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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  Practical Hauler for Common People - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By rainylake - June 24 - 2:00 am

  The Frontier is not a contractor grade truck, but it does the jobs that most average households need to get done. Pulls a small boat fine, 4wd on beach or mud is great, carries 4 adults fairly easy. Hiway ride is noisy but safe. The engine revs high to maintain speed and MPG should be better for such a light truck. The best thing about this truck is that it is easy to operate and inexpensive to own. No problems of any kind and it feels like it will run forever. Interior is comfortable.

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  My opinion - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ken Caldwell - June 24 - 2:00 am

  A little noisy compared to Infinity SUV, not as soft ride as Infinity, even though they are suppose to be opn same platform.

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  Drives like a car. - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chocolosal - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV drives just like my Honda Civic or even better. You dont feel the road as much. Its a best buy!!

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  Fun and reliable at the same time - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By squeakers70 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed driving my Xterra over the past year. It is very sturdy and a reliable mode of transportation. Its fun to drive at the same time. The 2002 model has new front end which I really liked before I made my decision.

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  Xterra Fun! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By off road girl - June 24 - 2:00 am

  After my VW died with 200,000 plus miles on it, we thought long and hard about an SUV. This one is fun, handles like a truck (much different than my golf, and different is good!). Its got the clearance I need, but I wish I could go farther on one tank of gas! The emissions test rated lower than our golf, which is a plus. Room for 2 dogs in the cargo space!

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  Awesome Car - A most have! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By KellyWu - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a awesome car. Its a most have for anyone who is looking to purchase a SUV.

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  Murano Test Drive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Murano - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a fully loaded Murano and OH BOY!! it was fun to drive...But the build quality of the interior material is not good. and the grill in the front may rattle as the vehicle gets old. Other than that this is a fun "SUV" to drive

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  Completely Satisfied - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Alexsh - June 23 - 11:33 pm

  Ive purchased Rogue 6 weeks ago as my wife commute car, but prefer to drive it myself to complete break in and check out vehicle performance. And I like to tell you that Im absolutely satisfied with my purchase. It performs like a charm. The fuel consumption is top notch. Im managing 28.7 mph average for last 600 miles. My commute is 80%/20% including multiple stop and go at rush hours. Internal design is perfect, comfortable seats, nice dash, and good quality material. Everything works perfectly. I highly recommended it to any one.

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  Murano Rocks! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Judy - June 23 - 10:16 am

  Outstanding vehicle! This is the most wonderful car Ive ever owned; drives like a sports car but can handle hauling, too. Ive towed jet skis w/ the tow package and had no trouble at all. Extremely nice on long road trips. The seats offer multi-positions for comfort. You wont go wrong if you buy or lease a Murano!

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  Would buy it again! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By RA - June 22 - 3:23 pm

  I have had my 2007 Nissan Versa Hatchback S for a little over half a year now and if I had to do it over Id buy it again. Have been very impressed with the car and would recommend it highly. I also investigated the Honda Fit, Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion and just felt that the Versa represented the best value for the money. I just love that it is an "economy car" that doesnt look economy. The value of the interior space cannot be overstated. I have an infant carseat in the back and my wife can still sit comfortable in front passengers seat. It isnt the sexiest car on the road, but it does the job well.