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:

• 

  Worth the money - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By Vijaiendran sv - January 17 - 11:56 pm

  If you are looking for performance at its best for the cheapest cost. This is your car. Dont expect to look for Porsche performance or bmw interiors or miata mileage. This has its own craze among people and Nissan provides the best in class for the bucks spent.

• 

  My new favorite - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Madog - January 17 - 8:50 pm

  Last winter I couldnt get out of my drive in my 2wd Explorer so I went in search of a replacement. I ended up with an 07 SE 4wd. After about 7 months and 15500 miles of use, Im still very pleased with my purchase. I live on unimproved dirt roads that get severely rutted during heavy rains. The 4wd has came in handy numerous times, along with the other off-road capabilities.

• 

  Finally Happy A Year Late - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By George G - January 17 - 12:37 pm

  I was shopping a car for myself a year ago and accidently came across Murano which was even on my radar screen before that day. I was so attracted by the comfort and finish of the interior / seats that I made a kind of rush decision and bought Murano instead. The car has run smooth for 18,000 miles and comfortable like piloting a spaceship, but for a year, I have had a kind of regret for my rush decision not my original plan. I am shopping a car for wife now and test drove a BMW 535 xDrive (my wifes choice). I was so surprised when I set in the BMW. The sale person saw the surprise on my face and mistaken that I was awed by BMW. I was actually stunned by how primitive and noise its interior feels and how cumbersome its controls ( not touch screen??). If this is what BMW can offer, I am very happy with my Murano now, Finally, A year later.

• 

  99 nissan maxima GLE - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By mannyp - January 16 - 8:56 pm

  After 6 yrs of tough desert driving this car still has it. Fun to drive, great acceleration, and not a single problem thus far. Drives like the day i drove it off the lot.

• 

  Altima SE, 2001 - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By John Lampe - January 16 - 10:00 am

  The car has been a zero defect vehicle. It does everything well. The standard six CD in-dash radio is a delight. the std four wheel disc brakes are excelent as well as the sport suspension. It has been totally reliable so far (30k miles).

• 

  I love it! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By music77057 - January 16 - 7:16 am

  So far Ive only had my new truck 4 days and I LOVE IT! I love the space, the ride and all the feature it has and more than I expected. I really recommend this vehicle if anyone is looking into buying one. So far the gas mileage is good, as I expected with a truck and not like a car but I still love it.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By JD - January 16 - 2:40 am

  Awesome car, drives great, no problems so far. Gas mileage 23.5 city 28.0 hwy with regular fuel, premium fuel doesnt do anything that I notice the mileage and the power are the same, all you do is give the oil companies more money.

• 

  Great Value & Performance - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ca24 - January 15 - 11:00 pm

  Had the truck for 2 weeks and absolutely love it so far. The powerful V6 265 HP engine is matched up nicely with the smoooth 5 spd automatic tranny. Interior noise is pretty low for a truck and the highway ride is about the best Ive experienced (for a truck). Overall pretty pleased and the dealer price was 2000 under invoice. Cant wait to take it offroad - right now Im conquering Baltimore city potholes with ease.. Tested the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The Frontier easily bested the Ford. The Tacomas cheap bed liner, uncomfortable seats, and lack of power and comfort when compared to the Frontier made it a pretty easy choice (not to mention a $3000 price diff)

• 

  Big bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Z-WOW-Z - January 15 - 9:20 pm

  Im 56 years old and after raising 5 children I decided to get something for me. I looked at several other cars and for one year I did all my homework. I looked at the Miata, RX-8, and the BMW Z-4. The 350m is by far the most exhilarating car Ive ever driven. I bought the 6 speed and it will do about 35 mph per gear. You do the math! And the mileage, I get around 26 average. And the funnest thing I like to do is turn. Man this car will cut like nothing Ive ever driven. So my overall rating is "dont test drive one if you arent going to GET ONE!"

• 

  Wise Choice! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By ictgee - January 15 - 8:56 am

  After much research and test drives of the vehicles in this class, my wife and I decided on the new 2009 Nissan Murano. We traded in a 2006 Pontiac Torrent and this was a definite upgrade. We are both impressed with the quality of the Murano inside and out. The interior is very luxurious and well thought out. The seats are very comfortable, and every driver should be able to find a good driving position. We traveled 200 miles to a business meeting and did not want to get out of the car. We purchased the SL model FWD with everything but the navigation package. Driving in town or at highway speed, the car is extremely quiet and comfortable. We feel we made a wise choice.