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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  I love my Murano! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Leslie Jackson - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the Murano the minute I took it for a test drive. I had to get it! The Murano is an awesome SUV! And what a great price! I LOVE IT! More than that I love it when people compliment me on my new car and also the way people they look at it! The drive is soo smooth! Best purchase Ive made on a vehicle!

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  A Great Car - even after a year - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Poonhead - January 6 - 3:46 am

  This is the second review of this car Ive written for Edmunds. I loved it right away, but promised myself Id come back and write more after driving for a year. What can I say? This car is fantastic. The looks of it are a bit controversial, but if you love it (like I do), you love it. This car is even great in the snow of upstate New York. People get in my car and just gush about it - which is weird considering its a Sentra and not a BMW or something. Its even worked well as my daughter has gotten bigger and out of the car seat. Weve driven it all over the northeast and had plenty of room, good fuel economy, etc. Cant recommend this car enough.

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  Happy Driving - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By TTR - January 5 - 2:36 pm

  Only had my 6M hatchback for a month but have already put over 3,000 miles on it, went to N. Arizona for Christmas - $83 one way! Handled very well on the snow and ice, very impressed with the quietness, in fact just yesterday a passenger in my car didnt believe the engine was still running til I pulled away!! Half a tank of gas will see me over 200 miles (driv to work is 30 miles highway 15 miles city). Fun to drive, responsive and spacious, after driving a V8 truck for years didnt expect to like it that much outstanding value for money!

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  Old Faithful - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By NATE - January 5 - 1:00 pm

  Aside from being extreme;y reliable (although the timing belt broke at about 110k miles) I feel extra safe in it. I was involved in 4 accidents in this car and it still goes like a pro. Now, 126k miles later-my car still runs like a new pro..

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  Updated Review 3 yrs & 150K miles later - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By GKLCPA - January 5 - 4:13 am

  I was just looking back through the various reviews when I noticed one I wrote in August 2002. Three years later, I still own the same Maxima which now has 150,000 miles on it. The car rides like the first day I got it and basically requires little other than basic maintenance. The vehicle has aged very well and I still highly satisfied with this purchase.

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  Monster SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Alberto - January 4 - 3:20 pm

  Trouble free for right now. Very impressive when towing, since it has rear air system with the tow package that absorb any trailer jumping. Driving carefully I get about 15 miles a gallon in the city and as much as 21 in the hwy driving with cruise control at 75. Remember that the Armada has a 5 speed transmission that will keep the vehicle RPM lower than 2000 at 70 miles a hour. So far I love my NISSAN ARMADA.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Leo - January 4 - 1:23 pm

  Everything i wanted in the car is in the fully loaded max: great engine, excellent mobility, good stereo, all comfort features, etc

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  A great experience - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Mike - January 4 - 8:33 am

  I had recently fallen in love with Muranos look and had to buy one. I wasnt disappointed, it was the greatest experience! This car is just awesome, very powerful, stylish and comfortable. Its a real winner!

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  tough truck - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By coucoui6 - January 3 - 11:13 pm

  I really like my suv, no way near top ten by todays standards but considering that this is 95, its great. The truck is very capable for offroading and towing use (within limitation). Dont tow something that out weights the truck... big safety issue. But as for offroad climbing, its very fun. My Pathy is pretty stock and I can climb most moderate level trails in socal area. I only have LSD and not lockers.

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  Peppy and Fun - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Rich Arthur - January 3 - 9:47 pm

  Love my Juke for its pep and maneuverability. The turbo has great pick up and the traction is great for a small car in the snow. If I had to improve on anything it would be the lack of s center console for storage and the climate control. Always too hot or cold and the defroster is not the greatest. Overall, its a fun ride!