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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  Smart Design - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Smart Design - September 4 - 10:33 am

  Test drove tons of SUVs and nothing compares to the Murano. The outside looks compact, but the inside is so smartly configured, my 65", 300 lb husband has no problem getting comfortable! Manuevers better than my previous sedan, however it does lack the zip my sedan had. But once you get going, power is not a problem. Interior is beautiful and the standard model includes some great features which makes the Murano a great value.

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  Head Turner - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Beach Bum - September 4 - 10:13 am

  Overall my 2005 Nissan Titan is what I expected. It has great looks, a great engine sound, and the performance to go with it. This truck will scream just looking at the gas pedal, and the steering is awesome. No other truck can match the tightness, steering, and standard features wich come with the "LE". sprayed bed-liner, bed lock-box, tie-down rails, bed extender, etc. I dont see Ford, Dodge, or GM attempting these standard features. I use this truck as a beach buggy in the Summer, and it performs as expected "NO PROBLEMS". In fact, I have not encountered a problem of any kind so far. Bottom line: if you test drive this vehicle, you will buy it.

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  350Z best buy - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By maureen sloggie - September 3 - 10:36 pm

  I am 49 and waited for a car that caught my atttention well 350z did just that. The performance in this car is life changing. Every time I drive this car I cannot help but smile I find the long way to go to and from where ever I am heading. I have owned 7 Corvettes and this car out passes all my expectations.It is soild responsive and just plain beautiful. The interior is hugs your body. Details are all over the car even in the AC vent with the Z in the vents. The one touch roof opening in the roadster is awsome. I love this car and recommend it. Worth every cent I paid.

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  Only 1000 miles so far, but: - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By gixxerjim - September 3 - 9:53 pm

  This van is by far the most fun to drive van available. Test drive consisted of a twisty stretch of two lane I regularly hit on my GSXR. This van handles wonderfully, has good power and is comfortable for the entire family, even the rearmost seat.

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  Could be better - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By ladytee - September 3 - 4:16 pm

  Ive had this car 9 months and so far its been very reliable. If I had it to do over again, Id probably buy a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry instead.

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  I Love My New Car - 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ed Wankovsky - September 3 - 12:00 pm

  I drive my red Pathfinder with pride. It, really, turns heads. It is comfortable and secure, with plenty of storage. My only problems have been electrical issues and I am disappointed with the gas mileage. Hopefully a recent repair and with breaking in the engine will solve both issues.

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By JPCauldwell - September 3 - 1:53 am

  Lots of room for the kids and gear. Has great acceleration from a stop and rides smooth and easy. After researching comparative models, the interior room and great extras (bluetooth, et. al.) this was the best choice.

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  236 k and still running strong - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By sean - September 2 - 6:06 pm

  i bought the car when it was at 175k for miles and i have use it for work and fun.i live in r.i. and i have taken it to Ohio and to keywest f.l. with 200 plus miles on her and i never felt like she was going to brake down on me. i do play every hard on her with white racing rims and an exhaust system its hard not too. keep up on the oil and the altima will treat you every every good.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jesse - September 2 - 3:23 pm

  My transmission died at only 76,000 miles. I bought it used so i assume it was driven hard by the previous owner. I do still love the car though, its faster than most other cars and looks good too.

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  Love My Nissan Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Missyfitness - September 2 - 3:50 am

  I bought my Rogue in November and have loved it ever since. I get about 24MPG on the road, and up to 30MPG highway. People stop and ask me about my car, they say it looks like a little Murano, or Lexus RX. Im having a great time driving my rogue around town, to the mountains, beach, everywhere!