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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  Extremely satisfied - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By agarcia1 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This review is for the SE AWD with Nav. for the first 500 miles. At first I was so mesmerized with the style that I didnt realize the excellence of the fit and finish on this vehicle. My second surprise was finding out how smooth the engine and transmission operate. All features and details are excellent. The only thing that I would modify is softening the suspension a little, because it is a little harsh over pot holes and bumps. I rate this vehicle as a solid "10".

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  Love this car. - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By bustersdad - November 9 - 12:04 am

  Picked this car up last night and finally got to take it for the rounds this afternoon. I switched to the sport mode to get on the parkway and wow. So far so good. Not a luxury ride but very decent and great features for the price (bluetooth, navigation, USB port, leather, AWD, heated front seats, moon roof, etc.). Cant wait to take it out tomorrow. Were expecting snow and would like to test the AWD.

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  dependable workhorse - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By msferd - November 8 - 5:43 pm

  nice. nice. nice. bought this vehicle to help me rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. The shock came when I was able to haul a 5ft patio door with ease.

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  Titan - Drive the BEST - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Fanatic - November 8 - 9:40 am

  This is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. I cant complain about the fuel economy, because thats not why I purchased the Titan. In reality, its not that bad considering the powerful engine. Im getting the same fuel economy that I had with my 2001 Nissan Xterra, which was a V6, and the Titan is far superior.

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  Getting Closer to Luxury - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By mbro1 - November 8 - 4:39 am

  Ive owned a 98, 04, and now the 09. Every Altima has been an improvement over its former self, however, this Altima is surpassing every expectation that I had for it. The CVT is smooth and keeps the car in a superb power range, yet maximizing the fuel economy. The noise outside of the cabin is greatly reduced from the prior models and everything is just perfectly improved. Nissan has certainly pulled themselves into an area that is capable of competing with European and American Luxury brands. Think about it...do you want Luxury thatll cost you as much as a house, or car that is almost just as good for a supremely phenomenal deal!!!

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  My Murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By C Rochelle - November 7 - 10:30 pm

  The car is wonderful. It has enough power to do whatever you need. The interrior has enough room to seat a six foot tall passenger in the back seat and still move the front seat back.

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  Zooowaahhh - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By machZ - November 7 - 2:36 pm

  Wow this car just getting lots of looks wherever I go, After driving SUVs (automatic) in the last 19 years its time for me to get the driving-fun back in my life. I cant stop grinning every time I sit on my 370z I had been in the market for a sports car and I was considering the Gen Coupe, oh Boy Im glad I went for the Z. I got a great deal ($1000 below invoice) and the APR I want. Syncro Rev match really helps you if you are a novice driver. Best bang for your buck in terms of performance and handling for a sports car.

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  Sweet - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph - November 5 - 9:53 pm

  I bought this car for my wife, who fell in love with it as soon as she saw it. Love the leather interior and looks. It also fits in our garage. my wife takes very good care of it (she doesnt want anyone else to drive it).

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  Love it so far - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Jewey - November 5 - 12:23 pm

  Well worth the money. Very strong 4 cyl. Bought mine used and am very satisfied. Replaced battery and a tire, thats it. Great gas mileage.

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  Staying with the Maxima line - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Shawn01 - November 5 - 11:43 am

  I purchased my pathfinder le almost 2 years ago with 12,000 miles.. The car now has 35,000.. I have never had any problem with this car, it handles the snow amazingly since I live in Chicago. Much better car than 4runner or envoy. It has great look and performance and I am 100% satesfied with my purchase and I would buy it again.