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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  Nice Looking - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jeffrey - March 1 - 6:23 am

  I have driven this vehicle just over 1 yr. and so far I have been satisfied with its performance and fuel economy.

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  Innovative but some quality issues - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By ACS - March 1 - 1:06 am

  The Nissan Murano is a very innovative car - first to market in the crossover segment. I transitioned from the Frontier, so better gas mileage but could still be better. Best we have gotten is 20 mpg. The only negative is there are definitely issues with the gas tank design. Had lots of trouble with getting fuel in the vehicle. Dealership service was accomodating and replaced the tank, but when you pay this much of a vehicle these issues should not surface. Overall a fun car to drive with great room - Im 65" and have plenty of room. Missed emotions on the CVT ... robs car of power when you need it. Defintely check this car out.

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  Just My Size! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By cetta - February 28 - 2:12 pm

  I love my 2011 Rogue. Its comfortable, fun to drive, and a great buy. I was just car looking and not planning to buy until spring but drove the Rogue!And the rest is history. I bought my Pearl White Rogue on December 3. I dont like big vehicles and this is perfect. My husband never likes the cars I select; however, hes really impressed with my Rogue. (That says a lot). Also, Miles Nissan was great to work with!

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  Impressed- but. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By johntc88 - February 27 - 6:17 am

  I needed a vehicle that was 1)economical 2)durable 3)comfortable(back issues) and Nissans offering was unbeatable. I bought the 2015 Altima S in gunmetal grey new @ end of November 2014. 1 was really amazed with the initial fuel economy consistantly getting 38 mpg on my 250 mile commute running 65 to 75 mph. then something strange happened and I started getting 27 to 32 mpg after 4000 mile oil change (1st change @ 400 mls, 2nd @ 4000 mls). Im @ 8000 mls now and avg 32 to 37 mpg (using math formula:mls/glns). Rust has developed @ trunk release trim (after 3 mnths!?), stone deflectors(plastic) under car come off and hang/rattle. Comfortable for long trips! Im 62", great hwy car, im smilin

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  First Mid-sized and Happy - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By racrfanny - February 26 - 7:35 am

  Ive always owned full size Chevy or Dodge p/ups. Now that kids are moved on it was time to downsize. I needed to still have the pulling power to haul a trailer and car, as well as true 4wd (not AWD) capabilities. Looked at the Honda (no locking 4wd over certian speeds) and Toyota (less towing, HP and MPG) and settled for the Nissan. Im very happy with my choice. Recently towed a Boxter hour and half and couldnt have been happier. The truck towed without hesitation. The power was more than adequate and the ride was great. I hear complaints of fuel mileage but coming from a full size Im used to it. Currently averaging 17 around town but reached 24 on my last highway trip to Charlotte.

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  Great Buy - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jabe - February 25 - 2:00 am

  picked up a 98 SE used - had heard great things about vehicle from friends and relatives who owned one. Build quality is great. not a rattle or squeak (the 2000 Cherokee I returned on lease rattled like a tin can after 6 months!) The pathfinder is a great deal used - considerably cheaper than a 4Runner, and built just as well and more comfortable. Will use this vehicle for camping and fishing, as well as family trips, and I expect a long life out of it - so far so good!

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  The most utility for the buck! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By hydrogeek - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the most versitile vehicle I have owned. I can haul the kids, camping gear, mountain bikes, take the wife to dinner and commute to work. This a less refined vehicle than some on the road (i.e. Lexus, Infiniti) but it gets the job down well with great exterior styling.

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  So much more refined than any competitor! - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By meister04 - February 24 - 10:25 am

  Looked at pretty much everything except the American brands (sorry, they just cant compete for the money they charge), and went with the 2WD Murano LE based on the "fit" (Im 6-4") and finish of the interior, and the good looks of the exterior. The Murano is a couple thousand $ more than a Kia, Outback, Hyundai, or Mazda, but the refined interior (i.e., high quality materials, absolutely superb electronics, and solid driving feel) combined with an overall solid build quality make the extra $ well worth it. Previously owned a massive gas-sucking Nissan Armada, so this was quite a step down in size, but a HUGE step up in comfort and interior refinement. Overall: I REALLY like this car.

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  My first Nissan, probably not my last. - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By New Nissan Owner - February 23 - 4:33 pm

  Diligent research on the net and a few visits to dealerships resulted in my purchase of the 09 Nissan Murano. The car is put together well. Leather interior is incredible. Driver seat could double as a ez chair in your house. It is very quiet. Performance is spectacular. The v6 with CVT is breath taking. Instruments and controls are all easy to see, read and use. The front console screams LOOK AT ME! at night. Very attractive. Fun and responsive to drive. Rides and feels nicer than vehicles I have used that cost twice as much. Outstanding vehicle. Absolutely ZERO "buyers remorse".

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  Best Family Trail 4x4 - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By kmsr - February 22 - 6:58 pm

  If you need 4 or 5 seatbelts and want to fit on 4X4 trails, Xterra is hard to beat. More comfortable (Im 64" and hit my head on Rubicon roll bar) and reliable than Jeep, more usable back seat and better visibility than FJ. A fraction of the cost of a Land Cruiser. Everything you need and nothing you dont. Seriously capable off road, especially with the right tires, lockers, and aftermarket mods. Great dimensions and clearance angles, especially when lifted.