Overview & Reviews

Nissan was born in Japan, and like other marques from its homeland, the brand is known for crafting vehicles that place an emphasis on quality and reliability. The company's roster of products is broad, and includes sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs.

The automaker got its start in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, this outfit merged with another Japanese manufacturer, and the new company was christened Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Nissan initially marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand, with the first Datsuns being built in 1934. Postwar, the brand made its presence felt worldwide, building a partnership with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and establishing a presence in the United States. The first Datsuns hit American shores in 1958. Vehicles like the Datsun 1000 were based on Austin platforms.

The '60s witnessed Nissan's merger with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the Asian manufacturer create more luxury-focused vehicles. In the U.S. it began offering its first vehicle styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan. By the end of the decade, Datsun had exported more than 1 million vehicles. Datsun rose to prominence in the 1970s on the popularity of its 240Z sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car was coveted for its blend of style, performance and affordability. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker's cumulative vehicle exports had surpassed the 10 million mark.

In 1981, Nissan shelved the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker. The '80s also saw Nissan's launch of a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to American shores, with the construction of a Georgia-based plant.

The early '90s saw Nissan's fortunes rise in the U.S. thanks to fun-to-drive cars like the 300ZX, Maxima and Sentra. But this trend didn't last long and by the late '90s Nissan's offerings consisted of anonymous vehicles. The company's future was uncertain.

After the turn of the new century Nissan bounced back, helped by a 1999 alliance with Renault that boosted the company's finances. Its redesigned Sentra and Altima boosted sales and consumer interest, as did new models like the 350Z sports car, Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Today the manufacturer is known for offering a wide range of well-regarded vehicles, including the popular Murano SUV, the incredible GT-R supercar and the all-electric Leaf.

User Reviews:

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  Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank J. Acuna - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is top notch

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  Choice buy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By steep33 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it, hauls butt!!

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  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Christene - March 20 - 11:13 pm

  Smooth ride with ample horsepower. Interior design is beautiful, comfortable, with spacious leg and head room. The Bose system delivers high quality sound with no distortion. This is my second Nissan and I never have any maintenance problems. Reliable car and a head turner. Great price for a car with a lot of extras.

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  Why not a Murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By BigBlue - March 20 - 7:10 am

  We have had a Nissan Murano since December of 2005. The car is excellent for road trips. I have taken three teenagers, 15, 18, 19 on several road trips in the past two years and have not heard complaints from the back seat. We find gas mileage on the highway averages around 26mpg, 28 if its really easy driving. Around town we find this to be the perfect urban SUV. INterior is very nice the dash is easy to use and the handling is outstanding. Similar to our old maxima. Cargo space is quite good, see 3 teenagers, 2 adults road trip, everyone brought a suitcase and a couple of coolers. I plan to drive this until the wheels fall off.

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  Great Buy! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By TT - March 20 - 2:06 am

  I just got my Xterra and have been driving it like crazy. The engine performs beautifully and it rides very nicely on the highway, even at cruising speed the car maintains a nice quiet interior. Lots of room and great places for storage. I could not be happier with my choice. In its class there isnt a better SUV on the market. Lots of power, very functional, great design, all in all a great buy.

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  Murano Affair - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Joel Nelson - March 19 - 9:00 pm

  I have owned my 2004 SE AWD Murano since June of 04. I have had zero defects or complaints. The tires are entry level and I will upgrade to a set of 255/55z X 18 when the stock tires get thin. I have 13800 miles on the vehicle and only oil changes for expences. I put a bug deflector on the vehicle because they attract stones to the windshield as well as bugs. When you look at the vehicle from the side you can see the muffler hanging down. It is not just my Murano, they all hang down. The dealer said that is the way they come. I would suggest the Nissan Co. get a new exaust system designer for this car. An exaust system should not be seen or heard, unless its on a Harley Davidson. J

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  First New Car, Love It - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By L - March 19 - 1:06 pm

  Had the car for a month and look forward to driving it every time. 4 cylinder is surprisingly quick and quite zippy. Just tapping the accelerator makes the car want to dash right off the starting line. CVT is wonderful as well. Had an old automatic Mazda Protege and I could feel each and every gear change. Now, I just drive, smoothly too. Interior is roomy. I can fill each seat and all the passengers are comfy with enough leg room. A lot of compartments to store stuff. Glove box is cavernous. Doors give a nice solid thunk when closing.

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  195000 miles - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By #195000strong - March 19 - 8:40 am

  Great Vehicle all around with the exception of electronics.

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  Tough little SUV - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lauren - March 19 - 3:30 am

  I was drawn to the 2004 Pathfinder for its styling and performance. This SUV is loaded with options that make driving and riding enjoyable in all weather conditions. Will keep it forever!

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  Love my Cayenne red Leaf - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By Don - March 19 - 3:12 am

  Wish it had the Tesla range, but great for 105 mile range