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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  New 2007 purchase - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Rob - April 1 - 3:16 am

  Great truck! Only 2 complaints. Vanity mirror light not adjustable and cheap! 2nd thing is I have no light under the hood.

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  I like it! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Leona - March 31 - 11:40 pm

  The ride is smooth, the controls are easy, and wireless headphones for DVD is very convenient. I like the fact that you get more for your money when it comes to towing. The third row seat is roomy for children or shot people like me; maybe thats why I like it so much.

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  4 Door Sports Car with 5 Star Safety! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By dbishopp - March 31 - 7:12 pm

  I did a lot of research before deciding upon this car. Most important to me was safety, after being in a car accident a year ago it was clear to me that if someone can hit me out of no where, I need to make sure the next vehicle I have stands up to impact. This car has a 5 Star Safety Rating and side impact is well covered! The inside of this car makes you feel like youre wrapped in bubble wrap and foam! It has all the comfort and bells and whistles of a luxury car, with all the speed you need to safely get onto the highway of a sports car! Im very happy with my new 2011 Maxima!

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  Love my 08 want a 2010 - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By RECHELLE - March 31 - 7:10 pm

  I love my 08 armada, went from a 06 Toyota 4-runner to the armada for more room, 3rd row seating, & better ride. Discovered that it drove a lot better by 100%. We had no children at the time of purchase but had 3 dogs. Great family vehicle for evacuations from Louisiana & vacations, dogs love it. Didnt buy extended warranty at time of purchase because wasnt sure if Id be satisfied & keep it past 3 years/36,000 mile warranty. Now after 2 years & 4 months & over 31,000 miles with now 4 dogs & 1st baby on the way any day now Im ready for a 2010 with extended warranty this time. We looked at the Yukon & Tahoe but the seats dont fold down into the floor to make the back completely even.

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  Disapointed!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By HATE THIS CAR! - March 31 - 6:33 pm

  I traded in an suv for this vehicle because I was looking for something with better gas mileage, saw the window sticker on this car and thought it was good, it says 34 highway, its more like 20 highway! The paint started peeling off my bumper at 1,000 miles. I have had my brakes fixed 3 times for squeaking issues and the car only has 13,000 miles on it. If you have a problem dont waste your time trying to call Nissan Consumer Affairs, they dont return calls. I have owned many vehicles and this is by far the worst! The car rattles, my cd player screen goes blank, its just not a good vehicle at all, especially for the price. Never again will I buy another Nissan!

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  Love My Murano - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By RC - March 31 - 4:43 pm

  I did a tremendous amount of research before buying this vehicle, Edmunds, Car and Driver, Consumer Reports, etc. Even attended an auto show to compare midsize crossovers. If you are looking for a premium,two row crossover the Murano wins hands down. The interior makes you feel that you are in an Infiniti and the seats are very comfortable. Except for a little wind noise from the side mirrors the cabin is very quite. Performance wise the engine-cvt combination provides excellent power in all situations and the handling is very good for crossover. The Murano is responsive with good feedback from the road. The Murano is fun to drive.

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  Great truck!!! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By jamila - March 31 - 10:26 am

  Overall, I like this truck. I receive many compliments on the trucks exterior and roomy interior. I enjoy commuting to work in it. The seats are really comfortable and a good powerful engine. Only complaints are MPG is not so good even though its a V8, and the shifting column is too long and in the way of me trying to tune the radio/cd knobs and buttons. Also the mirror could be a little larger and without the orange reflection at night time vision.

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  Found a friend with Nissan - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By troberts3 - March 31 - 9:20 am

  Owned a Cadillac CTS when I bought "The X" and didnt drive the CTS for three weeks because I loved The X so much. Purchased used 05/2010 at 65K, now has 101K. I have replaced NOTHING! Solid, reliable truck with compartments everywhere for storage. Finally sold my Cadillac because I liked the Nissan better. I will stay with Nissan as long as they keep making vehicles like this one. My ONLY complaint: Back seat leg room. My friends have a lot of trouble getting in and out. One other thing: Tire pressure light comes on after traveling a constant speed for 40-50 miles. Does it every time. I think its the new tires. Not sure...

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  Disappointing - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Disappointing Quest - March 31 - 7:23 am

  The new Quest looks great for a minivan but overall quality is disappointing. Interior features fell cheap and we had to replace some interior seat parts within a few months of ownership. Rear lift gate power strut broke, transmission gets stuck in 2nd gear, gas gauge stays on empty after filling up, nothing major yet but just lots of annoyances.

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  Biggest problem is the 3rd row seat.. - 2016 Nissan Quest
  By Xin Xin - March 31 - 4:38 am

  Our family and relatives all drive different minivan over the past 20 years. From Dodge Caravan and Town and Country, Ford Aerostar and Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Totoya Pervia and sienna, I have tried many of them. Overall, this Nissan Quest, the driver seats and 2nd row seats are great. It is compatible to Honda Odyssey and Sienna. In fact, I like the driver seat and front panel design more that Honda and Toyota. However, from practical purpose, the 3rd row seats leg room just too small comparing to Honda and Toyota. An average 5 7" tall adults knee will touch the back of the 2nd row. Thats the main reason we didnt buy the Quest.