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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  Coupe it is! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ladys Altima - January 5 - 9:20 pm

  I am very happy with my purchase of a 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe. This vehicle is very fun to drive! I love the sleek look of the outside as well as the inside! People can not believe it is an Altima. It is a smooth riding vehicle. Nissan did an excellent job with the Altima design and performance.

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  2009 2.5 S - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By zhon - January 5 - 2:54 pm

  I bought this car new in October 09 and have only positive things to say about it. Great power and acceleration for a 4cyl. Some reviewers have stated problems with a delay on acceleration. I have not experienced this, my car accelerates immediately and quickly. I barely have to touch the gas. Much more responsive than any other 4cyl I have driven, and I have driven many. The engine did sound like a diesel when it was below freezing, but that seems to have gone away after the first 6000 miles or so. It is no louder than any other 4cyl. One suggestion for those concerned about problems with the CVT: read the owners manual for proper break in procedures on a new transmission.

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  My Rogue Rocks! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Mark G. - January 5 - 8:07 am

  First off let me say that I did a lot of research into this class of vehicle and wasnt actually in the market for new SUV. However, our 2005 Honda CRV was written off as "Totaled" after being rear ended so hard we were pushed into the car in front of us. Thankfully I had done all my homework. I and my wife both test drove 2015 Honda CR-V, 2015 Mazda CX-5, and of course the Rogue SL. I wont go into all the pros and cons of each vehicle suffice to say that all of them are wonderful cars and youre not going to go be disappointed with any of them but if interior comfort, handling, and ride are of the utmost importance to you then the Rogue is head and shoulders above the other two vehicles. Especially the Honda CRV which, frankly for the price, had the least desirable interior and control scheme. Also while Im not a professional reviewer or driver the comments about the "uninspired driving experience" or "lackluster handling" are completely unjustified. I live in rural Georgia and my daily commute is all over twisty turny roads and this car just eats the road up. The car has a nice dynamic suspension which may insulate the driver a little bit from the "road feel" but frankly getting used to to pampered by my Rogues suspension was nothing. It handles precisely and responsively. Many people arent that crazy about CVT (continuously variable transmission (CVT) -also known as a single-speed transmission) transmissions because of their responsiveness and on that score I understand the tepid reviews but thats across the board with all the manufacturers. In my opinion the reviews, while attempting to be precise & impartial, are misleading. This car has excellent acceleration for all your day to day driving needs. I find its acceleration to be smooth and and consistent. I have absolutely no qualms whatsoever recommending this car. I am so happy we did not pay extra to go with the Honda CRV Touring model and this from a dealership we had been going to for years. Ive owned Nissan vehicles before and was extremely pleased with both of them.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Nick - January 4 - 7:33 pm

  Truck is a 2008.5 that I use for daily driving and towing a 4000+ LB boat around. I was comparing this truck to the 1/2 ton GMC and Tundra but I picked the Nissan after test driving all 3 because of the Titans interior and exterior looks and feel. The leather seats look to be very high quality plus the dash controls and gauges are more modern looking, well placed, and practical. The performance of this truck will put a smile on your face anytime you feel the need. Gas mileage is not great but I knew that when I bought this truck. The only problems I had or have is that the rear underseat storage container squeaks and the tire pressure alarm lit up and would not reset until 40psi was used.

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  Terrific Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By codemeister16 - January 4 - 2:26 pm

  Bought this car last year with about 92000 mi. very dependable, crashed the front passenger side quarter and it still runs as good as the day i got it. havent had any trouble with it so far except an oil change and new brake pads.

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  SE/TITANIUM EDITION - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By chr1921 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  SO FAR SO GOOD, NO PROBLEMS, I CAN FEEL THE BRAKES GRINDING DURING STOPPING, ROTORS SHOW RUST WHEN IT RAINS OR GETS WET, THEY SEEM TO BE OF LESSER QUALITY, LIKE MY PREVIUOS MAXIMA. LITTLE STRONG ON THE TORQUE STEER,OTHER THAN THAT THE PERFORMANCE IS OUTSTANDING

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  My favorite seat - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By KAT - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Drivinig this car is exciting. I have to stop myself from racing. My grounding element, my daughter prevents this ofen, but when alone, or on an open road, its road rage or 80 and up. Lord grant me patience. I dont like the turn radius. I dont like the the mirrors that dont fold in. I dont like the way rain falls into a cracked window. The rain deflectors look hideous. Its also a lot of area to personally handwash. I have every option the factory offered on my interior. Details, details. but when I am done, hes beautiful. I dont like the CD holder door with loses its spring immediately. I dont like the

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jessica Redding - January 4 - 2:00 am

  3 years ago I bought a new Honda Accord SE. I loved this car, just no leather, cd player, and a smaller engine. I traded it almost shy of 2 years. I then got a Mazda Millenia, I HATED that car. The service was the worst, right down to the people who sold it to me. Well, 11/2 month ago I traded the millenia in for my MURANO.. I LOVE IT LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Thanks nissan for making such a vechile. I drive it everyday, just to drive. Thanks!

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  A Very Good Buy - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Joejoey - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had a great 2 weeks of owning this black Murano loaded with all the toys....had a 2003 Maxima, sold it to buy what I call the Maxima 4x4 great ride very quite, great performance,spend the extra for the SE...handles much better than the SL...do what I did test drive both then decide for yourself...I have owned 4 Nisans..all have been trouble free..

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  best in the market murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By murano number1 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  the cleanes.coolest AWD out there.much better than a lexus rx330.