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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  Murano is a great crossover! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By George in Oregon - February 28 - 5:23 am

  Weve had our Murano for about a month. Its proven to be reliable, offers very good handling, is quite striking in appearance, and has unsurpassed quality. The keyless ignition took some getting used to! I havent quite figured out how to optimize the CVT. Im not too sure how far to step on the gas, and how the CVT "downshifts." Other than this, it is a great vehicle. I strongly endorse this vehicle!

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  Maxima SE. Just give me an antenna - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Hudson - February 28 - 5:00 am

  I bought this Maxima in 2002 and have put almost 40,000 miles on it. Its total miles are now 69,000. It is time for some break and rotor work, but I have had no major issues other then a faulty air intake temperature sensor and an airbag code which was $75 to reset. The airbag code was caused by me taking the seats out to install a new stereo. If you unbolt the front seats do not unhook the wiring harnesses.

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  I Love It!!!!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By plucas - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for 2 years now and it has been nothing but a dream. The only repair that has been done to the car was a hose that caused leakage but thats it. The car handles well, picks up speed fairly well, could be better. The car looks great inside and out, much better than other compacts! My only complaint would be that the drivers seat doesnt go back far enough. Im a tall guy (62) and driving long distances can be a nuisance but for the price i dont think you can beat the value of this car. Oh, get the upgrade for the stereo that comes with the subwoofer....its worth the money!!!

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  Perfect - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By srt - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 14 months and am extremely happy with it. It is a typical Nissan - powerful, stylish, and reliable. Fuel economy varies widely depending on how you drive it. I got 24.5 mpg on a 450 mile trip in the mtns and 32 coming back from the ski slopes one day. However, if you drive it hard, you get much less than the 20-24 advertised. The Bose is fantastic and it has a ridiculously large amount of of room in it for 4 adults. The CVT is so smooth that it makes it feel like a luxury car.

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  I love this truck! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By adamg - February 27 - 2:00 am

  "Drivers start your engines!!!" There was a moment right after I turned the ignition that I thought I was in a NASCAR. The deep throaty engine responds on every touch of the throttle, letting you know there are 305 Horses under the hood just dying to be let go. None of the Big 3 compare overall, though they each have there bright spots. The LE has more standard options than the F150, and is 4 to 5K cheaper. I could go on and on, but in short, go drive one, in fact do what I did, pick a dealer that has Nissans and Fords together or Chevys and drive each back to back. Youll soon be driving a Titan, and be the envy of the neighborhood."

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  goes like hell, feels like heaven - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Harry P. - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Just go for a test drive, you will be hooked. If you dont love this car, Its you. This is so much fun to drive.

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  best maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By steverdd - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Maxima SE is my 3rd Maxima . I have driven Acuras and BMWs and they do not measure up to the Maximas price and performance. Its very powerful and the ride and handling is just right! I love my Maxima and will drive nothing else.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By J.D. - February 26 - 1:35 pm

  I bought a 2009 Versa Hatchback brand new off the lot. I traded a Jeep Cherokee that I loved for this car simply for the MPG. I love driving this car. Its compact, very fuel efficient and well worth the money. I have 144,000+ miles on it, mostly interstate at 70 mph or above. Its fun to drive and comfortable. I have been well pleased. We had a sun roof installed which added to the comfort. Only negatives I have are the air conditioning doesnt cool as much as I like and the cloth on the rear door is turning loose, but with the use its had - not bad. The engine does sound like a "sewing machine" when pushed, but once youve reached your speed its fine.

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  maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Angel Baca - February 25 - 8:20 pm

  This is a very fun and practical car. It turns a lot of heads with its looks and drives really nice. I installed a K&N air filter and get about 29 MPG on the highway and about 21 MPG in town. Really enjoy. Test drove a Camry before this Maxima and it made my choice really easy.

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  Excellent Buy - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Quest Driver - February 25 - 6:13 pm

  Purchased van early 07 and have not regretted my decision. Its spacious and perfect for a family vehicle. I looked at Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Nissan was definitely the best buy for the money. It makes for a great ride on long trips with young kids with the dvd entertainment. I like the exterior design... not so minivan looking.