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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  Best Crossover Value - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By kds46119 - June 6 - 11:20 pm

  This vehicle has far better grade interior materials than its competitors. Historical and reliable V6 NISSAN engine. EPA HY 27 plus on a trip to Atlanta 400miles on a tank with left over gas. Great modern styling v boxy outdated competition. Smooth ride.

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  We love our Murano!!!!!!! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Bill - June 6 - 2:33 pm

  We have had Cadillacs, Chevys, Fords, whatever. This is by far the nicest, most useful car yet!!! Thanks Nissan!!!

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  Sleek and Classy - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Melissa Urla - June 6 - 5:20 am

  Murano SL with the premium package affords you a sleek look on the outside and luxury on the inside without the luxury price. I love it!

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  worth it - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By charles - June 6 - 4:00 am

  wanted something roomy and this is it. has technology package with gps and its worth every penny for never having to stop for directions again. xm sounds great over the bose system. back up camera is awesome and a great safety feature. my son loves the dvd put in ps2 for him - where was all this when i was little?? we live in big bear and this handles great in the snow no more chains.... average is about 16 mpg not bad for what you get im very satisfied with the purhase.

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  My favorite vehicle ever! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Marci - June 5 - 6:03 pm

  I traded in my 2007 Nissan Maxima (my baby!) for this 07 Murano. I live in Massachusetts and I needed a better vehicle for the cruel winters here. Ive only had it for a week but my mother owns a 05 Murano and I have drove that plenty so I knew I would love my 07 Murano.

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  valuable exposure - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By patrick - June 5 - 3:26 am

  overall, vehicle provides a continual high value performance. this is based on constant positive responses to all handling manuever attempts.

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  Downsized - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By XGMOWNER - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Pathfinder used with 46000 miles on it to replace a 3/4 ton Suburban. Now have 87000 and am very happy. The only non routine repair has been replacing one oxygen sensor. Mine is a 5 speed, and I consistently get 19 mpg city and over 21 highway. Far better than my 454 Suburban! By the way, the headrests fit nicely in the floor under the folded bottom cushion.

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  Nissan Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bilall - June 5 - 2:00 am

  The best van ever made.i like it better than the sienna and the award winning town and country.

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  Best Damn Car Ever! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bartman116 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Range Rover in for this minivan because my family got larger. I have never had so much fun driving a car like this before. It has so many inovative features, along with styling and comfort, that it far surpasses any luxury car out there on the market. From coolest things like the sky roof and the dual dvd screens, to the drain system in the doors that lead out of the vehical if you spill your drink, this car has just about everything to make it the perfect car on the market today. Definitly take a look at this minivan if your in the market for a minivan or an SUV.

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  Terrific Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By LA Texan - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a new Nissan Titan LE 4-wheel drive. It has more than lived up to my highest expectations. This Titan is so good it justs blows Ford, Chevy and Dodge out of the water. The ride and handling of the Titan is more like a fine sedan than a full sized truck. And the 305 hp engine seems much stronger in actual use. The 5 speed auto transmission is impressively smooth. The interior is well planned and has loads of space, but is not as plush as the new Ford Lariat. Nissan has definitely set a new standard in full sized 1/2 ton trucks with the Titan. Ford, Chevy and Dodge will have to run hard to catch up.