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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  Roadtrip - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Peter Stringer - January 16 - 4:43 pm

  We have just completed a 30 day, 8k mile roadtrip, Florida - Utah and back, the car performed superbly. 1100 climbs on gravel roads, no matter what we attempted the car was just perfect.We completed 625 miles one day thro Texas - so comfortable, cant praise it enough. Had an oil change in Kanab by Ramseys - brilliant. Got back - Royal Palm Nissan dealer for full service and the hassle started. The local dealer lets a brilliant car down.

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  Nissan gets it right.... - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Damian - January 16 - 10:20 am

  I just recently picked up the 2006 X- Terra and boy am I pleased. It has a very smooth ride at high speeds, corners like a car, and has a lot of cabin and storage room. It has a five- star side impact rating, and was voted 2006 Motor Trend SUV of the YEAR!! My only knock is the gas mileage, which isnt bad, but at 21/16 it could be a little better. But in its exchange you are getting a hell of a vehicle with some styling, not like your uninspired Ford Escape or Trailblazer out there. All in all, a very dependable vehicle that you can be proud to own.

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  Excellent underrated truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By ugaguy - January 15 - 8:13 pm

  Great truck for the money. I have had two Tacomas, a GMC, and a Ford in the past 3 years. Nissan impressed me the most. It is not a perfect truck, but it is better than most. I has more power than a Tacoma, but not as much back seat room (in a crew cab). It gets respectable mileage, has excellent handling, and comes with well done factory options (spray in bedliner, utilitrack system).

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  Love it - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Ken - January 15 - 12:23 pm

  Need high seats for my back, wanted better gas mileage than my Acura MDX was giving me, so I looked at smaller crossovers. Focused on Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 and didnt love either. The Rogue was stylish, very technologically advanced and I didnt think I was giving up much by going to it. So far, so good. I got the premium package and leather. Very comfortable, great ride and handling. Great bluetooth system, which is important to me. Sound system is as good as you could want. I do not miss my MDX.

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  Altima is a sweet ride!!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MSP - January 15 - 12:46 am

  I bought the 4cyl Altima w/the Tech Package. I tried the Accord, and Camry, but for the entire package the Altima is hands down a finer car. The CVT is out of this world, the Bose radio has an excellent sound, the smooth ride, plus I got the bluetooth & navigation system, the keyless entry no looking for keys or buttons to push (except to start the car). I got 28mpg on the 1st tank of gas also. The only thing I failed to get was the Xenon headlights that come on the 6cyl only. Plenty of power though at 178hp. I am very pleased at having bought this car. You will too!!

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  Maggie Mae - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Mam - January 14 - 4:46 pm

  I have spent months reviewing cars like Mercedes, Cadillac, Element, Prius. Saw the Cube one day on the road. Decided to investigate. My significant other could not understand what I saw in this little car. I was concerned that the transition of going from a Mercedes that I have driven for the past 10 years to this little car might be a challange. But with everything so serious these days I decided it was time to have some fun. Be different. It is a great little car. So comfortable inside. The ride is smooth. It handles well. I get 32 mpg. It may not be as quite as my Mercedes but it is fine. It is so roomy inside. Even my SO loves it. We call her the "Happy" car. We are having fun

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  No Problems yet. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jason - January 14 - 8:56 am

  I bought it used at 69k and now it has 92k. No problems. Its fun, fast and solid. Black with DK Grey leather. Its a great truck, I want to sell it because i want a Vette.

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  Excellent!! Would buy another. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jodestr - January 14 - 3:03 am

  I love this car. I have owned three SUVs and this car is the best. 2003 and still looks and runs great. Im ready to buy a new one!

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  Mr rudy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rudy - January 13 - 6:53 pm

  AMAZING TRUCK! hadthe brake problem almost immediately after purchase.Dealer replaced, since then its been AWESOME. FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE! used to drive a land cruiser by Toyota, and this is just more fun! Fuel consumption is bad, but anyone buying a pickup truck should know what to expect! other wise stick to hybrids NEONS!

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  A Pleasure to Own - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By JerrySC - January 13 - 4:53 pm

  The Murano drives and rides like a much more expensive vehicle. The interior is on par with our Infiniti M35. It is quiet and well mannered on the highway and around town. While it does require premium fuel, we havent found that to be a drawback considering that decent mileage it gets.