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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  2005 Nissan Altima is outstanding! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tim Cassidy - June 30 - 4:10 am

  My wife and I purchased a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5SL in August 2004. It simply is an outstanding car! The power from the 2.5 is surprising while the amenities of the SL package give us the luxury feel and handling of sedans that cost almost twice as much. It averages almost 25 MPG in city driving while getting 30 MPG on the highway. The editors of Edmunds bemoan the fact that antilock brakes are still not standard but I applaud Nissan for leaving them optional as I am one of the doubters of the safety of antilock brakes. I drive in upstate NY and I have had many vehicles with and without antilocks and I am NOT convinced you stop any faster with them. Good job, NISSAN!

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  Da Twuk - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Dak - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed with Nissans overall attention to detail with this truck. This truck won out over some tough competitors when it came time to shop for a new vehicle. In fact Nissan was not an original choice, whereas; Ford, Toyota and GM were. Great job Nissan!!

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  What More Do You Want? - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Janalina - June 29 - 2:00 am

  No one who owns this vehicle would give it less than an eight on a scale of one to ten. Compared to others in its class the design and technology of the Murano surpasses them all. Nissan has done their research and designed a reliable "crossover" vehicle for those of us who enjoy spending time in the outdoors, not driving all over it. The ride and handling of the SL is great -- like a car. Mileage has been at about 20 around town and about 24 highway. Not bad for such a roomy, powerful and solidly built vehicle. TEST DRIVE THE MURANO, then BUY IT! Yeah it isnt cheap, but you get what you pay for.

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  Refined fun - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By kewllewk - June 29 - 2:00 am

  How can you compare this vehicle to anything else? Well you cant! Nothing even comes close to what the Murano offers. If you love driving cars or spend a lot of time driving, then the Murano is a top choice. I compared over 20 different vehicles from Audis to Volvos including 4 door wagons, sedans and SUVs (sorry no vans!). Nothing will give you a better all around package that will satisfy 99% of your wants and needs for the way the average vehicle is used 99% of the time. Great looks, space, performance, exceptional comfort and fantastic design with amazing attention to detail. Take a look and be prepared to be surprised.

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  You dont need an SUV for leg room - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Claudia - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely spacious... It can hold up to six (small) peolple comfortably! It has a pretty big fuel tank so if your concerned about $$$ in gas-- this may not be for you. Its very sporty, stylish yet conservative and not too trendy. I plan on keeping this car for five years and then passing it on to my son when he gets in highschool. Highly recommended for all types of drivers.

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  HAPPY OWNER - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By DOWLIN - June 28 - 11:50 pm

  HAS ALL THE GOOD THINGS THAT YOU CAN NOT AFFORD ON U.S. CARS

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  Incredible Car for the Price - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By FlightNurse - June 28 - 3:40 pm

  My Versa was the second one sold at the dealership I got it from. Mine is SL w/CVT, the only package I have is the Convience Package, which for $700 is a bargain... Ive had for 3 days and have 195 miles, but I love this car. The Blue Tooth and Intelli-Key are features that should be made standard on ALL CARS. I looked at the FIT, Yaris and Rabbit. None in my book comes close to the Versa in space and Options. I paid $16,500, leased it w/1834 out of pocket (was my trade in) payments of $268/m for 24 months and 15K yr. Nissan has a VERY good lease on this car...

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  Great car - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By sandeep singh - June 28 - 2:44 pm

  Absolutely love the leaf ....dont have anything bad to say about it....

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  my truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By fatty - June 28 - 2:00 pm

  I enjoy the truck very much and find it fully capabale of doing everything i want.

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  Great cheap car. - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Crossbol - June 28 - 1:46 pm

  Got this car brand new. Quit running once, the cram shaft sensor went bad. Three window regulators had to be replaced. That is all I did to it, and now it has 95K miles on it and still runs like new. Use synthetic oil and perform maintenance as expected. Gas mileage is decent compared to other cars Ive got. Handles great in city and highway. It is not the smoothest and quietest rider ever, but it is expected for the price your pay for it. Really great cheap car.