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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  Great deals on 2011 Frontiers right now - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By eddie_mundy - June 19 - 7:59 pm

  After shopping around and considering everything from a hatchback diesel Golf to a small SUV/crossover, I decided on the Frontier as my primary vehicle for a mix of highway and city commuting. In the end, as for so many others, it came down to the Frontier vs. the Tacoma. Due to several rebates and discounts the 4x4 King Cab V6 with premium package ended up being cheaper than a 4 cylinder regular cab bare bones (not even power windows) Tacoma would have been. So far I love it! Paid $22,700 out the door bottom line price for the King Cab 4x4 V6 with premium package in Night Armor with Graphite interior.

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  Amazing ride for a SUV - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Wasser - June 19 - 5:46 pm

  I chose the SE for improved handling and cornering and it is amazing. You feel the bumps a bit but this softens over time. I have owned almost every SUV out there and I love this. Amazing acceleration. Great interior. Got it fully loaded for at least 15K less then the RX 400h and FX. I previously owned an RX330 and it was like driving a girls car (boaring) with too much lean. I actually had to wait 3 months for it to be delivered with my specs-exact color, nav, dvd, satellite, backup camera, smartkey. Can downshift even though with the CVT there are really no gears. Mileage would be better then 18- 20 mph but I ride it very aggressively. My wife uses low-octane, I use mid- range. I love it.

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  Great Fun Car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Al Johnson - June 19 - 1:10 pm

  A very nice, quality, fun car to drive. It has great looks, great handling, and great quality. I rate it A +.

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  First time car buyer SORRY I DID IT! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Mona Diallo - June 19 - 5:34 am

  Ive read the reviews here and my car is no different. I just bought my car three days ago with 80,000 on it I test drove the car it drove beautifully but before I could get I noticed the trans slipping. I took it back to dealer just to find out that indeed it has a transmission problem....now what do I do?

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  Attractive car but...... - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By victomofnissan - June 18 - 6:48 pm

  I purchased an Altima 2.5 SL in the begining of August mainly based on its 27/38 mpg adertisement. The car has very comfortable interior, love the seats and overall interior feel. After driving his car for two weeks, I was getting approx. 15-17 MPG. Took it to the dealer who suggested that I drive this car atleast 1000 miles and then car will deliver better mpg. After driving 1,600 miles (70% highway, 30% city) the most I got is 18. I went back to the dealer who told me to contact Nissan North America. I called them a month ago and registered my complaint. They have assigned my case to a regional specialist and I am still waiting to speak to this person.They have the worst customer service

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  pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By gerald brother - June 18 - 3:26 pm

  excellent vehicle! i own 8 cars and enjoy the 260 bhp nissan best! 5-speed manual makes this a very fun suv to drive. 0 defects...try that w a blazer, liberty, expoder, etc...

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  Just picked it up - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By bogey3737 - June 18 - 4:30 am

  Picked up our brand new Murano last night and are thrilled. Originally wanted an SL, but got a great deal on a loaded AWD LE: $42k MSRP, 38k Inoice - paid $35k. My wife is VERY happy! A little concerned about replacement tires with the 20" wheels...looks like the only place to get the exact tire is at the dealer. Anyone had luck with finding a close match?

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  Why I love Sylvia - my Altima - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Susan M. Thornburg - June 18 - 1:33 am

  Just double check your ability to get into and out of the car (ingress/egress. Really terrific for a tall person, but quite fine for a shorty like me.

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  nissan murano 04 - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By chcmptrs - June 17 - 11:23 pm

  excellent dealership, very nice driving vehicle

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  Front left seal at Pumpkin leakage - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Brian Miller - June 17 - 9:23 pm

  I brought my truck to the dealership after noticed a shiny area around mt front diff when I put my hand up to touch it it moved around like a joy stick. I bough it to the dealer and they popped the seal back in and filled it back up with diff fluid. They refused to cover it under warranty because I have a PRG leveling kit, I know other who have had the same problem lift kit or not and got it covered. I spent $95. Very disappointing.