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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  Initial Impressions Are... WOW! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Allan - February 12 - 12:50 am

  We recently bought the LE with dual moon-roofs, after owning a Durango for 9 years. When looking at prospective cars, 3 things were imperative... driver side room (I am 66) with plenty of cargo area (3 dogs and kayaks), dependability and mpg. I focused on the Murano, CRV, Pilot and Highlander. Based on research and without test driving, I was fairly certain I would be purchasing a CRV or a Highlander. I ended up test driving the Murano and was sold immediately. It was the most comfortable, spacious, ergonomic and moderately priced when factoring mpg. I originally was thinking the SL model would be my choice. But after driving the LE, I was willing to spend the extra $$$.

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  The best car I have ever owned - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Louis Villarrubia - February 11 - 4:16 am

  The power of the 4 cyl engine is like other 6 cyl. The gas mileage, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg city with the a/c on, is unbelievable. Its comfortable. The sound system sounds great and the only time its been in the shop was to have a fan belt replaced.

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  Best Z-Car Yet. - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Greg - February 10 - 9:56 am

  My first car was 72 240z and I had an 83 280ZX. The 370 is the best yet. It is quick and nimble. You rarely have to plan your moves in traffic just look for an open spot and the Z will be there. People complain that the gearshift is "notchy" I am not sure what that means? I find it quick and accurate. People complain about road noise. It is a two seater sports coupe. You expect a little road noise. You might try learning to judge the character of the road surface from the sound. Most of all, this car is just fun to drive. I commute 90 min each way daily. In the Z I actually look forward to the drive. The seats are so comfortable. They actually get more comfortable the longer you sit in them.

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  Ive crossed over... - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By writeandre - February 8 - 4:20 pm

  Formerly a 328i owner, I wanted something that had more space but didnt compromise function for fashion, nor quality for character. For me, the Murano definitely has the space and quality I was looking for and the leather package added all the extras I might have missed in the BMW. Unfortunately, the standard- issue CVT transmission was a let-down but the ability to shift into sport- mode has me back in the fast lane.

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  My first SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Michele Small - February 8 - 10:26 am

  I have purchsed Nissan cars for years, but as our winters are getting worse and worse, I needed an SUV to travel to my appointments safely. Although gas mileage is not super, the vehicle more than makes up for it. I love the 4wd easy shifting, the reliability of the vehicle, and the way it handles. I wanted a dependable and durable vehicle,not neccessarily with lots of "bells and whistles". I love this vehicle and will never have another car. Did I mention that with 5 dogs, we have added a dog gate behind the back (stadium stacked) seats and they LOVE it. Practical and my pick for an SUV!

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  Best Truck Ever Built - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By big332 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has really built an excellent truck. It does everything I need it to do. The ride is great, the looks are awesome, and the engine is the quietest Ive heard.

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  1995 Nissan Maxima SE 4DR - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By fabolous - February 8 - 10:00 am

  A simply wonderful vehicle to own. I have owned one for 9 years and 222,900 miles. I have had absolutly NO problems with this vehicle. Owning this vehicle has been a pleasure for me. If there is anyone out there looking to purchase one I strongly suggest you do because this vehicle is the total package it has Luxury, Performance and reliability. Out of the many vehicles I have had this vehicle has been my favorite it gives a quality ride as well as very fast when needed!!

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By e_marston - February 8 - 10:00 am

  So far I absolutely love this car. It handles like a charm and has plenty of power and room.

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  greatest of maximas - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MPNJAN - February 8 - 10:00 am

  have had each maxima from 1989 to date- this by far the best.i had test drive of acura tl and infiniti g35 and i35- the maxima seems better re engine and performance and is more fun and more comfortable to drive

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  Greatest Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By SLY - February 8 - 10:00 am

  this car is an improvement over the last models...and thats saying something.