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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  Super SUV of all times Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brujo - May 2 - 9:40 am

  This new pathfinder is what i was looking for in an suv, power, good handling, and better design, its super!

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  The right car for me - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Bill - May 2 - 5:33 am

  What a great car! I was looking at an Audi A4 originally, but thought Id check out the Murano, specifically for its navigation system. What can I say? The damping on the SE model is superb for an SUV - corners really flat without the ride being harsh, the refinement is excellent, the engine is eager and tuneful and the underfloor storage is invaluable. Also, best navigation system Ive ever used.

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  Best Car I have yet bought - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By melita - May 2 - 1:36 am

  I just recently bought my Altima. I had looked at other competitors, but thought that the small interiors would not work with my growing teenagers. I wanted a car with excellent gas mileage and great handling and I think I have gotten both. Couldnt recommend a nicer car for the money. The gas mileage on it is excellent!

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By nissanfixr - May 1 - 11:46 am

  I am a Nissan master technician with 30 years in Nissan dealerships. I normally dont get too excited when the new models come out, but after attending new model training on the 07 Altima, and just sitting in one, it just "felt right", and knew I had to have one. Driving the 3.5 V6 was the clincher. I have had it for 18 months and 24,000 miles with no major complaints as far as reliability and drivetrain performance. It keeps up with anything off the line. After 30 mph, it really takes off. Use premium fuel or you will notince some slight hesitation in midrange RPM. Climbing long steep grades with the CVT is impressive when youre passing everything else on the road. A great car.

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  100 percent satisfied - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By sampsr - April 30 - 8:16 pm

  We leased the 2013 SL in June and completely satisfied with the car at this point. They did a great job making it as much like driving a conventional car, which my wife likes. We spent ab out a year thinking about how it would fit our lifestyle and could not think of a single instance were we would be "stuck" without a gasoline motor. I charges quickly with the 240 volt charger. The dashboard technology is great and easy to interpret.

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  Superiority Before Its Time - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By JGree23 - April 30 - 3:46 am

  I bought this car for $3000 with 160K miles. At first I didnt know what to expect out of this car. I had just sold my 2001 Acura Cl Type-S, due to transmission problems made by the manufacturer. After 1 week of being in this car, I was completely shocked that my Acura only had a few things that the Nissan did not. This Nissan has it all, power, comfort, and plenty of room. I stand 6"2 and there was still room behind my seat. This car is a solid driver, refilled every oil and fluid as soon as I got it and car has never gave me a problem. It rides extremely smooth. It simple has everything I need. 22 MPG city/ 28 MPG highway, always used 91 Premium Gas.

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  My Second Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Michael - April 29 - 3:23 am

  Just picked up my 2009 Murano. I had a 2005 and loved it. But theres no comparison between the 2 cars. The styling on the 2009 is much better as is the interior. Theres more pop in this one, the ride is quiet and smooth. Mine has the tech, nav, prem, leather and moonroof options. I test drove other cars but came back to the Murano. If youre looking for a mid-size suv that rides like a car youll love the Murano. If you like listening to music youll love the Bose system. Do yourself a favor and test drive this SUV.

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  New car purchase - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By brian - April 28 - 10:51 pm

  Decided getting this car brought a 3.5 Platinum. It is a good looking car even can drive it to baseball games and NFL FOOTBALL Stadiums has everything that so equipped in all of the bells and whistles. Navigation system and ventilated and heated seats are impressive including panoramic moon roof - Bluetooth work for my Samsung Galaxy S6 electronics seems better in this new car. Maxima performance is amazing keep it Sport mode only) - CVT is incredible as car got new 300 horsepower 3-5L engine faster acceleration a smoother aggressive ride. I love how comfortable these seats they absolutely hug you only complaint interior size is smaller feels little snugged other than I satisfied with fit and finish materials. New technology is excellent just liking my car its beautiful on outside new design of exterior - LED Lights got more slimmer its much more fun to drive. Incentives, prices and values are bringing this car down I dont know seems sells on these cars arent too shabby well at least times will changed after while but I am glad purchased my Platinum its a great looking vehicle compared to other luxury cars as non-expensive brand like Nissan. So far recently purchased a few weeks ago blown away on everything inside and out of this car new looks and a outstanding interior design Nissan has improved a lot on this car its better than compared with last model new model is a computer car advanced handles better more quiet on highway definitely stylish in lots new upgrades.

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  My cute ute!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By nrdgrl - April 28 - 3:23 pm

  I test drove the Rav and the Cr-v before the rogue, no comparison! I got the wicked black with black cloth, and the premium package with moonroof. The smaller engine doesnt bother me because I want the better gas mileage. I traded in a 2005 Focus because I didnt want to spend another Colorado winter white knuckle driving! The 5-8 MPG difference is worth it!I have played in the snow with this and it is very solid on the ice/snow. I am so much more confident. Guess Ill save money this winter since I wont need as many massages for stressful driving!

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  Drives like a sports sedan - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By JohnC. - April 28 - 12:13 pm

  The Rogue handles extremely well for a smallish SUV and road comfort is very good. While styling is subjective, the best selling point is a 20 min test drive. The stereo is exceptional in the SL and gas mileage was a big surprise.