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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  Love This Auto! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Lynn Juillerat - November 11 - 7:30 am

  This auto is comfortabale, handles great, is roomy, gets great gas mileage and looks great. I have owned several vehicles in my 30+ years of driving, and for the money - this is by far the best purchase I have ever made. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an SUV.

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  The truth about the MPGs - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By VersaVersaVersa - November 10 - 11:30 pm

  Weve had our 07 Versa S Hatchback for 7 months now and couldnt be happier. I keep detailed mpg records and so far weve averaged 28.8 mpg driving 1000 mi/month of about 40% hwy, 60% city. When we get out on the highway for a long trip, we always get at least 31-32 mpg and thats driving it 70+ mph. We had one fill-up of almost all city driving during the winter and still got 27 mpg! If you get less than 27, its broken!

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Eva Marie - November 10 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this car used 2 years ago and have had no problems with it. Its still a cute little car! I do wish the seat material was a little sturdier and my A/C controls dont light up, but these are fairly minor issues. Its a smooth ride and the A/C works great during our hot summers. 2 thumbs up!

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  Nice little car - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Jessica - November 10 - 4:26 pm

  I have a 30 minute commute every day twice a day, and then I drive extra to and from stores. This car is very nice, I have had it for almost 2 weeks and have only had to fill it up twice. It rides very smooth. The BlueTooth is a little annoying, but still a nice feature. It is also very nice to get in the car with a push of a button (twice).. but still i dont have to push in a code..or listen to the loud beep.. its very nice and convenient. The hidden spot in the trunk is nice as well.

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  Happy driver - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By GRACE - November 10 - 2:50 pm

  Im handicapped so i need a car thats reliable so i can make it to my doctor every month and hes 5 hours away. I also need a smooth ride. I have the grille gaurd and the bars on my headlights.This makes me feel safe. Just recently i was smushed between 2 cars.Everyone elses car was bent horribly. They were amazed that my car was barely scratched. Thank you for making my life a little easier.God bless!

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  Love our Rogue! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By GOBLUE80 - November 10 - 1:30 am

  Weve had our Rogue for 2 months now and love it. The fuel economy has been great, 27-30 mpg (FWD model). The room inside is more than adequate for a compact SUV. There is plenty of storage in the huge glovebox and center console, but I wish there were bottle holders in the doors. Also, the fuel gauge is digital and hard to read. The visibility takes a little getting used to, but really isnt that bad and worth it for the great styling. Also love the 2-tone interior with the light gray leather. It handles great, but the ride suffers a bit. There is also a lot of road noise from the rear, especially on wet roads. Weve had a few rattles, but nothing major. Overall we love it!

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  car of 20th century - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By geles - November 10 - 12:16 am

  I did porches this SUV two weeks ago and was at the service twice with same problem-vibration of the vehicle on speed 55 mph and up. Vibration of the engine and all vehicle under red light or any stops with gear on. The service department perform wheel balance and alignment -no change, they offer me to drive any other same stile of the vehicle and what is surprise- SAME problem. Manager told me that is the way how this vehicles perform and live with it. I did made a bid mistake to porches it-JUNK and this is MY.

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  ITS ALRIGHT - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By gotoguy - November 9 - 8:23 pm

  I thought I liked this car when I test drove it but after having it a while now I wish I would have bought a Toyota Corolla. My friend just bought a new one and it seems like such a better car than mine. This Nissans interior wears really easily... dont get if you have children! Scratch marks everywhere. It looks like I let a scared cat loose in the car. My car also had a really cheap new car scent to it. Like foam, plastic and baby barf combined. It used to upset my stomach this "new" car scent Nissan has. I tried to pull a small U-haul trailer with this car and the engine over-heated. My CD player/stereo had to be replaced the first month I bought it. Just not happy with it.

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  Quite a luxury ride! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Kenny - November 9 - 5:10 am

  Bought our 2009 Murano SL FWD one year old used with 18K miles on it. Came loaded with leather package and a dvd system. Gotta say, it is obnoxiously luxurious. Power everything! Dont even need to get my keys out of my pocket to start the car! Imagine when the wife cant find the keys in her purse. No longer a problem! The key fob is smart enough to do everything without having to actually use it. Just gotta be near the car to unlock and start the car! Fantastic driving, very quick acceleration and handling. Rear view camera is cool. Only things I dont like is small rear window and fuel usage. Very nice to have power lift gate for groceries!

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  fuel economy? - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By azdriver - November 9 - 1:16 am

  (this review is for a fully loaded 2008 hybrid) I guess I got the lemon. I get maybe 31 in the winter time, running on cruise control between traffic lights minimize fuel consumption. Now, at 105F outside, Im lucky to get 27 - on mostly mixed freeway/city. Something must be bad - likely the battery pack. Blew an A/C hose o-ring at about 1 year, the single sided bolted joint at the top rear of the engine compartment must have worked itself loose.