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 SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Jordan - April 5 - 4:53 pm

  This is an overall fantastic truck, the only problems i have ever had have only because of wear and tear that comes from regular driving. Ive taken it on the nations biggest highways and camping in the wilderness and its always gotten me home. The 4WD is easy to opperate, all the controls are easy to find and use, and the roof racks are very functional.

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  I Like It - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By David - April 5 - 11:50 am

  It is a 08.5, just turned 12000 miles and not a problem. I looked at all the options out there, Toyota, Ford, and Chevy. Toyota was my #1 choice but to get a crew cab you only got a 5.5 ft bed what would you do with that. I looked and compared trucks for six months. I never considered the Nissan until my wife took me over to the dealer and I have yet to look back. I Like It. It has all the options and some. I drive 60% Highway and 40% everything else. I am averaging 15 to 16.5 mpg. The 7 ft bed is great, room for all the gear, ATV, and the deer. The only thing I did not like, it is hard to find an off road friendly tire in the 20in rim with out putting on a lift.

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By ChadNGT - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Much better than I expected.

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  Love this car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By katemitch - April 5 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our Murano 3 weeks ago and I love it. As a mom I got tired of the mini van. We also had Rendevous which was a piece of junk in comparision to the Murano. I actually like to drive now. Nissan needs to promote this vechicle. It is AWESOME.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By g_love - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned it for a day, but it feels, looks and drives great! Im very happy to own this one.

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  2005 Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By rick - April 4 - 8:13 pm

  Stylish, comfortable, well laid out, really good SUV fuel encomy. We evaluated many other SUVs but felt cross-overs were a better choice for our life style. Of the cross-overs, the Murano was a clear standout for us, even compared to more expensive models like the Lexus RX330 and the VW Toureg V6.

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  Awesome Frontier - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By FYREGOD - April 3 - 2:20 pm

  I have 2 complaints with my truck. Its averaging below 20 mpg. I previously owned a 99 S-10 V6 that averaged just over 20 mpg. I was really expecting the newer Frontier to be a little over 20, but I average about 18. Half of my 60 daily commute miles are highway. A few months ago I drove 1500 miles to visit family in California and it averaged 19 mpg (averaging 80 mph). I am very impressed with its performance. Shortly after purchase the stereo wont play or eject CDs (err03), but it sounds great still. I am also considering buying a new extended cab Frontier when this one is paid off. Overall Id give it about a 95% satisfactory rating.

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  Perfect car for first time new car buyer - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - April 2 - 9:13 am

  I bought this car when I was 18 as a left over brand new. Its my first new car and I have it for 11 months now without a single problem. Fuel mileage is amazing. I dont think Ive ever had under 25mpg in the city which is rare for a car of this size. 5-speed is almost to easy to drive. I think this is a perfect car for anyone who wants to buy new affordable car but doesnt want a compact.

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  Get One Now!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ZM@N - April 2 - 4:56 am

  I have owned several Zs from 280Z- 300ZX, of all models this one is it, it handles better than any other affordable car on the road and just as good as the $50,000 cars out there. Take a drive to Lake Berryessa in the Napa Valley and I guarantee you will be driving up those curves every weekend!!

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  Great car, great price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hugh C - April 1 - 3:46 pm

  Firm ride, but not hard like BMWs and other sport sedans. Excellent highway car with the 6 speed manual and powerful V-6. Visibility and handling are great, interior comfort is good with all the controls right where you want them. Lots of back-seat room and trunk space. Everything you could ask for in a car, plus nearly 30 miles to the gallon, original cost just over 20k.