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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  Stange problem.. - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mexican - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Since Im driving the Muran, I feel it similar to my 3 series BMW, millage is poor about 16mpg. A few days ago the top of the rear door got lose, and none at the dealer has an answer why, they took pictures and sent them to the HQ, to see if it is covered by warranty. In this short period lots of noise is going on inside, which I never expected for such a nice design.

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  Simply amazing! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Jackie Siebel - June 2 - 10:00 am

  words really cannot describe this vehicle. Its handling and style are wonderful and the cvt transmission makes it a seemless drive- feels like you are always in 1st gear. I would definately recommend this vehicle. I also live in rochester NY and its winters are very harsh. Finally Im looking forward to a winter with no car problems! great car!

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  Good Stuff - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Lazza17 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Although I expected better gas mileage the car itself is just great. Upgrade to the BOSE - Its nice... Back seat legroom is unsurpassed.

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  Titan kicks butt - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By FOSTER - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Nissan Thanks for building the ultimate truck. I have owned 5 chevy trucks, 6 ford trucks, 3 dodge trucks. Titan is the best, it is a blast to drive.

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  It leaves a lot to be desired - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By resale sux - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have more fun in my SPEC-V, but that has to stay on the road. It is kinda fun to take off-road, but to do anything impressive it needs a lift and more power. I would suggest not buying this vehicle unless you dont plan to drive it often or you make over 75,000. Youll need to make that much to afford the gas. Other than that I think its a decent vehicle. Not great, but decent.

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  The Quiet Storm... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By therazzman - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Exhilarating, fun, practical to some degree. Le Mans Sunset color with chrome rims really gets you noticed. For the money, you cannot go wrong. The DVD based navigation is awewsome and accurate. The sound system is okay, burt being an audiophile, I am highly critical.

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  Cross Country - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Blake - June 1 - 6:00 pm

  My Pathfinder has been very reliable in my trip across the United States. The interior comfort makes it easy to ride for long distances. Acceleration is very well for a heavy SUV, and the gas millage is not that bad considering it is a SUV. Thought about getting a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee but who wants those when that is all you see. Stand out from the crowd and enjoy a Pathfinder.

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  My Wife and I Love this SUV - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By georgebake - June 1 - 1:20 pm

  We have absolutly have no complaints about the car. I test drove Suburu, Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav 4, Ford Escape and Hyandai Santa Fe and the Rogue blew them all away. Very good ride, quiet, confortable seats, lots of room. We got the premimium package which provides back up camera, GPS, auto head lights, roof rails, keyless entry and start and power seats, all for about $1400.00 for the package. My wife is 65 and she says it is the best car she has ever owned. I have a CX-9 which I love but prefer to drive the Rogue. Great pickup and very quiet. Great rebates (2K).

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  He-Man Truck - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Paul - June 1 - 7:56 am

  The new 2005 Pathfiner Se, 4WD is an impressive, fun truck to drive. The new body style, especially the front grill, is eye-catchig! The ride is very smooth due to the independent four wheel suspension and absorbs bumps in the roadway a little better than the 2004 model making for a smoother ride. In addition, the turning radius is great. The interior cabin feels like i am in a luxery vehicle because of features like the automatic moon roof with deflector, 9 speaker Bose sterio system with 6 disc cd changer, dual adjustable digital temperature control, and titanium trim! I highly recomend the comfort & premiun package on the SE, well worth the extra money!

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  We have loved our Quest from day one!! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Love our Quest - June 1 - 3:13 am

  We bought our Quest new and have loved it! We have had no problems other than the weather stripping on top of the van coming off. We have them fixed and they come back off but the dealer always fixes them again. We actually got rear ended at 70 miles per hour shortly after buying this van and were very happy with the van in the accident, very minor bumper damage, due to crumple zone, and my 2 small children were not injured and neither was I, no whiplash or anything. We take our van on 1000 mile trips at least twice a yr to see family and it is great on trips, comfortable and no problems out of it. Recommend this van to anyone!! Its been great. Would definitely buy another Nissan!