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:

• 

  So far, we love this car! - 2012 Nissan Murano
  By chris303 - June 25 - 11:48 am

  We bought an SV front wheel drive, and traded in a 2005 Toyota Matrix. With about 3000 miles on it, weve been very impressed. The interior is very upscale, with excellent fit and finish. Motor is very strong. One its best traits is one of the worst in other vehicles: the CVT transmission. In most other vehicles Ive driven with a CVT, the engine drones and the vehicle is sluggish. Not so the Murano! The drivetrain is quiet and this thing takes off! Plenty of room. We love the tilt back rear seats and dual sunroof. Gas mileage has been 25-27 highway.

• 

  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Don Parkhurst - June 25 - 10:00 am

  My fifth Maxima and my next car will be a Maxima. Maximas run great for at least 250,000 miles with normal service. A real value when compared to more expensive cars

• 

  Terrific car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By mary b - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Beautifully designed inside, extremely comfortable, and a blast to drive. Zero problems after 40,000 miles. Only wish it had a little better fuel economy but not bad -- generally 26-28 mpg highway and 22-23 around town. After 3 years it still looks and drives great.

• 

  Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MShernandez - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The Quest looks radical and is totally different from the competition. The skyview roof is awesome and viewing the sky thru the roof panels, make the interior feel very open and spacious. It handles beautifully. I gave up my SUV for this, and I made the right choice!

• 

  Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By randy mangrum - June 25 - 10:00 am

  It took four trips to two different dealerships to find the rattles in the dash. Turns out that the two front corners of the dash had not been secured. Also had a paint defect where the paint peeled off of the front bumper. After a couple of hundred dollars in car rental fees I hope everything goes smoother now.

• 

  Open a can! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sswells36 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned close to a dozen full sized trucks, In this category.... nothing comes close.

• 

  Blown Head gasket Problem - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By jayfelix - June 25 - 7:44 am

  After 65,000 miles i got a blown head gasket and it seems that many people with the same model car had the same problem. No recall, no responsibility. Needless to say, this will be the last Nissan i will ever own. If you are reading this review, DONT BUY IT!! Unless its mine. After so much money i put into it, its running decently enough to sell it.

• 

  Dream Come True - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve - June 24 - 6:30 pm

  In a word, fun. The "Z" is all sport car and doesnt make any apologies. It is quick, has high handling limits and a great exhaust note. It rides firm not harsh, stiff frame, very positive steering and easily modulated brakes. The power available does require a bit of discipline but you can get to the limits very quickly. If you are looking for a plush touring car you had best look somewhere else as this car demands your attention, but rewards your attention with great performance, fun. I always look forward to getting in and going. Want a ride?

• 

  Well kept secret! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Well kept secret! - June 24 - 1:40 pm

  Looking for a new SUV, I tried many of the small ones out there. When my daughter bought a Murano, I test drove a Rogue and fell in love. The ride is smooth, seats are comfortable and all the accessories it has are great. As far as slow, I think the ride is just so smooth, it doesnt feel like it has speed. Ive had my rogue a month and not noticed any problem with acceleration. I feel very safe in my car and am thoroughly enjoying driving it everyday.

• 

  Dissatisfied 2009 Murano customer - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Poor reliability - June 24 - 8:03 am

  Push start flaw on the 2009 LE AWD Murano “Buyer be aware” although the 2009 LE AWD Murano is widely advertised all over in commercials, magazines and internet ads there is a major flaw with this vehicle. There are intermittent problems with the push start feature when the intelligent key is used or not used. During the first two weeks after purchasing my SUV I had problems with the push start where my car completely stalled. Neither the push start nor the key would work. The dealership has been unable to replicate the problem. I have decided to return my SUV for another model without the bells and whistles until Nissan perfects the technology behind the push start feature.