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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  5000 Miles and very few problems - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dot - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Murano in Jan of this year, and have really enjoyed driving it, not to mention all of the looks from others who are trying to figure out what it is... I keep discovering new things that didnt quite register with me when they went over it at sale time. The Murano has great pickup when accelerating, you dont feel the downshifts with the CVT, and for a family of four, it is quite comfortable. The appearance of the cargo area is deceiving, it is quite large but doesnt look like it until you open the rear hatch.

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  My Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dugouthud32 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Everything I had hoped for & then some.

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  Awesome 2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By New Maxima Owner - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This automobile surpassed my expectations and is a true leap forward.

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  Max Worth A Million - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxaMillion - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I had a hard time deciding between the 04 Maxima and the new Saab 9-3. I made the right decision after many test drives in both. The 04 Maxima handles better than a Volvo S80 with a ton of power. Its the best combination of a luxury sports sedan on the market. I was stopped at the supermaket my second day of ownership and was asked what it was and where to get one. It definately turns heads. The sound system is incredible with an ubeleivably quiet ride with subtle and responsive handling. If you test drive one you will buy it!

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  FACT! BEST CAR ON THE MARKET! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By scrotummaster - September 30 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR ON THE MARKET! THIS CAR HAS THE BEST POWER, TORQUE, OPTIONS, STYLE, AND BUILD QUALITY IN ITS CLASS. THE FRONT GRILLE IS GREAT, THE REAR SPOILER IS SMALL AND CLASSY/SPORTY, BUILD QUALITY IS EXCELLENT-NO GAPS, HANDLING IS NICE- MINIMAL BODY ROLL, SMOOTH AUTO TRANNY, INSTANT POWER, BURNT ORANGE LEATHER ON EBONY PAINT IS A HEAD-TURNER LIKE NO OTHER, BEAUTIFUL FROM ALL ANGLES, JUST LIKE THE NEW 2004 AUDI S4-YEARS AHEAD OF THE REST OF THE CLASS. WAKE UP COMPETITION, YOURE COUNTER PRODUCT IS WEAK AND OUT DATED.

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  Smooth - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By JerryM - September 30 - 4:43 am

  Quick set up guide & dvd were well done & helpful. Significantly more room in the rear seat than the Toyota Corolla LE. Also more comfortable than the Civic sedan. Good visibility and ease of handling. Nice organization of controls. CVT was significantly more smooth than the Toyota version! Slightly bigger engine made a surprising difference in "merge on the highway" performance. Quiet. Nice trunk w/ false wall. Pass through back seats are easy to use.

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  2013 LEAF - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By eaa - September 30 - 4:16 am

  We now have a 2013 LEAF. we used to have the 2011 for 2 years and many wants have been added to the 2013 like ECO mode stays on, braking mode. Also better estimate of range. The Air Cod is also more efficient. We love our LEAF. We lease and every 2 years cant wait to see how they improve it and lower the cost. Our daily commute is 44 miles round trip. Its easy with 50 60 left each trip. I can go about 100 miles on city streets when needed. A friend got 188.2miles o 1 charge by driving at the lowest cruise control of 25 mpg. Pretty cool.

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  Getting used to Value! - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By john5501 - September 30 - 1:34 am

  I have owned my Leaf for about 3 yrs now and I still marvel at all the gas, oil, and maintenance dollars I have saved over the years. I also own a Highlander hybrid and its amazing how much just routine maintenance costs each year. The LEAF still looks new and has not had the first problem. Of course, it would be nice if the range was over 70 miles, but as a 2nd car that is really all I need. From a value standpoint this is one of my best buys. My wife and granddaughters all fit fine in the front and back and its a great car about town. I charge the Leaf about 95% in my garage and my electric bill is still in the same range as it always was - you would never know I charge a car daily.

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  Has it all and more - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By bun-girl - September 30 - 1:00 am

  Love this SUV. I traded my BMW 330 for this. I have no regrets. This little hot number is sporty, luxurious with leather and bose stereo and thats just a few extras. Smooth ride, handles great, fun to drive on tight curvy roads. Gas mileage is average. I usually am never satisfied with any car but my little Murano is a winner. I will have it for a long time.

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  Whats Not to Like? - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tjbNissan - September 29 - 9:23 am

  Bought the car at 17K miles. Have put 27k on it. The car is extremely fast, quiet, and reliable. The Bose stereo rocks! Ive replaced the tires and had the brakes done--nothing else. And it is absolutely beautiful. This is a car that you can put 200k miles on and it will still look new if you keep it clean. Nissan is making great cars and this is one of them.