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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  LOVE MY 2015 MURANO PLATINUM!!!! - 2015 Nissan Murano
  By jvmarcus - October 5 - 9:52 pm

  I had a 2003 Nissan Murano, a model I fell in love with at first sight and test drive. I loved the quirky styling and overall feel of it. My 2003 was starting to cost more in repairs each time I took it in, so I started looking around for the next car to fall in love with. I hated the next generations of Muranos. In December I received an email from Nissan to check out the 2015 Murano. Fell in love with my first glimpse and resolved if the test drive was as good as the first impression, this would be my next car. My old Murano went back in for service and we decided to buy a new car. The 2015 Murano looked as good, if not better in real life and the test drive was the closer.

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  Wow - 2012 Nissan 370Z
  By kingbusa - October 5 - 5:10 pm

  The first word I said when I pulled into my drive way and got out of my brand new 2012 370z was wow!I have had it for a week now,I am most impressed with all aspects except the road /cabin noise.maybe some dynamat in the near future.the navigation system is money well spent.ample power,(I have a hayabusa,I know.)sound system,8 speakers,is excellent.I had my eye on the camaro ss and it would have been cheaper,but it. Cant compare to the 370z.(I still like the camaro).9.5 out of 10.the word I keep hearing about my 370z is sexy.reminds me of a porshe.I really like this car.

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  Off road ready, but still stock - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By petarvn1 - October 5 - 3:45 pm

  Bought certified 2 years ago, Our Xterra has seen dirt, water, and 110 on its speedometer. We had no problems driving it on light offroad courses, and its big enough to seat 4 in the back (please dont do it though!) The MPGs arent too good, but its good enough for what it is. Surprised at its speed, though, since it outsprints most family sedans to 60, and the 21+ gallon tank will last you 350-ish miles. Biggest problem are the rear seats. The front ones are soft, and big, but the rear bench feels just like that. a park bench. dont spend more than 4 hours in the back of it, or your back will hurt.

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  long term with third rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By twowhldoug - October 4 - 8:44 pm

  We now have over 32000 miles on our third rogue.First two were problems.This one has been good till now.Fuel gauge stopped working,had to have sending unit.keyless is starting to not work in morning.I guess we are done with Nissans.Cant imagine dealing with these kinds of problems as warranty expires(36,000miles). It is ashamed because this would really be a nice vehicle if not for the problems.Nissan has got to get on the ball.Have you noticed how the Rogue never is included in tests in magazines? I have.We have averaged 27MPG WE dont know what to get next.Maybe if nissan had a longer warranty or an extended warranty but as things are now,by by Nissan.

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  A little more power Please - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 03 Altima - October 4 - 2:03 am

  I was cheap i baught the 2.3sl, but i still Love my car. It could use a little more power, I love the Bose stero, it rocks. Overall Great Car

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Raf - October 4 - 12:33 am

  I finally decided on the Sentra SER because you get your moneys worth with this car. This car looks great, feels great, and is simply a joy to drive. My only problem was actually getting a SER with CVT. I had to go to 5 dealers to finally find one!

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  Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Luis - October 3 - 8:23 pm

  Great looking vehicle with an engine that will make you proud! Getting roughly 19 MPG while driving in NYC. Highway mileage has peaked at roughly 22-23 MPG. Cant complain about those numbers when you get that the power you do.

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  I love this car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By altimaguy - October 3 - 2:56 pm

  I narrowed my decision down to the 3.5 Altima vs. the 3.5 Accord. I drove both several times. While the Accord drove nice and had a little more back seat room, the Altima was a little zippier and had more fun technology for a little bit lower price.

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  Very impressed, Was strong GM person. - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Don - October 3 - 9:23 am

  Have driven this murano 102,000 miles, with (o) problems. Will be three years old in March. Changed oil and filter at 5000 miles, rotated tires every 10,000 miles plus visual checks such as cabin filters etc. Looking forward to a another 100,000 miles of care free ride. Suggestion: New Murano, smoother & quiter ride.

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  Bad experience ! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By rw1020 - October 2 - 11:16 pm

  Traded in a 03 xterra, for the rogue. Thought I could save on gas. xterra was getting 16 - 18 mpg. rogue looked like a good choice, but after three fills mpg was 17 at best with 50/50 city/highway driving. long story short, I love my new 08 xterra and someone else will be getting a good deal on a USED rogue.