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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  Murano, Transmitions are ok dont worry, - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By chrssll - July 24 - 7:43 pm

  Hello my name is Chris from Ma, I just purchased my 2003 Murano SL AWD with 63k on it. I love the interior and exterior. I read the reviews about the CVT transmissions with customers having issues with them. I called Nissan today because I had thought i was having trouble with my tranny but they told me most people dont know and arent used to driving with the CVT thats why they think they are having trouble with them. Nissan recently extended their warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles on any Nissan with the CVT. You dont have to do any thing to receive this warranty what so ever. ALSO if you have repaired your transmission withing the 120K they will send you in full your money back.

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  Fun Ride - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Qeen Bee - July 24 - 6:40 am

  This car for the price has all the bells and whistles, its a great buy.

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  First Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TEAdams - July 22 - 10:36 pm

  This not only my first Pathfinder, but my first Nissan. After ten years of driving my old 97 Dodge Dakota it was time for something new. Im not big on gadgets, so the S trim was perfect for me. I was amazed by everything that came standard on the base model. I had to get the SLT package on my old Dakota for these features. The V6 actually produces 31 HP more than the 5.2L V8 in my Dakota and I only gave up 12 pound feet of torque. The Pathfinder is a pleasure to drive and handles great. It corners better than my old Dakota. The towing power is a major plus. 6000 Lbs is more than enought to pull my 5X8 trailer with a full load. I would buy another Pathfinder in a heartbeat.

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  All was perfect until it got a bath. - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By littlescarlet - July 22 - 4:08 pm

  Well Ive only had the car a couple of days now and after my buyers remorse finally subsided I started enjoying my car. I gave it its first wash was going to aquapel my windshield and I came across a major problem. The wipers hit the hood. After reading blogs and such the solution is to put it into service mode. The problem the in that lies that it needs to be turned on to place them upright. Well in winter this is not a solution when theres 8" of frozen snow lodging the wipers in between the hood and windshield. I read that its to improve aerodynamics but I honestly think it was an oversight. That or whoever designed this didnt take into account winter areas such as wisconsin.

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  Frontiers on the Forefront - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Hammerman - July 22 - 3:53 pm

  I have owned the LE Crew Cab for 2 weeks. Chose it over Tacoma b/c of better high-end options (sunroof/leather). Acceleration is surprisingly responsive and fast. Interior on LE is very nice, logical, and comfortable. Paid $300 over invoice through federal government car-buying service from local dealer. Very happy with vehicle.

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  Nissan Quest SE - Limo Of Minivans - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By relentless1 - July 22 - 2:36 am

  Never thought Id buy a minivan but wife, 2 kids & I are very pleased & impressed with our 05 Q. Traded in 96 Land Rover Discovery SE7. We also considered Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, but chose the Quest due to its unconventional, sporty & unique design & comfortable ride. Have 30k trouble free miles. Responsive engine, love the spaceship like instrument cluster & unique dashboard. Currently shopping for dashbrd kits to enhance interior. Just repl OEM tires 225-60r-17s (Gdyear)for 235-55r-17s as OEM tires are odd size but love the new (Pirellis) all season. Only maintenance performed: oil changes, 2 tire rotations & 1 nail in tire. Will schedule 30k checkup. Need to check in- cabin filter.

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  Not my first choice. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By shanp25 - July 21 - 4:33 pm

  Nissan Versa was not my first choice but when I saw it on the lot I thought it was cute. When I test drove it I fell in love. I also tried the Honda Fit which I felt was made cheaply and could be blown over by 5 mph winds. I get exceptional mileage but have only one complaint. I needed new brakes after only having the car for 6 months, plus there was a re-call with the air bag for the passenger seat. Very roomy in the backseat. Could fit a bike in the trunk with one of the back seats folded. Great gas mileage, comfy seats. There are more positives than negatives :) Great hatchback for a great price.

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  Best Car under $20k! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Eric the Driver - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Spec V for about 6 months now, and I love it. I push the car to its limits, and it keeps up with many cars much more expensive. Its fun to consistantly beat little hindas, and acuras that have been hopped up.

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  excellent car all a round - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By cynthia - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, I firt had a 1996 maxima, loved it now Ive purchased a 2002. Great car, excellent!

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  Best all-around Mid-Size SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ron Brewer - July 20 - 3:03 pm

  Best driver leg room of SUVs test driven. It has no rattles. Rear storage area adjustable and adequate. Not one problem in almost 30,000 miles. I enjoy town and highway performance and handling. Four wheel drive and braking system excellent.Of more than 30 vehicles owned since 1954 this one is the best!