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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  Great car!! - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Ernest Neeley - February 4 - 3:13 pm

  I love this car; this is my second Altima and it is way better than the first, which I drove for 210K miles before giving it to my nephew as his first car. I have owned two Accords before these two Altimas, and they were so overrated and the Altima is way better with reliability. No issues at all!

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  2005 Xterra- Great drive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Mike DeLorey - February 4 - 9:23 am

  We recently purchased an 05 Xterra to replace the wifes Subaru Outback. The Xterra has a solid feel to it. The engine delivers excellent low end power & the acceleration is great even adhering to the 4K rpm break-in limit. The ride is firm without being harsh. The steering is a bit vague on center but the overall feel is good. The brake pedal feels a bit soft but the stopping action is very good. The seats are firm but could use more side support. Overall the Xterra is an excellent choice.

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  This is a great car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Gus DeMarco - February 3 - 3:23 pm

  There are so many things I love about this car. It is very comfortable. The tilt wheel is an american style, not the usual japanese column up and down. The Telescoping steering column is great. The brakes are the best ever. The headlights really light up the road for a great distance. Very fash and responsive , one could never tell this is a four cylander car. It is faster and than my last car the had a v 6 engine. The redone interior is beautiful and I loved the exterior design, thats what cought my eye in the first place. Far more attractive that the Camry or the Honda. The size of the car is Perfect. All the room you could ever want, yet it is still a rather compact car.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BobBobBob - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I just recently purchased a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. Its a great car, very lush and luxurious interior. The only problem is its a little light on headroom. Even me at 60 just barely fits in the drivers seat. But other than that great car and it looks awesome!

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  Numero Uno mid size SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bigdon1 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking into mid sized SUV for about 3 years now and I am very glad I waited to 2003 to make it my buying year and bought the Murano. After dreaming about and test driving the RX 300, I am happy to say that the Murano puts it to shame. The drive quality is undescribable and one that needs to be experienced to really believe. The transmission is very smmoth and you can feel the power of the engine from the moment you step on the gas pedal. 245 hp and torque is availble quite readily and the ease of control over so much power is impeccable. This will definitely be a top ten SUV in a very short space of time.

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  Fell in love after the test drive... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Mr. Murano - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Shopped Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander before purchasing Murano. The test drive won me over. If your looking for the same old, same old then stick with Honda and Toyota. If your looking for a new stylish design with all the right eronomics, this is the vehicle. Built on the Altima platform, plenty of safety features.

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  I LOVE MY MURANO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Priscilla - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I DOWN-SIZED FROM A YUKON XL, AND MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE. I REALLY ENJOY DRIVING MY NEW SL MURANO. IT IS FUN, PRACTICAL AND BOY DOES IT EVER GET THE LOOKS! GAS IS CHEAP TOO! :)

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  2006 Murano S FWD @9 Years old and 150,000 + miles - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Alan - February 2 - 1:35 pm

  Overall, this is an absolutely great car with very few drawbacks. Upgrades I have added: - Full entertainment system with Bluetooth, USB port, CD, DVD, radio double DIN system with new aftermarket faceplate to replace the air conditioning controls. Kenwood Audio & Metra 99-7612A models - Tow hitch package from Curt - Tinted Rear passenger and trunk doors (purely aesthetic) - 2-way remote starter and full alarm system from Prestige Negatives of the car: - Headlight restoration products from 3M used due to constant foggy appearance (considering full replacement to HID or similar) - Had to replace bracket in drivers side seat (About 3 hour install but part was free due to recall) - Many issues with the gas tank at the beginning of its life which have now subsided after 2 full replacements at the dealership under warranty - Expensive CVT transmission fluid flushes (about $300 every 50k miles) - Fuel pump sensor is faulty in winter weather -- havent run out of gas yet since I keep track of my miles, lived with it for 2 years The car is very smooth riding, and quiet as can be. This thing eats up road on long trips with the CVT transmission and good cruise controls. That being said, the CVT is a power sucker and the acceleration does suffer -- but mid range power is solid with the Overdrive Mode. The back row has the most leg room of ANY car that I have ever sat in! It is almost the size of a 3 row car, but with only 2 rows, there is massive room in the trunk and 2nd row. The roof height is great for tall guys (I am 63") I am right around 152,500 miles right now and these issues that have happened are very minor in my opinion. Besides having the AWD version, there is absolutely nothing else that I would want on this car. I plan on keeping it for as long as humanly possible. Might I mention that the new Tesla Model X looks very similar to this here car.. coincidence? I think not! Great looking car all around, mine is the Metallic Silver btw.

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  great car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By mike - February 2 - 7:50 am

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  Will NOT let this one go!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By teague250 - February 1 - 5:47 pm

  Ive owned my 2003 Xterra since new in 2003 and I cant say enough good things about this vehicle. Eight years of ownership, driven every day, long trips, short trips, on light trails and pavement. Knock sensor went bad at 92,000 miles. Thats it...........my only repair. Of course there is the standard replacements, like air filter, oil changes and brakes, but the knock sensor has been the only mechanical failure. Oh yeah, I got 74,000 out of the front pads and the rear pads still look great at 105,000 miles. My daughter is turning 16 in a few months and this will be her vehicle. I feel very confident that this vehicle will provide her with safe, reliable transportation for years to come.