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 - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Jep - June 18 - 10:00 am

  As a cross over SUV this vehicle is right up there with the Lexus RX330 in comfort and handling. I would have to say that I am most impressed with the cars smooth and extremly quite ride.

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  Titan Can Do It All! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By nissan chick - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I traded my Ford F-250 in on a Titan and, wow, I was so impressed by how the Titan rides, drives, and pulls! It does every bit as good as my 250 did pulling my horse trailer, but with much better gas mileage. Also, the room inside is great. I LOVE THIS TRUCK!

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  Everyone I see loves the Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By richinthenight - June 18 - 10:00 am

  It is just about the perfect toy. I love it. My friends love it. It has the hottest look. I actually like it more than my previous SL500. My only real complaint is the door must be opened very wide to enter and exit; you cant get out unless there is a lot of room between you and the next car.

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  Great job Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tempest - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Spirited Bronze SE for over 6 months and i am totally satisfied. This is a company car, I had lots of options and drove the competition, but chose the Maxima. It seems that everone I know wants to drive it. I was so impressed that I went out the next day and bought my wife an 04 Quest. Great engine, and acceleration in both vehicles.

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  170,000 in 6 yrs & still going strong! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Susan - June 18 - 4:50 am

  I was really surprised to read of the problems that others have had with their 2003 Murano. With 170,000+ miles on mine, of course Ive had to replace normal wear-out parts, do the brakes, etc, Also had to replace front strut sleeves, but that is the only problem that I have had in 170,000 miles. Love the transmission and I have always done as my salesman advised, "Come to a COMPLETE stop before shifting from reverse to drive - no rolling shifts!" I like mine so much that when I get another 50,000 miles on her (about 1 1/2 years for me), Im going to get another Murano. I do wish that the back window rolled down, though.

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  New to the minivan family. - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By barrell - June 18 - 4:13 am

  We are new to the minivan thing so i can only say moving from the 2005 Nissan Altima I am very pleased with the Quest so far. Drivability has been great, it handles very well for a minivan and has plenty of room to boot. Looking at the 06 model versus the 07, I have to say they are moving the design in the right direction on the styling.

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  Saved My Life!! - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By LilKim - June 18 - 3:06 am

  Purchased my 96 Altima as college car in 2001 used w/115K.Could not have asked for a better ride! Comfy (for a 52 chick), SUPER reliable,and LOTS of fun to drive.Sunroof,woodgrain,& Alpine CD made it heaven. Easy on the insurance bill and as everyone knows miles dont hurt Nissans! I was at 162K and going strong except a finicky O2 sensor, but thats nothing that midgrade gas didnt magically fix :) Unfortunately someone decided to drive in my lane going the wrong way & hit me head on (we both were going 45) thats a 90MPH collision. Amazingly -NOT buckled and blessed beyond belief- I WALKED away from the wreck w/2 airbag burns. THANKS Nissan for making such a great car,just bought a Maxima, staying loyal!

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  Absolutely Love It - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Luke - June 17 - 2:33 pm

  We just bought the new Xterra this weekend and absolutely love it. It rides great, has a ton of power, the interior is well designed and comfortable and it is priced great compared to other SUVs. I would highly reccomend it to anyone. It is really catered to the active lifestyle.

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  Sentra is great! - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Missnay14 - June 17 - 10:36 am

  The 06 Sentra 1.8 S is a fun car to drive, good for a first time car owner. Good overall performance, very sporty. The Sentra also has the best brakes in its class, which lends for better performance. The Sentra is very easy to operate, the layout is awesome, everything inside the car is easily found.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By asdasf - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is great and reliable. I love to drive my car to work now.