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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  My first brand new car in 21 years - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By jadziasman - May 31 - 10:06 pm

  I decided to buy the 2.5S because it was by far the best value for the money I bought it during the Presidents Day sale $5000 off MSRP Driven for 600 miles in three weeks Found nothing wrong it (so far) A CVT is louder than a traditional geared transaxle - just the way it is The electric pump for the power steering will make noise I can accept each of these issues because I own a 2005 Prius which has a CVT and more than one electric pump The Altima is a great value Very little road noise enters the cabin - except for the engines roar Good initial build quality Nice styling inside and out Solid feel Generally comfortable ride

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  My disappointments - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By oldmrt - May 31 - 8:01 pm

  Problems with leaking head gaskets, leaking transfer case (twice repaired), defective engine mounts and seat positioning number setting that never holds seem to be common with Murano 2009 owners and we are no exception. At 70,000 miles the car is showing all the signs of a Lemon. Up until now we were strong supporters of the Nissan line, but when the manufacturer does not stand behind a chronic problem I think its time to look at other manufacturers for better warranties and better quality

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  Best in Class - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Ken Morris - May 31 - 11:33 am

  I test drove the Honda Pilot, Saturn Vue, Chrysler Pacifica, Suburu Outback, Audi Quattro, and Infiniti (and had been driving a passat wagon). This is the best value in its class for both price and handling when looking for a wagon/smaller SUV. It is almost the same as the Infiniti in design and handling, but about $10,000 less. I like the lower to the ground SUV. It is not boxy like some of the others and dosnt get pushed around in the wind. It handles great and has many nice interior features. Thus far, I have no significant issues with the car and my wife loves driving it.

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  JUNK - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By JUNK - May 31 - 11:26 am

  Sorry I bought this 2010 Rouge.From the day I drove it home. The car vibrates & the steering wheel shakes. Took it back 6 times. They do not know what is wrong with it. I test drove other rouge. And it does not shake or vibrate. I believe it is the transmission. The repair shop does not think it is transmission. Deep down they know it is the transmission. I am suppose to be fully covered. Never buy a car from Nissan of Queens. They are thieves. Whom rip off the customers and over charge you. Buyer Beware!!!!!! I want my car fixed. And the dummies cannot figure out whats wrong with it.

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  New Review - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Truck Driver - May 31 - 11:23 am

  I owned a 1994 Nissan pickup and decided it was time to update. The Nissan is a dream to drive, and the 4 cyl provides enough power and fuel economy to boot. The economics proved in favor of the Nissan with getting the preferred, power, bed liner packages for $1000 less than a lesser equipped Tacoma. A very satisfied return Nissan owner.

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  I really enjoy it - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Wesley Bray - May 31 - 7:23 am

  I have always been a Ford truck man. I love the Titan. I have been looking at these trucks for over a year now and finally broke down and bought one......I LOVE IT. Gas mileage is normal for a truck. It is easy to get around...the rear back up beeper is great. Lots of room for all the family and friends...well thought out truck. I cannot say enough about it!!!

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  CVT Issues - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By lemonornot? - May 30 - 3:50 pm

  We bought our Murano less than a year ago at 58k miles. Was looking forward to owning a Murano since they came out in 2003 and prices finally came down to where we could afford one. Well much to our surprise at 65k miles the engine starts to run at 4000 rpm going down the highway one long trip and we literally feel the vehicle losing power and jumping forward. We end up turning around on the highway in the median then cant move at all. COMPLETELY LOST POWER WITH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR!!! Thought we were going to be stranded on the highway! Turn engine off/on and it goes by golly. Took it back to dealer and found the transmission had to be replaced, metal in pan. CVT has issues.

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  GREAT LOOKING,BUILT & DRIVE LIKE A TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe Zee - May 30 - 1:40 pm

  Was disappointed by performance on highway, like an old lady, minus pep pills, but slow and sure, will not suggest a speedster to own this auto, built like a truck and drive like a tank, using as much gas to reach a destination,

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  Function over Form - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By JB - May 30 - 12:33 pm

  Had it for 10 months (17,000 mi), and I love it just as much as the day I drove it off the lot. This vehicle is for "outdoorsy" pragmatists who crave functionality and are willing to give up some bells and whistles (leather, GPS, etc.) for performance at a great price. Other than lack of auxiliary jack, gas mileage (I get 17 city/20 hwy) is only real drawback, but you get a whole lot of performance for it. Many have knocked all the hard plastic in the cockpit, but Id rather have extra money in my wallet than upgraded trim. The Xterra offers excellent visibility, ground clearance, handling, and acceleration, which make it fun to drive both on and off-road. The consumer ratings say it all.

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  Good, Not Perfect, Sports Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Phat Larry - May 30 - 6:10 am

  Ive had my convertible Z for 3 months and have 3,000 miles on it. Ive previously owned Mustang GTs and Corvettes, but wouldnt consider another one due to AWFUL reliability. I also test drove the S2000 (way too small and cramped), the Z3/4 (too cramped) and the new Miata (still underpowered). I have to pretty much agree with the Editors review. The Z runs great with a nicely tuned exhaust, handles great, is roomy, has some good amenities, and looks sweeeet. The downside is the small trunk (esp.in the convertible), cheap interior plastics (esp the console cover which is garbage), bland gauge lighting, and very mediocre gas mileage. I have yet to get more than 20 mpg even with hwy driving.