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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  Everything We Expected - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By obie1974 - May 13 - 6:04 pm

  We researched all crossover vehicles in our price range of $30K. Weve owned 6 Nissans in the past and own the 2010 Armada. For a small car, it performs well, has plenty of power for the size vehicle and can get up to highway speed without a problem. We read all the reviews, and most were on-target and we didnt find any surprises. We are used to the CVT transmission and the "drone" is not an issue. We do notice more road noise, but it isnt annoying. The Bose system, Nav and cameras are excellent. We added the home link mirror and a roof wind deflector which work great. We are getting 24 mpg at this time without a complete break-in. It is a fun car to drive, but most of all, comfortable.

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  Wow - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Penny - May 13 - 12:36 pm

  I have found just what I needed. I was looking for a all wheel drive vehicle. Checked out a few other, but keep coming back to the Rogue. The style is classy and uplifting. Not the standard handling or look for a SUV. Drives more like a car.

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  this is a lemon...trying to make lemonade - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By autophitie - May 13 - 8:28 am

  Please research this vehicle...read reviews..and purchase something else for the safety of yourself, your family and other drivers on the road. I had a 2005 Pathfinder, bought it used was happy driving it despite the finicky trans which always seemed okay as long as I continued my dutiful trips to the dealer for service...I had just purchased new tires and brakes for the vehicle which I paid cash for at the time and wham at just over 102K mi the transmission went. It was acting up for a few days with my kids in the car I only ventured to work and daycare ASAP got to to the shop..thankfully no one was injured when I was driving this vehicle...

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  Disappointed...again - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ian - May 13 - 4:56 am

  I made the mistake of purchasing another Altima. I bought the 2.5 with SL Package Feb 08, and although the leather interior is one of the most comfortable Ive ever owned, the other problems have made me regret my decision. Ive had it serviced at the dealership for creaking and rattling noises in the drivers door at least 3 times. The 1st time, the service manager said that a squeak/rattle kit would fix the problem. It fixed 75% of the noises, but in 2 weeks, they had all returned. The next few times, the technician couldnt reproduce the problem therefore couldnt fix the problem. The drivers seat moves side to side even after the dealership "fixed" it too. I cant recommend this car!

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  Best Mothers Day Ever!!! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Cheryl - May 12 - 11:46 pm

  I was absolutely thrilled when on Mothers Day my husband and I went to a nearby Nissan dealership to look at a 2006 Enthusiest. I had been saving for this car for a few months or more after test driving one months earlier. We bought the enthusiast in the Silver Alloy/black top 6-speed manual and it is gorgeous!! We have had it for two weeks now and we are so impressed with the ride, handling, performance and how easy the top is to open and close! Not to mention I am having the time of my life!! This car gets a lot of looks and the regular interior is just fine and comfortable. I would not get the leather, too hot to sit on with top down. The stereo is alright.

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  Excellent truck - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Arlene - May 12 - 4:03 am

  When looking to purchase a vehicle, I looked at the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the Lexus RX 330. I ended up with a 2005 Nissan Murano SL. As far as I am concerned it is a luxurious vehicle, fun, and very sharp looking. My husband owns a Mercedes and he loves driving my Murano. I think some vehicles are overrated because of their brand image, but Im happy with my choice. The ride is great. It drives as smoothly as my husbands vehicle, if not smoother. I am one happy customer.

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  wow, what a car! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By andreas - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle. If you are in the market for a family sports sedan and dont want to spend $40,000+ on a BMW or Mercedes you should defenitely check this out.

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  Great Deal on Barely Used LE - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By uvagrad - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I just bought an 01 with only 4800 miles for $24,500! Loaded with leather, sunroof, 6-disc CD, NAV system, DVD entertainment system, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Tow Package, aftermarket roof rack for my skis, bikes and kayaks/canoes. Added an extended warranty to 100K miles. Rides like a Lexus or Acura for $20K less. This is my 3rd Pathfinder. #2 was totaled in a head-on collision at 45 MPH. It saved my life and my wifes, with no injuries!

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  Good all-around!! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By typo31 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Good all-around vehicle..Performance is excellent for a naturally aspirated 4-banger....With such a rough-riding suspension, vehicle should handle better...Six speed might as well be a five speed seeing as how first gear is useless and sixth gear tachs around the same as most five speeds...It is still a blast to drive..

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  A Hot Wheels Car for Adults - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By drg - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Have spent the last month looking at a wide range of vehicles; I test drove the Highlander, RX300, BMW X5, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot and Volvo XC90. This car was really amzingly well put together and the size was really what I was looking for as opposed to the larger vehicles that I had driven. The handling is better than the Lexus and close to the Bimmer in my mind. Havent been in snow but anticipate a good safe ride. Interior is well appointed and seats are very comfortable. DVD navigation system is a hoot and prob more helpful than I initially anticipated. Rear seats are fine. 3 adults would be a bit tight.