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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  Best SUV I ever driven - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By harris akinnifesi - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like a luxury car.I have driven Pathfinder, Toyota 4 Runner etc they drive like truck(hard) Drive Murano you wont leave it.

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  Perfect SUV for me - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By mhardy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were in the market for another SUV. We already have an Acura MDX (which we love), so we wanted a smaller SUV. I had looked at the Toyota Highlander before and really liked it. However, once I saw and drove the Murano I knew it was the car for us. Its the perfect combination of size, comfort, flexibility and performance. I was surprised to see the Murano has many features you would expect to find in a Lexus or Acura...even some features our Acura doesnt have.

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  Best yet! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Dave D - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is one of many high performance vehicles that I have owned. To me it is the most fun of any of them including Corvettes and BMWs. The fun factor is awsome!

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  Its about time... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Josie Earles - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I rented the 2004 Nissan Maxima for a trip to Nebraska, and I must say I was a little set back by have to get this particluar car. Once ont the road I noticed right away that is was no ordinary midsize car.

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  Like it lots, despite a few problems - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By researchqueen - May 6 - 4:03 pm

  Have had my Altima Hybrid for 10 months and really enjoy driving it. Its got great pick-up, feels like it was made to suit me physically, and looks great. The fuel economy is sub-par -- averaging 30mpg mostly in city driving, which means Im paying a lot for a hybrid that isnt performing as expected. I initially had to have the 12v battery replaced, then the headliner. Now theres an issue with the engine control module and the NAV system (which I dont find particularly intuitive). Despite all this, really enjoy driving it and despite the smaller cargo capacity, it can hold pretty much whatever I need it to and seats three kids well in the back. Still a great combo of practicality and fun

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  Not bad but terrible sealing - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Young - May 6 - 12:50 pm

  Overall performances are acceptable. Three major problem. 1. Free penetration of cold air through knobs and buttons due to bad sealing 2. Noisy in wet days due to same reason. But Nissan consider it as normal, which means it is their limitation in technology 3. Very bad rear side-view visibility. Youd be very careful when you try to change lane. There are much wider blind area than any other car due to very bad visibility. I almost hit other car several time in 3 months driving, which I have never experienced before with other cars in my 30 years of spotless driving history. So, not recommended for young drivers. Minor comment is bad front cup holder design Overall: Not recommended

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  Minivan with personality! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By minivan reborn - May 6 - 7:50 am

  This is a great minivan. I keep looking for excuses to drive it. Its comfortable yet exciting with wonderful engine, crisp 5 speed automatic transmission, tight around corners, distinctive styling, ample interior space (Im 6ft tall and I can easily walk from the driver seat to all the way back to the 3rd row.) This is the only minvan with personality.

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  Love it - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Paul T - May 6 - 3:46 am

  Great truck! If you are looking a new midsize you must put this truck on your list. lots of room and explosive power from the V6. Very quiet cab and if you love music you must get the Rockford package. One drive is all it will take to.

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  Dont See the Issues - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - May 5 - 10:06 pm

  Compared to the Toyota Solara (4 cyl) Ive driven for the past four years (disliking it more every day) the Altima Coupe 2.5 S is an exhilarating experience. The Altima accelerates quickly, the Solara hesitates; the Altima gives you a feel for the road, the Solara drives like a big luxury car. If youre looking for something that drives like a "land yacht", buy the Solara. If youre looking for something thats just fun to drive, the Altima is a good choice.

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  transmission problems - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By VERY disappointed - May 5 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my Pathfinder new in 2005. Around 2008 started hearing this noise that was like a vibration. Kind of like when you are sitting at a stoplight and someones stereo is very loud. Then, it had trouble shifting while driving. Would take a while to down shift, or shift up to a higher gear. Last summer our transmission went out $5900. Now, it is doing it again! I bought a nissan to avoid problems. I have had squeaky belts, and brakes, and numerous other smaller things fixed.