Nissan's new Rogue may not be the first small crossover, but it sure is one of the most stylish, fun-to-drive ones you'll find.

The Rogue is a five-passenger crossover that comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. It's based on the "Alliance C-platform," which is shared by a number of products from Renault, the corporate parent of Nissan.

Power comes from a 170-horsepower, four-cylinder engine backed by a second-generation "Xtronic" CVT automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 22 city/27 highway.

The CVT features paddle shifters, available on some Rogue models. This feature allows drivers to run through the gears manually without a clutch.

Styling on the Rogue is pleasantly aggressive, with a strong, downward character line that runs from front to back. It also carries a roofline with a semi-elliptical design at the rear, a feature that seems to be popular with many crossovers. The overall effect is what looks like a smaller Infiniti FX series car -- not a bad thing, because the FX35 and FX45 are two of the sexiest cars on the market.

Nissan's flair for a contemporary, sleek interior is evident on the inside, which has a cockpit-like feel. I especially like a two-toned seating arrangement that you can get on some models. Everything is easy to reach and to read, and there are plenty of interesting features.

For instance, there's a pop-up cargo organizer in the back with detachable partitions and a washable bin. The center console includes a removable box, and a large glove box with a removable partition that can hold an owners manual and folding umbrella, and a drop-down lid that can hold paper maps and MP3 player.

The center console also includes a card holder, pen holder, rear cup holder and cell phone holder, among other amenities.

Safety features include traction and stability control, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, front active head restraints, a tire pressure monitoring system, zone body construction that includes front and rear crumple zones, and energy absorbing steering columns.

The only point that I found bothersome was the large blind spot to the rear of the car due to the styling and design of the roof and side windows.

In other news for 2008, the Nissan Pathfinder gets its first 5.6-liter V-8, a restyled interior and exterior, and it will be offered in six trim levels, each with a standard five-speed automatic transmission.

Prices start at $25,700 and can go as high as $33,900. Styling changes include a new front and rear end, restyled grille and hood, new chrome applique for the body side moldings, and other features.

The Armada comes in for significant change also, including a new front end, new headlight and fog light designs, new one-piece roof rack design, new wood grain accents on some models, and a heated steering wheel available on some models. Prices for the 2008 Armada start at $35,250 and top out at $41,750.

If you're looking for something a little sportier, check out Nissan's all-new Altima Coupe, set to arrive in the next few weeks.

It's a pretty stunning design with blistered fenders and wild-looking taillights. It's shorter in wheelbase length and height than the standard Altima Sedan, is driver-oriented, with supportive front seats and informative, easy-to-use gauges and controls.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 (19/27 with manual, 19/26, CVT), or a 2.5-liter. 175-horsepower four (23/32 manual, 23/31), automatic. Options include intelligent key, Bluetooth phone system, rear view monitor and touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic updates.