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:

• 

  Versas ROCK!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jennifer Webb - August 26 - 12:10 am

  I have driven many, many vehicles. The Versa is a perfectly balanced car. You get a lot of bang for your buck, plus my family of four fits comfortably. The styling is cute, particularly with the rear spoiler (hatchback). Gas mileage is great. I was driving a Jeep Cherokee and that thing was killing my wallet. The Versa also sits so that I dont feel too low to the pavement. There is great visibility. Even though from the outside it looks small, it doesnt feel small on the inside. The body lines are like the Quest minivan, but Im too cool to drive one of those. :) There are two other people in my family that have Versas and I think that everyone should. You should test drive today!

• 

  Lots of good things - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By mummy - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Considering the year of the vehicle, it has all the amenties I would wish for and the reliablity I would expect of a Nissan. Not bad looking for a minivan, the door handles are not the usual and still functional.

• 

  DRIVE ONE !!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By win86 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Ford man for 30 years.After problems with my last two I decided to try something new.So far I love this truck.I opted out of the "Big Tow" & "Offroad Pkg" to get better mpg.With 2500 miles on the truck Im getting 16-18 mpg (Better than my 5.4 Fords & lots of smooooth power).Silky transmission. DRIVE ONE !!!

• 

  Great Rig - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By pottershand - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Awesome power going from 210 hp from the 180 hp. Makes a big difference. Very roomy and performes great. Only thing is, is that it recommends premium fuel with the supercharger. With gas prices up so high that could be a problem. But more than worth it.

• 

  Nissans Murano Rocks! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Judy Dalton - August 24 - 4:13 pm

  I can honestly say my Murano is the best vehicle Ive ever owned/driven. For the first year or so that I had my Murano it was almost a daily event to have someone approach me and comment on the color (Sunlit Copper) and design. I even had a couple of folks follow me to get a better look! I opted for all the bells and whistles and havent been disappointed. It starts on the first try and runs like a top. You wont reget buying one, I guarantee it!

• 

  Loving my Xterra - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Daily Driver - August 23 - 10:56 pm

  I purchased by Xterra in 12/07 and love driving it. The whole family fights to get to drive it places. On an average day I drive 50-80 freeway miles and 10-15 in the neighborhood. I am getting 22-23 mpg. I am getting better than expected, because I expected it to the 12-13 like my dads Titan. TPremium fuel helps dramatically on the Nissans, and most Nissan owner manuals require it.

• 

  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By DB - August 23 - 10:23 pm

  I just traded in my 2006 Audi A4 Quattro and my 2004 Ford Ranger for this truck. Ive always loved my audi for its fit and finish, and fun to drive factor and the ranger for its ability to tow our boat and jetskis. I needed a full size truck to tow our "toys" more easily. The Titan is great for towing and has every single feature I had on my Audi. Its the best of both worlds. The truck was fully loaded with XM radio, Rockford Fosgate audio, leather, moonroof, nav, bluetooth, rear dvd ent system. In one week Ive racked up 1980 miles avg highway is 17 mpg, city approx 13. If you drive over 70, say 80ish, fuel econ drops sharply to 14-15. PRO4x ride is firmer than LE but smooth on highway.

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Henry Allen - August 23 - 8:06 pm

  We have bought a many cars over the past 32 yrs from oldsmobile to jeeps, and not one coule ever compare to this Nissan Murano, it is really joy to drive. Mrs Henry Allen

• 

  What SUVs were meant to be - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By XterraOwner - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The Xterra has been an excellent truck. I expected a reliable, well-built vehicle, and thats what I got. It is great both on and off road; especially great in the snow. Needs a little more top end on the manual transmission, but great low-end power. I highly recommend this truck for anyone looking for a reasonably priced, well- performing SUV.

• 

  What SUVs were meant to be - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By xterraowner - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The Xterra has been an excellent truck. I expected a reliable, well-built vehicle, and thats what I got. It is great both on and off road; especially great in the snow. Needs a little more top end on the manual transmission, but great low-end power. I highly recommend this truck for anyone looking for a reasonably priced, well- performing SUV.