan Aryia? You can if you're visiting cities like Paris and Lisbon in Ontario, Canada - find out more in my story at AutoTRADER.ca.

Road Trip: Cambridge to Paris in the 2024 Nissan Ariya

Can an electric car go from England to France on a single charge? Yes, but there's more to it than that...find out in my story at Driving.ca.

In Review: 2024 Nissan Altima

The sedan may be endangered but it's not dead, and at Nissan, the midsize version is the Altima. Find out what I think of it in my review at AutoTRADER.ca.

In Review: 2024 Nissan Pathfinder

In the three-row SUV category, the Nissan Pathfinder isn't a standout, but it has a lot of good points. Find out more about it in my review at AutoTRADER.ca.

First Drive: 2023 Nissan Ariya e-4FORCE

It took Nissan quite a while following the Leaf to build its second all-electric vehicle, but now it's here with the Ariya. I drove the AWD version in California - find out more in my report at Sharp.

In Review: 2022 Nissan Murano

It's an older design and not as tech-heavy inside as some, but the Nissan Murano remains relevant in the market as a pleasant driver with long-distance-comfortable seats. Find out more in my review at AutoTRADER.ca.

In Review: 2022 Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra isn't the most powerful performer in the segment, but it does most everything right and looks better than its price. Find out more in my review at AutoTRADER.ca.

In Review: 2022 Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma

In this corner, the Toyota Tacoma, the best-selling midsize pickup truck since forever - and in this corner, the all-new Nissan Frontier. We put them head to head: Which wins? Find out in our comparison at Driving.ca.

First Drive: 2022 Nissan Frontier

It's been a long time coming, but the 2022 Nissan Frontier is finally here, and for those who want a midsize truck, it was worth the wait. Find out more in my "First Drive" review over at AutoTRADER.ca.

First Drive: 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan has updated its Pathfinder into its fifth generation for 2022: It keeps the engine, but gives it a better transmission; it's the same platform, but ride and handling are improved. Find out more in my "First Drive" story at AutoTRADER.ca.

First Look at the 2022 Nissan Frontier

You might be forgiven for not realizing the Nissan Frontier is still around - the current-generation truck was introduced in 2005. But the 2022 model should change all that, and you can find out more in my "First Look" at the National Post (Driving.ca).

First Drive: 2021 Nissan Versa

While so many automakers are getting away from small cars, Nissan is jumping in, and now there's a new Versa sedan. It's a winner, too - find out more in my first-drive review at AutoTRADER.ca.

Here's what's new in pickup trucks for 2021

There are a few changes in the truck world for 2021, including an all-new F-150 with available hybrid option, a restyled Ridgeline, some new features from GM, a new engine from Nissan, and that TRX from Ram. Check it out in my story at the National Post (Driving.ca).

Midsize Trucks: Here are the top three I'd buy

One problem I have with new, full-size trucks is that they're just needlessly oversized. I complain about that a lot, so my editor asked me to name the midsize trucks I'd buy instead. Find out what they are in my story at the National Post (Driving.ca).

Do you remember these eight short-lived cars?

Sometimes automakers hit home runs with their vehicles, and then sometimes -- they don't. I've rounded up eight vehicles that didn't resonate with buyers in my story at Driving.ca. 

Pickup Trucks: Some history highlights

The first motorized truck was German, GMC is older than Chevrolet, and Toyota built a truck before it was even officially an automaker. Find out more in my pickup truck history -- with video! -- at Driving.ca.

Ten auto innovations that flopped

Automakers are always trying new things, and while many of them turn out to be hits, there are a few that make it to market but then don't make it in the market. How about retractable steering wheels, heartbeat sensors, or in-car record players? Find out more in my story at the National Post (Driving.ca).

Affordable new cars coming for 2020

Sports and supercars make the headlines, but it's the bread-and-butter cars that end up in driveways, and automakers are constantly adding to or improving their portfolios to be sure they will. Here are some of the lower-priced vehicles coming for 2020 in my story at the National Post (Driving.ca).

First Drive: 2020 Nissan Titan

It's always been the underdog in the truck segment, overshadowed by the domestics, but the Titan has a lot going for it: it's very comfortable and great to drive. But those chart-topping new horsepower and torque figures? There's a catch ... find out in my review at the National Post (Driving.ca).

In Review: 2019 Nissan Pathfinder

It's showing its age, and that's a minus in this popular segment, but it's still roomy and comfortable, and with a surprisingly accessible third row. Find out more in my review at AutoTrader.ca.

In Review: 2019 Nissan Rogue

Practicality? Check. Price? Reasonable. Performance? Well ... two out of three ain't bad. Find out more in my review over at AutoTrader.ca.

In Review: 2019 Nissan Altima

Not just the best sedan I've driven in a long time, but possibly the best vehicle I've tested in a while. Yes, seriously -- find out more in my review at the National Post (Driving.ca.)

How do the midsize trucks stack up?

Ford's the latest in the segment with its new Ranger, but what else in out there? Check out my round-up at the National Post (Driving.ca).

How Renault and Nissan first got together

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has been in the news for all the wrong reasons -- its chief Carlos Ghosn was arrested, accused of not reporting his full income -- but do you know how these two seemingly unrelated automakers got together in the first place? Find out more in my "Rearview Mirror" column at the National Post (Driving.ca).

In review: 2018 Nissan Micra

While most buyers will opt for just a few more options, I drove Canada's least-expensive car, the 2018 Micra S. You wind up the windows, you shift your own gears, and it has 4/40 air conditioning (four windows open at 40 mph), but you know what -- this little thing is fun. Find out more in my review at AutoTrader.

First Drive: 2018 Nissan Kicks

"Get your kicks on Route 66," the song went, but instead of that legendary highway, I piloted the all-new-for-2018 Nissan Kicks through Montreal -- and indeed, it's tight city streets that are this little ute's prime location. Don't expect power and performance; instead, it's all about price and what you get for it. Find out more in my "first drive" story at AutoTrader.

Buying an accessible vehicle? Here are some of your options...

While you can get almost anything converted to at least some sort of accessibility, getting the right vehicle for your needs can require expert advice and, in most cases, a fair chunk of change. None of the mainstream automakers convert vehicles themselves, but some offer rebates if you have it done. And there's even one that's purpose-built for wheelchair passengers -- find out more in my story at AutoTRADER.ca.

In review: 2018 Nissan Versa Note

At a time when automakers seem to think that "better" means "more complicated," it's nice to get into something that's plain and simple. The Versa Note isn't a great car, but it definitely isn't a bad one either, and might be just the ticket for new drivers or as a second vehicle. Find out more in my review in the National Post.

In review: 2018 Nissan 370Z Convertible

Drop the top, and you'll wonder how we ever thought a sunroof could be enough. Nissan's two-seater roadster provides lots of driving fun, but could look better inside for the price. Find out more in my review at the National Post.

The building blocks of self-driving cars

Autonomous cars are not going to jump fully-fledged off the assembly line. Instead, they will be the result of hundreds if not thousands of systems working together, some of which are already available on vehicles today. One of these is Nissan's ProPilot, debuting on the 2018 Leaf. Find out more about this and how it will tie into self-driving vehicles in my "How It Works" column at the National Post.

Nissan ProPilot: A step toward self-driving cars

Self-driving cars are coming, but there are two issues automakers have to get out of the way: engineering the technology to do it, and just as importantly, getting customers ready for it. Nissan has moved a step ahead with its new ProPilot Assist, which will debut on the next-generation Leaf. I drove a prototype equipped with it -- find out more in my story at AutoTRADER.

In review: 2017 Nissan Titan

Following the introduction of the oversized Titan XD, Nissan now follows up with the one-ton Titan pickup. It's a gradual roll-out of configurations and engines, and I drove the Crew Cab with V8. Find out more in my review at the National Post.

The Z cars come to Canada

The Datsun/Nissan Z has been a hit with fans ever since it arrived for 1970, and this summer, some 250 of them converged on Toronto for the international ZCon festival. I caught up with them at their show - see more of it at the National Post.

Nissan NV: A great little hauler

I love functional little vehicles, and the Nissan NV fits the bill: nice to drive and holds plenty of stuff. Find out more in my review in the Toronto Star.

Look in the distance - it's a Nissan!

Of all the things that designers have to consider when they create a vehicle, I never thought that distance would be one of them - but it's true. Read more about Nissan design Taro Ueda in my Toronto Star story.

In review: 2012 Nissan Frontier

There aren't many smaller pickup trucks available anymore, but of the ones that are, I really like the Nissan Frontier. It's gutsy, its seats are more comfortable than most, and best of all, it brought home all the concrete to fix my cellar floor. Read all about it in the Toronto Star by clicking here.

A look at the 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe

It's handsome, it's fun to drive, it's comfortable, but it's a lot of money. Read my review of the 2012 Nissan Altima 3.5 Coupe in Autos.ca by clicking here.

Three days with the all-electric Nissan Leaf

I had the use of an all-electric Nissan Leaf for three days. I'd specifically booked it for December, to see how it behaved in cold weather, although the temperature remained unseasonably warm. Even so, it was interesting to bring home my first all-electric car for daily driving. The verdict: it's a hoot to drive, but yes, there is such a thing as range anxiety. Read all about it in Autos.ca by clicking here.

Nissan NV: A new way to move your cargo

I initially drove Nissan's NV work van on a short press event; this time around, I had it for a week. It's pretty impressive, especially with all the features that were designed to make the workday easier. You can read all about it on Autos.ca by clicking here.

In review: 2011 Nissan Quest

The minivan is still alive and kicking, and the newest one on the block is Nissan's Quest. It's big and comfortable, but the handling's mushy and it looks odd. Read all about it in my review in Autos.ca by clicking here.

Nissan: Juke in, Cube out?

  Nissan has announced that it will sell a new compact "crossover SUV," the badly-named Juke, in Canada beginning this fall. This photo is all they'll reveal until tomorrow, but I think it looks a little like a Kia Soul that faced into a heavy windstorm. Which could be a good thing.

The press release said that the Juke will join the Rogue and Murano, but nothing was said about the Cube, which tells me that the little box's days are numbered. I like the Cube, but it seems I'm in the minority. I don't know how many are actually going out the door, but I've only ever seen a handful on the road in private hands. That's a shame. No matter what, it's hard on any company to bring out something with good intention and have it fall flat. I think the Cube's biggest problem is that it's a Japanese car that's simply too Japanese.

Here's my Collision Avoidance Technology run-down ...

  In the news: Nissan has announced that it will demonstrate its new "All-Around Collision Free" vehicle at the World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems in New York next week. This slick unit has all the acronyms: BCP (Backup Collision Prevention), SCP (Side Collision Prevention), DCA (Distance Control Assist) and LDP (Lane Departure Prevention).

Basically, the car checks to make sure you aren't changing lanes into the side of another vehicle; that you don't back up into oncoming traffic; it taps the brakes if you're coming up too quickly on the car in front; it makes sure you're staying in your lane; and if you don't, it helps bring the car back over.

Pretty slick stuff, and I'm sure a lot of money was poured into it. But in the interest of safe, low-cost motoring, I've designed my own group of safety acronyms to help get you through traffic with as little rearranged metal as possible. My "Super Safety" car includes PDTGCP (Put Down the Goddamn Cell Phone), AYMP (Adjust Your Mirrors Properly), WWYG (Watch Where You're Going), TDTS (Turn Down The Stereo), LBW (Look Both Ways), and YNTOCOTRSBWPA (You're Not The Only Car On The Road, So Bloody Well Pay Attention).

There. Safe, secure, doesn't need a warranty, and doesn't cost an extra dime. That, my friends, is an Intelligent Transport System.

Electric vehicles: More than just the car

I just read a news report, a follow-up to Nissan's earlier announcement that it will sell a completely electric vehicle in the U.S. and Japan in 2010. The company has embarked on a full-scale study in Kanagawa Prefecture to set up a charging network and incentives program that can possibly be repeated nationally and even globally.

That's a huge report, and it's one that I hope to see with many more automakers.

Up front: I'm a fan of electric vehicles, and I think they're going to have an important place in the overall goal of sustainable transportation. But I also think that many of the people who champion them are not looking at the big picture overall.

I've spoken to many supporters, who tell me that people will simply plug the cars in at home, or plug them in at work, and that's the extent of their vision of infrastructure. The problem is that many of these supporters live in single-family homes, and work at small companies where running a few extension cords from the building isn't an issue.

But many more people live in apartment buildings, or in older city areas where they have to park on the street. Many work at large complexes or factories, where a few thousand cars might occupy the parking lot. Suddenly, the situation isn't so simple as these devotees like to think it is.

Any new technology is going to be chicken-and-egg; early motorists had to buy their gasoline from hardware stores, because gas stations had yet to be developed. By working on the hen as well as the egg, automakers and governments can help to make this happen. Maybe, in future, parking meters will charge the cars parked beside them. Maybe apartment parking lots will include stand-alone charging systems. Maybe, if they do, the electric car will be more than just a conveyance for a lucky few, and instead, become a feasible option for many.

News from Nissan ...

That's a Nissan, and it's coming soon to an intersection near you.

Well, maybe not that exact one, but the news is out: Nissan is entering the light commercial vehicle market in North America. It's planning on building three new vehicles that will enter the market in the first half of 2010, and while there's not been anything concrete yet, the company has confirmed that they'll be under the eight-ton GVW range. It's also forming a partnership with Cummins to supply the engines.

Most importantly, they'll be built in Canton, Mississippi for use in North America, thanks to an investment of $118 million, on top of the tooling for the trucks. There's no word yet on where the ousted Quest minivan and QX56 will go once the plant gears up for the trucks, although I'm wondering if the company will abandon them entirely. In any case, kudos to Canton, and here's hoping it makes for a lot more jobs in an area that can probably use them.