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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  Loved it a first - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By drivers - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it handles but I have been dissapointed in the gas milage, the back seat belts get in the way when you lower the seat. I also had the alternator go out at 18000. Seems to be a common problem. I hope the resale is good.

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  WHAT A ROCKET !! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mbony - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the quickest trucks I have ever drove also the motor is unbelievably smooth,Interior room is imense and I am 6 and weigh 275 lbs gas mileage is more than acceptable for the performance you get from this silky smooth V8.the price for this truck when compared to Toyota or one of the big 3 trucks equipped the same is about 3000.00 dollars less making this truck a true bargain.I LOVE IT !!

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  Maxima Comes Through....Again - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TommyAsh - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Great overall sports sedan. My 2nd Maxima in 5 years. Sold my first one to my son.

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  Wow! What a car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Just Marsha - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Very surprising car. I previously had a Toyota Celica (2001) & was unsure of the performance this "family" car would deliver. What a pleasant surprise it has turned out to be. I have had the opportunity to test the handling on some of the curviest roads in WV & it has risen to the challenge. It also offers a very comfortable ride. I have taken it on several long trips this summer & have been very comfortable through out the trip. Gas mileage is just starting to come into its own, currently only 6000 miles, but getting over 30 mpg on long trips, should continue to improve.

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  My 3rd Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By NickoleB2 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Altimas a 93, 02, and 05 and I love these cars. When I got my 02 it was pretty basic but I fell in love with the performance, stupidly I got rid of it for a truck which I later regreted. Which is why I decided to get my 05 and I am so glad I did. Unlike my 02 my 05 is loaded and its beautiful. I am very pleased with it

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  My 2005 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Girraud - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I really love the power seats, sunroof, audio control on steering wheel and the smoothness of the ride, but I can find that on other vehicles. What I dont like about the 2005 Altima is the fact that it is actually too roomy for me. Another is the new cell phone recharger connection for the battery found in the middle arm rest compartment. Im unable to close it while on the phone because the line for the charger prohibits this. It wouldve been nice if Nissan wouldve included an outlet or hole that would channel that wire through while the compartment is closed for access.

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  Nukenight Nissan Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nukenight - April 2 - 7:36 am

  Probably the best vehicle in the full size luxury class. We considered BMW 5 Series and Toyota Avalon, before deciding on the Maxima SL. It has been excellent riding, luxurious, gets good mileage (on regular, no less)! The extras are well thought out and well placed. Did not get Nav System or Power Moonroof, but love the Skyview roof. Average 23 mpg in combined city/hwy driving and almost 30 on hwy only. Only thing missing is the DRL system which would be a nice touch. Wife was even more enthusiastic that I about the styling. She was impressed with BMW, but cost too much. Said the Avalon was a hoo-hum vanilla vehicle. "This is a real car!"

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  Leave my expensive cars at home drive the fun one - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Daybud - April 2 - 1:54 am

  Last October my cousin and I were looking for a small car for him. We ended up at a Nissan dealership and he bought a 2015 versa with roll up windows and no power door locks. I warned him about those getting old and so I started doing my research. I found aftermarket door locks and power windows. The door locks are cable activated so make sure you have someone who can install them correctly. Fast forward to July 2016 and Im wishing I had a stick shift car because its been a long time since Ive had one. I liked the Versa we got for my cousin so I took a gander. Dealerships in my area are tacking $5,000 on to the window sticker as dealer mark up but an advertised special caught my eye. The sticker was $13,185 and they were advertising one only at $8,975. so I swooped in and bought it. Two months later I have only driven my infiniti once and the Pilot three times. Love this little car. Yes, I added the power windows and the door locks to this too. I was looking for a good navigation deck but everyone tells me to use my smart phone. I dont have a lot of money and am retired but I was able to get good financing and so for $200 per month $300 including my insurance bill I also opted for the prepaid maintenance on the car. The car lacks the acceleration of my other vehicles but also gets about 10 miles more per gallon so Im retired not in any hurry. Very comfortable roomy inside and

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  nice lile van - 2015 Nissan NV200
  By Jose - April 2 - 12:48 am

  After 1500 miles I had to take the vehicle to the dealer 2 times, the first time for suspension noise, a loud click sound while turning the steering wheel because of bad strut mounts. the second time for vibrations at certain speed do to bad cv shaft axles, also my tires where gone at 10,000 miles. all this issues is less than 15,000 miles is very disappointing. the vehicle has 24000 miles now and havent had any more issues. mpg is about the same 23 to 23.5 combined.

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  Change for the better - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By coolchange - April 1 - 10:13 pm

  Just purchased the Murano last month, and I cant stop using it. It was for my wife as a replacement of the crv that we had, but, looks like I am the one spending more time behind the wheel. The interior is so well crafted and looks very luxurious. Very quiet inside compared to the crv, and oh boy! What a great sound system! If you are getting the Murano, upgrade it to the Bose system and your ears would surely love it.