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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  Goodbye, Ford - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By southtx - June 10 - 6:53 pm

  Traded out of a very troublesome 2013 Escape into the Rogue SL with Nav. Comapring to the Escape, the Nissan has a bit more hard plastic, but the overall feel of quality is better. The ride is noticeably smoother, even with much higher than suggested tire pressure. Also much quieter, both as to wind noise and tire/road noise. The CVT transmission seems a bit sluggish when shifting, but is very smooth. Fuel economy so far is steady at 26mpg combined, and a bit over 29 at 70mph... which is very good for a brand new vehicle.

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  Murano Platinum vs Mazda CX-9 touring - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By RichieP - June 10 - 5:09 pm

  I struggled with this decision long and hard. I like the styling of both cars. Both cars have their positives and negatives. First off, I didnt need or want 3rd row seating, so if this is a deal breaker, go with the Mazda. After owning a few SUVs and being a home owner, I can never go back to owning a sedan. To start I traded a Lexus 2010 RX 350. A wonderful car with no complaints. It is just too generic and boring. I had a silver one and it is one of the most common SUV models I see and there is nothing exciting or exceptional. Just good old fashion reliability. Nothing wrong with that. I just got bored after 5 years. I started looking at other make and models and noticed that most are variations of the same theme. From the Kia, to the Audi to the Lexus, they all just seem very similar. I even rented a BMW X-5 and an Audi Q5. Ridiculously complicated. I had to stop and pull over in the beemer to put the windshield wipers on. Come on! And to put the shifter in reverse you push it forward! And forget about using the entertainment system. Moving on, I wanted a vehicle that was both style and comfort, economical and practical. Something I thought was impossible. I was not going spend upwards of $50,000 on a car. Enter the Murano. Outstanding style. Easily the most comfortable drivers seat ever. The Mazda was quickly ruled out when I found it only had 6 way seats. The "zero gravity" seats in the Murano are the best I have experienced. There are missing features that I miss from the RX, such as automatic dimming headlights and the rain sensor windshield wipers found in the Mazda. But the trade off is the heated steering wheel ( I live in the cold northeast) and the panorama sun roof. Also the cooled seats cause it also gets hot up here. I also think the Murano is by far the best looking SUV out there. It is only missing the status branding of the Lexus or the BMW. That is important to some but not to me. I would rather have the money in the bank. Otherwise, I love the CVT transmission, but I am not a driving nut and need for speed testosterone guy. I want safe and quick acceleration when needed. But I prefer comfort and gas economy over acceleration. I average 23.3 overall and get 30-31 MPG on the highway. For a SUV with all wheel drive and 6 cylinder this is outstanding. The entertainment is Bose and is awesome. The GPS is typical; almost useless, but I have had that with every in car with GPS. I just use google maps and am done with it. The ride is smooth and quiet. Some have said the 20" wheels do not handle to bumps well, but I disagree. In New England the roads are terrible from winter frost heaves and the large wheels just seem to glide over them. Much much better than the Lexus. My complaints are: The Nissan Apps are useless. They would be better to have eliminated them rather than release something that just doesnt work. But overall, who cares. Also it takes just too long for the entertainment system to read connect to the iphone, that I cant listen to the radio for minutes when starting the car. Another very annoying feature is the stupid constant dinging when the car is in the on position and drivers door is open. Say you want to listen to the radio in a parking area and leave the drivers door open. I dont know how to shut this feature off and car manufacturers should stop trying to appease the dumb downed idiots. With keyless entry it is impossible to lock the keys in the car, so let me listen to the radio with the doors open. So to summarize, I love the vehicle, the style, the ride and the features. I do not believe there is a better car for the money than the Murano. If you are struggling with the decision, take each for an extended test drive and notice the seating comfort between the two. I am not looking back. There is nothing else out there that compares.

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  Sweet & Sour - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Norton - June 10 - 3:33 pm

  Just bought car used from a new car dealer with approximately 30,000 miles by CARFAX ratings which were misleading. Drove car for 400 miles found it had squeaking, jerky brakes, told by crappy car dealer it was brake dust. Googled this Altima found out it had technical service bulletin for brake issues. Luckily had just enough warranty left to have brakes replaced by Nissan dealer, praying it will last. Dont care for CVT transmission but accelerates nicely otherwise. Interior & stereo is nice, like AC controls, but fogs up too easily during significant rains. Comfortable car, beautiful exterior design. But wondering when next foot will drop with brakes. Probably wont buy another Nissan.

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  Pathfinder 2005 LE - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PathLE2005 - June 10 - 6:33 am

  Ive had a lot of vehicles and this is my all-time 2nd favorite after my 2000 BMW 3. Its very comfortable and fun to drive. Average nearly 19mpg comuting in NY Metro area with premium gas...not bad for a nearly 5000lb vehicle.

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  Tough little truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By CL Owens - June 9 - 11:03 pm

  I have taken this truck off road as much as city streets and highways. It has been a great vehicle with decent performance. Acceleration is a little lacking but towing is not a problem at all. Top speed is limited by Nissan at around 95-97 MPH. My truck is loaded with the limited slip differential, skid plates, power everything, cruise, running boards, roof rack (which will actually hold the rated 125 lbs its rated for). My truck came from factory with P265/70R15 BFG all terrain tires and full size spare. GVWR as equipped is 5220 lbs. This vehicle is my daily commuter, toy, toy hauler, and work truck.

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  So far so good - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Tanyarmorris - June 9 - 5:23 pm

  I went from having a Jeep Wrangler with a 4 inch lift to this little car at my husbands suggestion (saving $ on fuel, of course). I was extremely hesitant until I drove the car. Its fun to drive with plenty of room for my kids and a trunk large enough to fit several bodies in.

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  Great car, very reliable - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - June 9 - 1:30 pm

  Bought my Maxima at 3 years-old and coming off a lease with 30k. Ive driven it 100k in the last 7 years and the car has performed almost flawlessly. Well equipped with leather, moon roof, Bose premium audio and alloys. I drive it as a commuter car in town and a lot of business trips on the highway and it performs great in either case. Maintenance has been routine, minor items (brakes, exhaust, battery, tires). Only hiccup was a new anti-knock sensor that put me back $700. The 3.0L V-6 in these cars might be one of the best drive trains ever built.

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  A wonderful and reliable truck - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By staples93 - June 9 - 5:48 am

  I bought this truck 9 months ago with about 149,000 miles. It now has about 154,000 miles on it. Only had one problem besides a couple minor things. Even though it was never a real problem nor was it noticeable, the transmission had to be rebuilt. Also had to replace the clutch from normal wear. It was the first time it was replaced. Very reliable and has amazing offroad capabilities. Poor gas mileage though. I only get an average of 13-15mpg depending on how and where I drive. Other Xterras tend to do better I think. It is also a little sluggish. Also I am 65" and I fit just fine in the drivers seat.

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  beyond excellent - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By lockout3 - June 9 - 12:25 am

  I had all kind of cars this car is the best car I ever had. The only things I have done is put gas and change the oil. If you want a great car get a Nissan maximum must be your choice.

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  SHIFT AND HAVE FUN - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LIGHTMIX - June 8 - 8:56 pm

  I have had ny car for a year now,I love it. Its fun to drive and sorry bmw dont get mad at me if you cant say with me on an open road.I love my BOSE SOUND SYSTEM. Shift and have fun.