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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  LOVE My Truck!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bundomomof3 - April 14 - 1:30 am

  We bought this truck after having a chevy for 4 years. We had nothing but problem after problem with the chevy. The nissan is great! Fun to drive, fast acceleration. I have 3 kids and 1 car seat and 2 booster seats that fit perfectly in the back. The kids have enough leg room. I am pleasantly surprised about how comfortable this truck really is. I would recommend this truck to everyone. LOVE it, LOVE it, LOVE it!!!!!!!!

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  GREAT CAR! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Krystal - April 13 - 5:30 pm

  I love this car! I was undecided between the Altima and the Malibu and after test driving both of these cars I fell in love with the Altima! It has so much more room and it drives so much smoother then the Malibu! Im so pleased with my final decision! Also, you can also use the Altima as a standard or an automatic vehicle. I dont know how to drive a standard but my boyfriend loves that we have that extra feature in the car! The push start button is amazing because when I leave work my hands are always so full so Ive always had to dig for my keys and now I dont have to! This is a really amazing car and Im so pleased that I chose the NISSAN ALTIMA!

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  Interior cramped - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jerry - April 13 - 11:23 am

  Front interior room is tight (& Im under 6 foot)but passable. Middle seats are OK for kids but much too tight for adults--and theres no room for anything on the floor. The rear rumble seats are for kids only. Vehicle is deceptive as its looks large enough from the outside but the interior is actually cramped. Doesnt hold enough cargo for a family of 4. Maybe were spoiled from our van. Also, the paint quality is not so great. It scratches easily and a small chip an 1/8th of inch in diameter on the hood has rusted. In any case, should have gotten something else--perhaps a Pilot. Fortunately, its a lease so when my time is done, its gone. No more Nissans 4 me.

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  wonderful musclecar - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Todd Chamlee - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The armada is a super vehicle from setting you back in your seat on takeoff, to handling curves similar to a sportcar.The features are also awesome from heated seats to automatic hatch to backup sensors.Overall one sweet SUV!

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  better then camry - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By altima admirer - April 13 - 2:00 am

  i really enjoy this car. i find it handles better then my old camry. the exterior noise isnt as big of a problem reviewers give it. a whole lot of car for $ after a trade and rebate!

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  AWSOME - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By GONSO - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS MINIVAN!!! IT IS SO FUN TO DRIVE.

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  This crossover thingamajig rocks! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Bob Bitchin - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Smooth, comfortable and stylish - whats not to like! So far, no build quality issues (like rattles, etc.). Gas mileage is a bit less than advertised - about 18.5 mpg overall in 6 months.

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  Maximas are over-rated - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By morrieb - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is difficult to maneuver in tight place and narrow driveways due to the 18" wheels. Visibility over the hood is nonexistant (Im 61") and it is next to impossible to determine by visual cues just how close one is to a forward object. Outside mirrows obstruct drivers view of curbs by blocking out about 50 degrees to the left and right of the outside scene. The adjustment control for the outside mirrows is poorly located and not well designed and is hidden by the steering wheel. Finally, the local gas milege is not very good. I get about 16.5 MPG in local driving. The EPA of 20 MPG on MSRP is unrealistic.

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  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Gary - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Smooth, responsive and faster than you would expect from a 2.5L. It gets optimal coasting mpg at any speed because of the CVT. The CVT is the heart of the performance and MPG of this car.

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  Love it so far - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Busted Yuppie - April 12 - 7:23 pm

  Traded in a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE for this Mo and we love it! Very nicely detailed inside and out, handles much better than my Pathfinder. Definitely better gas mileage than the PF even though the Murano seems to be more peppy. Must be the extra HP for this year. We drove the 2007 and the 09 is a much better car: more power, smoother CVT, noticeably quieter and handled better too. Back seats are mucho better than the PF too--hated them on the PF for being so uncomfortable. Im glad that Nissan didnt cave in and put in a 3rd row seat to mess up the back cargo area. Good on them for holding their ground. Buy it--you wont be disappointed!