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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  Best suv hands down - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By zach7685 - May 19 - 8:01 pm

  We have owned three pathfinders over the years. we currently have two! I love my 2001 LE its the best SUV for the money! it has 200K and runs top notch! the 2001+ have the bigger 3.5 engine and you can tell a differences. Only thing iv had to replace other than normal maintenance was the MAF sensor. Hint (replace with Maxima its cheaper)

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  Christmas Present - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By B. Parsons - May 19 - 6:56 am

  I reviewed the various options for a sporty SUV for about 4 months. I settled on the Murano and recently purchased this for my wife. I am 65" and fit very comfortably in this vehicle, front and back seats. Very good acceleration with CVT and very comfortable solid ride. The exterior is stylish. Overall, very pleased with my purchase.

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  Great except for squeaks - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Duane - May 18 - 2:00 pm

  bought this car in late June of 05 and I love it. It is quite quick and handles very well. The Bose system is a must have. The climate control is a bit confusing and only works to a degree. Like everyone else it squeaks when in reverse which is very annoying.

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  Smiles from Everyone - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Scott - May 18 - 3:20 am

  My wife loves the fact that when she drives around in her Versa, everyone looks at her and smiles. Its not a common car around here, but she picked it out because she thought it was the cutest. Inside it feels like a larger car. We got a sunroof (the only car in its class that had one as an option) and like the way it handles. CVT is smooth with lots of power and pep! With only 500 miles on the engine, got 32 MPG on highway, 27 MPG on Vermont back roads.

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  Best Hybrid on the Road - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Rondo - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I carefully considered the Honda and Toyota Hybrids. Personally the style of the available brands next to the Altima was no comparison, with the Altime clearly the winner in style, speed, great gas mileage, price, space and features. Altima appearance to me is far superior inside and out. I moved from a Camry due to a total loss accident to the Altima Hybrid for all of the reasons I just mentioned and the superior crash ratings the Altima has. Drive everything else first, then get into an Altima. If you like features, speed, a comparable price and style that turns heads everywhere you go, the Altima Hybrid is the clear winner. The tax credit and being "green" is a winner in any city.

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  So Happy and So So Sad - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By amber - May 17 - 8:36 pm

  This is a great car, it is very comfortable, and most of all safe. Just yesterday a woman ran a stop sign and t-boned me. The car took a beating and rolled three times from the force of the impact the car landed on its passenger side and I was held suspended in the driver side by my safety belt. If it were not for the safety features on this car I would not be here today.

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  Leader of the Pack - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By rogeliorulo - May 17 - 4:26 am

  My last SUV was the Lexus RX. You must remember it is the last generation Toyota Highlander. The Murano is light years ahead in every way. It is much quieter & smoother, with the best nav interface system on the market today. I loaded up my SL because I didnt need/want AWD. The stereo system is the best. You can record directly from CDs to a 9.3G hard disk. I use the satellite radio with traffic info. Wow. It has saved me untold hours on clogged freeways. I opted out of the factory 20" wheels instead buying Michilens and 20" wheels on the aftermarket - a much better choice. It cost me much less for better equipment. A no brainer. While the jury is still out on reliability, I am optimistic.

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  Sexy Stylish and Fun - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Kb - May 16 - 7:26 am

  I had a Toyota and wanted something little more sytlish and fun. I purchased the 2006 Nissan SL Maxima. Its not only a family car, but its also sexy and fun without the kids.

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  Not perfect. - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By X-lover - May 16 - 3:20 am

  This car is not perfect, but even a Lexus GX470 ($$$) has flaws. For less than $30,000, you get excellent acceleration, amazing handling, lots of space, good visibility, 8 airbags, ABS, the best stereo in class (Car&Driver, and my opinion), excellent off-road ability, 4 skid plates, 4WD, 5 speed auto, smooth and quiet highway ride, and many other not- so-visible features. It is really a joy to own this SUV, from going to the grocery store, to doing multi-day camping trips.

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  love my versa but.... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By andrea - May 15 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased my versa in July of 06 and I love it! However my check tire pressure light continually comes on, the dealership is fantastic with fixing it but its just lit up for the 3 or 4th time. Also check your tire wells, I had water that had leaked into the well from the back window not being sealed all the way. So check that out.