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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  Mr Bud Green - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Bud Green - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Looked at the Toyota Echo, Honda Civic, Ford Focus. I think the Nissan Sentra was the best I drove of the 3 Cars. Nice to handle and a little more plush then the other 3 and very comfortable. Nice job Nissan!

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  Love this truck! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By WilliamB - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I just got my v6 Desert Runner from a dealer. It was used, but this truck runs great! The v6 isnt as strong as its competition, Toyota Tacoma Prerunner v6, but it still packs a pretty good punch. For its size, the acceleration is pretty good. The ride is smoother than I thought. Overall, this is a very good vehicle. I recomend looking into one if you are searching for midsize trucks.

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  New owner. Love my Xterra - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Andrew - January 3 - 9:00 pm

  I bought my 2007 Xterra X a week ago and I love it. Its good looking, fun to drive and the fuel economy isnt too bad for an SUV. I got the X model with the power package and I am actually pretty impressed with how smooth a ride it is. I traded up from a 2007 VW Rabbit and this actually rides a bit smoother. I will look down and see I am going faster than I thought. I must say that the brakes are a little spongy and the extreme use of plastics on the interior makes me wonder how soon until scratches show up.

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  After 8 Months - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Esteban Salceda III - January 3 - 8:26 pm

  My Quest is Awesome. It gets great gas mileage that ranges between 27-30 MPG on the highway. Tons of space. Phenomenal acceleration. Maximum performance is obtained by using 5W-30 Valvoline SynPower Oil or Castrol Edge (Synthetic Oil). Have not had any problems with it at all. Absolutely the best Mini-Van option on the Market. I got a great deal, that Ford, Toyota, nor Honda could match. The fold down rear seating options come in handy for moving days or hauling delicate items. Would buy again it opportunity arises. Great amount of features for base model. This van gots it all.

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  bad experience - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Mary Tim - January 3 - 11:43 am

  nissan versa is the worst car that i never had, junk, transmission broke after 60.000 miles, of course the warranty is over after 60, so i have to pay for a new one because this stupid car need a special transmission...... it cost me almost 3.000 thousand dollars, after one year the radiator broke and the starter doesnt work, i am sick and tired of this car, i hate it

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  Brief thoughts on my Murano - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Jim Seaberg - January 3 - 10:49 am

  This Murano replaced a 2006 Honda Odyssey, and while I thought the Odyssey was comfortable and an OK ride, even in the rear, this Murano beats it hands-down. The gas mileage, combined with the size of the gas tank, gives about 425 mile endurance/tank, and the seats and driver position make that distance almost effortless. The interior quality and trim, along with the options and tech, make this vehicle close to a luxury vehicle. We now have about 3,000 miles on it, and are still discovering things (primarily tech related) that the vehicle does. Initially, it took me some time to get used to the somewhat reduced visibility caused by the high seat backs and the rear pillars, but have discovered that its a non-issue. I have not experienced the emergency braking assistance, but the blind spot alerts and the cross-traffic warning system are a great addition to the vehicle. My wife loves the intelligent cruise control; I havent decided on that feature yet. I wish there was an audible indication when it activates and slows down the vehicles speed; it is so subtle that I have looked down to realize that we are traveling 10 mph below the limit. :D All in all, I love the Murano and think its a great value!

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  I love my Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Scott - January 3 - 3:20 am

  I have had my Murano just over a year now. I truly love this car. It is very comfortable inside and easy to drive. The CVT makes it drive like it is on Skis. Everyone that rides in my car comments on how comfortable the seats are and how refined the interior is.

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  2004 Nissan Problems - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Don Murphy - January 2 - 7:30 pm

  Trim. A few minor things but not too bad. The disc brakes on the front started vibrating at 5000 miles, have yet to take it in for that. Vibration in 4WD...normal?

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  Very Pleased - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By GregSentra - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with this vehicle. Stock was good enough for me, although I did purchase performace cold air intake and performance exhaust, bought brand new tires, looking into new ECU and even bolton turbo. With the CAI and exhaust there is a noticible difference in performance. Handles very nicely (with new tires) since it mostly rains here. 5 speed manual, i would not have bought the automatic.

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  The Behemoth - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By JVB2000 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  After a few weeks of adjusting to a large size SUV, I can honestly say that I love my Armada. I have had all the 1st year out problems however (2 new sets of brakes & rotors in 6000 miles and the replacement of the casing for the DVD screen) but they get fixed and I move along. The turning radius of the truck is better than on any car Ive ever driven-I can get into some of the tighest spots! The pick up is there when you need it and there is more than enough room for all the strollers and groceries. Now if it didnt cost $50 a week to fill Id love it more.