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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  Looking forward to my next one! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Lend - August 22 - 2:33 pm

  No problems at all with fuel economy. This is like any other vehicle..if you drive it hard, the economy suffers, but I regularly get better than 25 MPG on the highway. Very comfortable vehicle with heated seats. Handles like a dream and quality is better than my 2001 Odyssey. Better attention to details than most manufacturers. Im looking forward to getting my next one.... Im thinking an SE AWD with leather.

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  What a great purchase! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Mary - August 22 - 7:16 am

  I bought my Gotham Grey Rogue last week and it has got to be the best car/truck/SUV I have ever driven! Its sporty yet practical! Cant wait to try out that AWD on these Colorado mountains! Hard to believe that the smooth ride and comfort is classified as a truck (??) I highly recommend if you are in the market take it for a test drive! Youll fall in love with it!

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  Best Minivan to purchase - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By S. Jackson - August 21 - 7:33 am

  This was the best and wises thing that I could have ever done. It is very roomy, good on gas, different in style, not very many riding around town.

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  Fun to drive but not to the gas station - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By QwikKota - August 21 - 2:23 am

  Very fun car to drive and very comfortable for those who like a sporty ride. CVT is not one for enthusiasts but the engine and suspension make up for it. Excellent brakes and handles well enough to be fun yet not beat you up on bad roads. Base sound system is impressive. Navi adds lots of custom settings base needs dealer to change. Leather seats are very nice and soft. Lumbar is so so. Pretty quiet inside but its not a Mercedes. Getting about 20 mpg with 15 mile commute mostly city driving. 25 hwy but you must drive it lightly. Too fun to keep your foot out of it.

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  Wow, is all i have to say!!! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Candigrl - August 20 - 8:00 pm

  Ok, what can i say about my beauty?? I leased 06 S AWD. I wished i could have afforded the next model; but am very happy with my Murano. Its very spacious inside especially with two growing kids (back seat reclines) just perfect in my book! seats are very comfortable for fabric; that is. Drove this car to S.C.(12 hour drive) and back with no problems whatsoever. This is the most comfortable vehicle i have leased. At the end of my lease, I will more than likely purchase or if the style remains somewhat the same get another one; of course, THE WORKS!

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  Switched from a Tundra - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By rckdr - August 19 - 11:56 am

  This is a much beefier truck than the 2000 Tundra I traded for it. I find it comfortable, luxurious although not what I was looking for and a great truck for the price. Much more truck for the dollar than Toyotas flawed new Tundra that is out. I have put about 2000 miles a month on it through the winter of Northern PA and the traction was outstanding and secure. I am still adjusting to the 7.5 bed and crew cab while around town, but the bed size makes loading a snap with the utilitrac system and spray in liner.

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  Enjoyed this car immensely - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By trspot22 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had a great time owning this vehicle. It has been extremely reliable and hate to part with it but have out grown it family/space wise. I would recommend to my friends.

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  Loved This Car! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Scarlett_1750 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in 2000 with only 16k, and had nothing but positive experiences with it. One of the best buys out there- dependable, clean/great interior, ran very well, and huge roomy trunk could fit just about anything. In three years, I didnt need to replace a single thing, only needed oil change and tuneup. I was heartbroken when car was totaled in accident at 60k; I would have driven it forever!

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  Great crossover! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By queeney - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Nissan blew it with the minimal advertising of this great vehicle! It rides wonderfully, is very luxurious and comfortable inside and has loads of safety and comfort features. It is perfect for those who no longer need the seating in a van, and who want the option of 4 wheel drive, a great transmission, plenty of power, and comfort!

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  Happy Mom - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Happy Mom - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the look of this vehicle. It certainly doesnt look like all the other minivans. As parents of two teenage boys and a baby girl, we were looking to purchase a vehicle with lots of room. We looked at the competition, Honda and Toyota, but we werent impressed. The Quest is perfect, with pleanty of room for baby equipment and generous leg room in all three rows for our almost 6 tall son. I love it!