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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  Love my Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Cori - March 6 - 12:03 pm

  I have had my Murano for little over a year now and still love to drive it! It is very comfortable and fun to drive, even for long distances. It has alot of leg room for both the front and rear passengers. We switched from a mini-van to the Murano and my kids love it! They are very comfortable with the room and really enjoy the rear seat recline feature- just enough to lean back and take a snooze when were off and running. There are 2 things that I wish Nissan would change - I wish the Murano had an automatic door locking feature and better suspension. The gas mileage is so-so especially with the air on. Very happy with my purchase!

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  Best combination: performance and value - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By dkmg1845 - March 6 - 11:30 am

  This is a true sports sedan, not an nicely upgraded Camry. Its the only sedan that easily fits 2 car seats and makes driving exciting again. No manufacturer has yet to match the Nissan 3.5L V6. This is a sweet car worth every penny.

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  Not worth the money - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jk - March 6 - 6:03 am

  This is the worst truck I have ever owned the gas mileage is really bad 8 miles to the gallon I have had it in the shop 10 times for leaks transmission trouble power window trouble and engine trouble

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  Never buy Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Dillon - March 6 - 12:28 am

  I bought a 2003 Nissan Altima with 165,000 miles on it about 4 months ago. In those 4 months I had to replace; camshaft position sensor, radio, 2 door handles, and alternator. Before the timing chain skipped a few teeth at 169,000 miles. Its just a money pit Im getting rid of it. Anybody need a parts car?

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bruce - March 5 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car with 42,000 miles and now have 252,000. I have had no problems with the engine or transmission. I always used Mobil 1 synthetic and 5-30 weight because of the close tolerance machining of Japanese engines. I have my transmission flushed every 50,000. It has power but I drive it very gentle now because of the high mileage. The only thing I dont like is that it seems to pull to the right all the time just a little. I think it is from the acceleration of the front wheel drive. I put new tires on and had a laser alignment and still had a slight pull. The tires have always wore out perfectly even. I do tire rotation every 5,000. I did have to replace the radiator, battery, starter,shocks and struts. Changing out the front light bulbs is a pain. The last time I had an engine light turn on is because I forgot to change out the spark plugs at 100,000 and actually went 120,000 miles on them. This car has been my most favorite car with the least maintenance I have ever owned.

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  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By njdevils_27 - March 5 - 11:53 am

  I have had this car for a little more than 2 weeks and love it. The fuel economy that I am getting is 30/40 mpg. On the highway cruising at 65 mph, the engine was only at 2000 rpm which is key to higher gas mileage. The CVT makes the ride enjoyable. Dont underestimate the 2.0L engine, it has power behind it. The divide and hide in the trunk is great to stop soccer balls or basketballs from rolling all around the trunk. The 333W stereo system is great. I was comparing the Mazda3, Honda Civic, Mitshubishi Lancer, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Sentra. I liked the Sentra best because of price and features.

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  Quest - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By connorkate - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I think it is a great family car, has VCR and movies as standard.

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  Nissan Altima - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Brenda Martin - March 5 - 2:00 am

  An excellent vehicle with no mechanical problems. We are going to trade it in for a new one.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Daniel/Sarah Miller - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. 2.4 liter engine 175hp, Sport tunes suspension, six speed manual transmission, sport seats, and everything you could ever want in a car for under $20,000. What could be better.

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  Cars Like It: 0 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Boots - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best car available for the money...heck the same would be true if it cost $5,000 more! It is tight, solid, fast, nimble, and sexy! Just shy of pure nirvana...paint is prone to marking up very easily and the Bridgestone Potenza tires are awful...Michelin Pilots will be on mine next week!