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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  Nice Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By cashonly29 - November 30 - 1:46 pm

  My Frontier offers me all that I want in a truck. It has a box large enough to handle my hauling needs, a powerful engine to get me up the hill I live on, and 4WD for upstate New York winters. I bought a Nissan for the reliability (over Chevy).

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  Use to own a Cadillac - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mock - November 30 - 10:00 am

  when we test drove this vehicle we knew it had to be designed by a realtor. It is the perfect vehicle for sales people plenty of storage and space for lap top or my wife can lock her purse in the console. It has all the features that we had with our Caddy but none of the problems. this vehicle is surprisingly responsive and the transmission is something to get use to since you cannot feel a shift. have received nothing but positive comments from friends and others.

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  Comfortable, sporty and fun to drive. - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Murano Joe - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The CVT gives silky-smooth acceleration and offers plenty of passing power. Lots of interior passenger/cargo space. Very comfortable seating. A great family car for road trips (touring package w/ DVD player). Even with all this room, it drives more like a sports car than a truck. (Certainly compared to the Ford Expedition I traded in). Faster and a better ride than Highlander, 4Runner and Pilot (I test drove all). Much better value than the MDX, RX330, FX35 (all run ~$6,500 higher drive- out price). If you have kids, consider adding running boards/side bars (aftermarket $250-350). The rear seat step-in, while not bad for adults, is a little high for kids.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Kat0402 - November 30 - 12:06 am

  I traded my 2003 Tahoe for the 2008 Altima S yesterday. It had 6 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. It has 96 now. I love driving it. The gas mileage is great and the main reason for buying it. The style is a lot sportier than the Accord and Camry. I love the CVT. It is extremely comfortable and has lots of storage in the glove box and trunk. Ive driven a V8 for the last five years and was happily surprised at the power in this 4 cylinder. I cant wait to take it on a long trip. My daugher loves the back seat. She has plenty of room and finds it very comfortable. The keyless entry and pushbuttom start are great. The ride is smooth. You cant go wrong with this car!!

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  Best value - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By shopguy - November 29 - 4:06 pm

  This is my fourth Nissan King Cab. I expect this one to last as long. The last one went 164K when the insurance totaled it. The prior truck has 278K and is still running with only standard maintenance. The new V6 is great and I am avg. 22.1 mpg city/hwy. I need a truck for work & look at overall longterm cost. Vehicle quality compares to my other cars, an Acura and a Boxster.

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  Great car, even for heavy driving. - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By MK - November 29 - 5:26 am

  I drive 130 miles to work, five days a week. When it was time for a new car, I wanted something roomy inside, fun to drive and good on gas. I purchased the smaller 2.5L engine for fuel economy. (Ive got the CVT.) I added the SL package to beef up the interior as Id be spending a lot of time in my car. The smaller engine puts out a surprising amount of power and makes the drive fun while the SL package interior looks great. Like a much more expensive car. The gas mileage is good considering I drive on a major highway at 72 mph on cruise for 90% of my miles. I get about 27 mpg. 14,000 miles in five months and the car is holding up great. I couldnt be happier with this purchase.

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  Almost a year - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Louisiana Drive - November 28 - 11:53 pm

  Ive had my second SE almost a year now. I drive between 2500 to 3000 per month. As with the 03, the 05 is a fantasic car. Its comfortable, stylish, and fast. I can easily get 28 MPG doing 80 and got 32 MPG at 70. Look no further for a good car. The torque steer is noticable, but love the power when you step on the gas. Youll get used to it. Get the sun roof to really enjoy the car, its worth the extra money.

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  Satisfaction!!! - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By my cuv - November 28 - 5:33 am

  We just got the Murano SL couldnt be happier. The ride is great, the seats are extremely comfortable and the controls are very accessible. We live in New England so unfortunately we havent been able try out the sunroof, but the AWD works awesome. The iPod hookup could be a little more accessible, USB should come standard, but it certainly doesnt make or break the deal. The mileage could be better but what are the chances the dealer filled it with the good stuff.....NOT. This vehicle is fantastik, Great buy!!!

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  Best Car For The Money - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Gregory Gottberg - November 28 - 4:56 am

  I recently purchased my second Murano. My first one was a 2004. I really enjoyed owning the 2004, but, when I drove the 2009 it was a whole new diving experience. The 2009 has more stability at higher speeds. The engine and the transmission work well together. The ride is much smoother. The sound system sounds much better with the added speakers. Also the instrument panel is less cluttered and easier to work with. The 2009 Murano is the type of car that makes you take the long way home.

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  DARN GOOD TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By walter-911T - November 27 - 7:43 pm

  I purchased 04-dr. frontier 4x4 xe-v6. (xtra value pkg incl.) I brought this truck just on consumer reviews and prof. reviews. The Flag-pole nissan 30 miles delivered to my dad upstate ny home. I was a little p/o when the truck wasnt prepped, low on fluids in the truck. There was a prob.engaging the tran. P to D. was getting worse. Did bring it back to the d/s. I did express the lack of prep. and trans. The service mngr. was prof.&courteous. ALL IN ALL THEY TOOK CARE OF ME. All fluids were taken care of and the shift linkage had to be adjusted. U should here a click when stepping on the brake pedal to engage the gear-shift. Drives like a german car/truck.Great!- SOLID,HANDLES,& QUIET.