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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  So far so good, but MPG is way off - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By kelcon - December 18 - 1:12 pm

  We did countless hours of researching crossovers, compared all of the models and test drove a few. We fell in love with the Rogue after seeing the redesign and learning about all of the great standard safety features for such a reasonable price. We are going from a Prius to this, so the promised 29-33 MPG was a big selling point. Unfortunately... I have yet to get more than 25 MPG! (I bought the FWD version instead of the AWD to keep the MPG at the higher end... we are quite disappointed. We are hopeful that it will improve, but so far very disappointed.)

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  I have now had 2 Altimas, Great Car, Great Value! - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By JD - December 18 - 7:20 am

  I guess that I take what others say with a huge grain of salt. Having owned 2 Altimas (and my parents have owned 3) I can say that they are great cars and weve never truly had any issues. In fact, my mother swears by them as she has been rear-ended 2 times in her vehicles and walked away with no issues. I have owned Toyotas and can never get truly comfortable in their cars--but Nissan/Infiniti, I can always find a comfortable driving position. My wife owned an Accord, and after purchasing her Nissan Rogue and riding in my Altima, she will never go back to Honda again. I am truly impressed by the midyear refreshes on this 2016b Altima SL. I am glad they finally upgraded the headlights, and the navigation is MUCH better than my last model. The voice interactive software actually works better with the iPhone as well and you can access Siri through the voice controls. Even the SiriusXM interface is upgraded. AND...finally the Altima has phone control remote...the NISSAN CONNECT is ACTUALLY USEFUL this time around.

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  Big rear ends are still in fashion - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Chris - December 18 - 3:56 am

  I wasnt really liking the convertible vs. the coupe, but I looked at them anyway. I traded in my CLK-500 cab to buy a 2 seater Z. Its mostly for weekend drives, but I love it! I like it more now, than when I actually bought it. You must drive with the top down though. You will get in an accident with the top up; you cannot see a thing, whatsoever. The sad thing, is that you will never use 1st gear. In fact I think Ive used it 3 times for the 900 miles Ive put on the car. Now I know why Infinity is making a 7-speed skyline. I looked between the S-2000, Z4, and SLK models. This topped them all.

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  Awesome truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Stan - December 17 - 3:46 am

  Test drove the Frontier & Tacoma, went with Nissan. This is an awesome truck. Style,comfort and man does this truck have balls. Step on this gas pedal & you wont be disappointed! Handles great at 25mph or 90mph. This truck is a must test drive if you are buying new! My last truck was a Ford Ranger, the Frontier puts it to shame. Nissan has taken a giant step forward!

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  Nissans Brilliance Evident in 07 Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Nick - December 16 - 11:56 am

  I purchased my 3.5 Altima SE in mid November 2006. So far, I have to say that it has exceeded my expectations in nearly every aspect. The ride is incredibly smooth yet sporty. Also, theres a reason this 3.5 liter has been on the "10 Best" list for years now. I test drove the G6, Camry, and Accord before making my decision. All are fine cars, but the Altima is the total package!

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  Great Car for the Price - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By George - December 16 - 2:16 am

  Drive 50 miles each way to work. My ride back home is almost uphill the whole way. With a 1.8L 4cyl engine i was not sure it would pull the mountains. This car has no problem on the hills with two people. After you break in the motor it runs even better. On the test drive it feels a little under powered.

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  Love my Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Lore - December 15 - 8:57 pm

  I bought my 2009 Murano new. I have been extremely pleased with the vehicle. I drive low miles of about 7k a year, which may account for some of my experience. From reliability to ride, Ive loved it.My only complaints are the tire size is rare and you cant update the navigation yourself. Otherwise, it has been one of best vehicles Ive owned. Im only giving it up now because my kids are out of the house and Im ready for a car. But Ive had such a good experience that Im giving the Murano to one of my kids.

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  Good Value for the money - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Copeland - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Value for the money. The V6 Runs strong, handles good for a truck. Gas mileage is average for trucks in this class. The interior is laid out well. Very comfortable and fun to drive on long trips. This truck can rival any compact truck around. Very impressive for the price. Good, reliable and well built. The Frontier in my opinion is highly underrated. Good looking too. Nothing else looks like it.

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  MURANO - LEXUS RX WHO??? - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LUNATIC_989 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  COMPARING THE MURANO TO THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IS A JOKE. NOW, KNOWING THAT THE HIGHLANDER IS STEP-BROTHER TO THE LEXUS RX300 (RX330), I THINK IT IS MORE ACCURATE TO COMPARE THESE TWO UNITS. BUT TALK ABOUT BANG-FOR-YOUR- BUCK! THE MURANO ROCKS! ABSOLUTELY FUN TO DRIVE, GREAT HANDLING, GREAT ACCELERATION, STYLING IS THE BEST OUT THERE. A GREAT BUY IN MY OPINION.

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  What a Drive! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By hrdtop57 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The design of the vehicle is what caught my eye. Looking at the majority of SUVs, they all look alike. The Murano stands out with its "Star Ship Enterprise" design. The CVT makes it a pleasure to drive.