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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  3rd Time Nissan Owner - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By NYNIC715 - April 22 - 4:40 am

  I previously had an 05 then an 07 Pathfinder. Being a single woman I decided to downsize. After looking at the Edge, Mariner & Escape, & X3, Nissan once again won my business. Picked up the 07 just before the 09 came out at that time the 09 had no photos out yet - didnt want to wait and be disappointed with the new one. The 09 is nice but I have to say I love the 07. The CVT at low speeds is a nuance but only a minor one. Its comfortable for long rides, fun to zip around in, tight turning radius, fuel efficient for an SUV. Could use an iPod adapter and heated stearing wheel - the Pathfinders now have that. Over all youll be pleasantly surprised with this crossover.

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  Very Impressive - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Recontaz - April 22 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car for my wife in April, She was in need of a new car. We bought the SV model with the premium and tech package. What a deal, we got a very good deal on this vehicle and we are still impress and excited about the car. We just took it on the road for Memorial Day weekend and the ride was excellent and the passing power was just superb. We was having looks from people driving the Lexus and Infinity. When we parked the car, people were staring at it when they passed by. We purchased the Black so it looked good with the chrome on it. We tested the nav system going and coming back home and it was excellent, it even rerouted on its own when I tested and make a wrong turn.

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  Very happy with my purchase - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By harop - April 21 - 2:56 pm

  Two weeks ago I bought a used(6mo old) armada with 20K on a odometer. So far I am completely satisfied and enjoy driving it very much. It still smells new. Planning for some light off- roading, and will report back for off- road experience.

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  Much better than expected - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ron S - April 21 - 9:40 am

  Nice ride, good fuel economy, interior very comfortable, lots of trunk space and love the hidden trunk space. Blue Tooth is worth the extra cost and stereo system is very nice.

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  Good Truck Revisted - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By RichGil04 - April 20 - 7:20 am

  1st reviewed a year ago. I still love this truck. My wife bought an 05 Xterra. Very jealous of the new design. Considered new Frontier, but sticking w/the 04. Feature I would like most the rear door on extended cab for easier access. Golf clubs are hard to get in and out from behind back seat. Other than that, Ive really enjoyed this truck. Good commuter vehicle and great for hauling whatever.

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  Cool truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By togo - April 20 - 6:43 am

  I traded in an 05 KC Frontier for this one and I have not been disappointed. There was nothing wrong with the 05 I just needed more room. I got the SE CC Longbed and just love it.

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  A Gas Hog That is Worth It - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By fat_professor - April 20 - 4:59 am

  I purchased a 2011 Maxima with premium and premium tech packages one week ago. It is a gorgeous car which is tremendous fun to drive. My previous vehicle was a 2009 Altima, and I can definitely notice a performance difference with only 20 more hp. There is plenty of room for all 4 of us to fit comfortably even with the slightly lower dual panel moonroof. The drivers seat is particularly comfortable. I bought the car in the Summer in Texas, and the chilled drivers seat is a tremendous bonus. The rear sunshade makes the clips on the carseats easier to touch and handle. We live in a city of 100,000 with a lot of 1-2 mile trips. Horrible town mileage (14-15), but 29.5 @ 70 on a highway trip.

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  It Is Lovely - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nguyen - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving Nissan for a long time, mostly car though. But this is wonderful, the SUV isnice, the drive is good... U have to try it

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  This Van Turns Heads - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MaryAnn - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Mini Van, and the best so far. We love it. After test driving both the Sienna and the Honda..( The Honda had very sloppy handling ) The inside of the Quest seemed to be roomy for both my husband and son..6ft 5 and 6ft 3. The Sunroofs were also a plus. After a Grand Caravan, GMC Safari, and a Mazda MPV this Van is dream come true. It handles well is fun to drive, overall we are more then happy with it. I would say the only draw back is the attention it gets were ever you go. If your not in the mood to talk to anyone dont take this car out for a drive.

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  Jon - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By jonanderson - April 19 - 10:00 am

  nice car you should go out any buy one right now they look good and they drive great