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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  Solid Near Luxury Sedan - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Riverdog - March 21 - 6:06 pm

  I thought it was bit pricey until I test drove my new Maxima SV. Its a solid near luxury sedan with excellent performance. My only concern was with the CVT but Ive learned to like it especially for economy and the manual mode is a hoot but watch out for the law as this thing gets up to speed in a hurry. My mileage has averaged about 24 in combo driving which Im quite satisfied with. In my opinion, the exterior (mine is Crimson Black) is absolutely gorgeous and the interior is about the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  My Land Yacht :) - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Moms Car - March 21 - 5:28 am

  This is my 4th Murano and each one is an improvement over the last one and I am extremely pleased with this. The 2016 replaced my 2014 which I loved and intended to keep for a long time but when an out of state driver plowed into me it totaled it but I was fine inside so I am very happy with its "crash response" . I promptly went out and purchased the 2016 and have been very happy with it....so comfortable, plenty of space for cargo and friends-- can not recommend this vehicle enough...I also have a GLK350 which is nice but this has more space and honestly more "gadgets which I love and you can not beat the value. I am so pleased with the Murano I gave my son the Mercedes both are excellent cars but for me I prefer the Murano

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  steering vibration, GAS TANK PROBLEM - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Ge - March 21 - 2:16 am

  This car is the worst car I have ever owned. I WILL NEVER, NEVER, BUY NISSAN AGAIN. I have so many problems: LOUD gas sloshing inside the gas tank. It is like driving with a small ocean in the rear of my car. I hear wave of splash side to side, specially, driving on slow speed, slowing down to a stop, putting in reverse. After my car is parked, I still hear the splashing inside the gas tank till it settles ( for a minute or two) I have had vibration to steering wheel, seat, pedal ever since I had my Altima, I was told by my dealership ( MOSSY NISSAN IT WILL GO AWAY IN TIME) what a bunch of bull....! It has not gone away! it only got worst. Gas tank problem, nothing they can do, it is up to Nissan. other problem continues: transmission very noisy, I feel jerking , bouncing while driving on low speed and want to slow down or stop. It makes noises down hill, RRRR noises. I want Nissan to buy this car back. I only have 3,800 miles cannot stand driving this car. it is a piece of junk. I had to give a star to write the review ... it disserve -0

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  Happy owner. - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Gabriel - March 20 - 6:26 pm

  Ive considered Accord, Sonata and Camry. Im happy I made the right decision. I had the car for 2 months so far. Very good engine power (forget the 6 cyl) and brakes. Very fun to drive. Mileage about 20/28 mpg with 1,300m so far. Roomy interior. On one hand, disappointed with some creaky plastics on the door panels and below the driver seat. On the other hand, the dashboard is very attractive and made with very good plastic quality. Nissan should use a better plastic quality for the door panels. Overall very nice car! I would recommend this car to a friend.

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  great vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bd00 - March 20 - 2:46 pm

  This Pathfinder was exactly what I was looking for - it is fun to drive, looks good and overall quality is outstanding. Handles great! Without a doubt this is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Love this car!! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Michelesb - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car!! I love the way the Xterra handles, it drives like a car on the road. Havent used it off road or in snow yet. I can never feel when I am speeding... the car drives so smoothly. The amount of room in this car is unbelievable... I can fit my whole life in this car. I like that the seat cushions come out of the car when you put the back seat down...allows more space than SUVs that have seats that just pull forward (like the pathfinder). I think the Xterra is the best value among SUVs. I cant imagine why anyone would purchase a pathfinder for $10,000 more than an Xterra.

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  Very Happy, Great SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CSW - March 20 - 10:00 am

  After weeks of research and price comparison, I have found the Nissan Pathfinder to be the best bet. I got an awesome deal through AAA. The car is beautiful..got the black model with gray interior, its gorgeous and fun and FAST!

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  Power and comfort in an suv - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cord1507 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Just completed a 800 mile trip and the Pathfinder was great! Had excellent power in the mountains of WV and still returned over 20mpg. DealerJohn Sisson motors couldnt have been better either.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RobM - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car but could get better gas mileage.

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  Multiple Electronic Issues - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By freegg - March 19 - 3:30 pm

  This vehicle looks nice but weve had constant electrical issues since its purchase. Both side view power mirrors went out. The rear passenger power window went out. The oil pressure sensor quit. Ive already replaced the battery once after only two years. The overcharging alternator burned out the positive battery cable. Now the fuel gauge has stopped working. I cant remember how many times the service engine light has come on. I was a believer in Nissan products until we purchased this vehicle. I will not buy another Nissan product.