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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  The future of crossover is here! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By DJ - February 2 - 9:13 am

  Just traded my 2004 350Z for this vehicle. Strange choice? Hardly. Exterior: it still has the same stylish looks as previous models except the grille-work, which gives it an almost "storm-trooper" facade which is head turning. Interior: smooth clean lines continue to demonstrate that Nissan has not gone away from its earlier models. Very easy to handle all dash displays and the interior cabin is spacious. Driving: power to burn, tight steering radius, and easier than you might think to park. There is some body roll when cornering (maybe I drive too fast). It drives like a car and with the added horsepower you feel like you can control any driving situation. Best buy for sure.

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  Nissan Has Fallin Off from Being Premium - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tonepearson - February 1 - 6:50 pm

  Not the most reliable car. Has a lot of mechanical problems that arises very often as explained below. Nissan pretty much stole everyones money with the make of these cars b/c I feel Toyota and Honda did a whole lot better than them with the reliability of there cars. These cars are worth lees than KIAs and DAEWOOs if you ask me. I have own this car for a year and has spent more in it than its worth. To all my fellow buyers avoid these cars b/c I promise you b4 200,000 miles it will be junk unlike Toyota and Honda. At least they recall a car that has a problem all Nissan did was pocket the consumers money and gave them the middle finger. So to you Nissan I hope you go out of business.

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  2-year test - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Eddy S. - February 1 - 4:43 pm

  After owning my Titan truck for two years, I give it a definitive A-. Its almost a perfect truck when it comes to power and creature-comforts, it could be improved in the turning-radius department - my wifes 2004 Durango (similar in size) can turn around in a substantially tighter space, also all the hoopla about the "awesome power" is somewhat exaggerated - our other 5.7 Hemi seems to move the 6,000 lb SUV more effortlessly and with less noise/strain from the engine. it is plenty adequate but nothing to jump up and down about...In a nut-shell, I would highly recommend this truck without hesitation.

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  Family Car - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Nick - February 1 - 3:16 pm

  My wife needed a larger vehicle than the VW Beetle she was driving after having our baby. I looked at Gm and Ford, but I felt a cold shoulder from them. Like it was my duty to buy American. No sir...you dont pay my bills. We passed a Roque on the highway and my wife loved it. After looking we decided this was the right car for us. We stepped up from the S to a 360 package. These extra features set it apart from the base model. As a guy who builds bikes on time off I need style and this little crossover isnt lacking it. Im actually a little mad that I cant drive it every day.

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  Lots of Power - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By G. Harris - January 31 - 4:53 pm

  After 8 months of driving this car i have to say i don`t like it as much as i did when i first bought it,to many annoying things for example the wipers are terrible in the winter,the cd player died in week one,there are annoying squeaks and rattles from the dash area something you shouldn`t have in a car of this caliber.To much wind noise at highway speed i am constantly checking to see if a door is open.I like to drive with my front window open a crack not with this car though the water will pour in. There is also a terrible vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds my dealer eventually got this fixed. The Honda Accord is a much better car and less money to bad it is so Blah.

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  Trouble Free - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Barracuda - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the GXE new in 1996. I have not had any problems with the car in 7 years. Ive owned a Camry and Corolla and the Altima is far superior in terms of reliability and quality. The car feels and acts solid and dependable. The only things Ive replaced are the tires. Otherwise, just routine maintenence.

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  So glad I bought the Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Tans Z - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I am so glad I bought my Z. I have been in love with them since I was a teen. My previous cars were a Sentra and 200sx. I love Nissans, and I am very pleased with the comfort and all the attention I get driving it.

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  Z U next year - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By sokrateZ - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the car of affordable sports cars. This attention grabber has been a conversation starter every since the night I picked her up. Nissan has outdone itself with the new body style and performance.

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  Excellent Nissan car! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Mike-I - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my wifes car but I drove it maybe 5000 miles and all I can say is that is very reliable, never had any major problems (bought it new), great performance overall. Gas mileage is one of the best, good power, handling, comfort, good resale value. I highly recommend it to everyone.

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  Excellent Ride - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By teenie194 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I have is about the gas mileage.