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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  2010 xterra - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By hondaf1 - December 5 - 3:33 am

  I really dont know what everyone is talking about. This truck does not have a rough ride quality. Trans shifts smoothly and overall first impressions are great

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  Happy with my truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Fronterra - December 5 - 2:53 am

  I have had no problems with my truck. It has 60,000 miles on it. I bought it used with 45,000 miles on it. It fits my needs perfectly. I can haul my dirt bikes with no problem.

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  Great all-around SUV - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By RV - December 5 - 2:43 am

  This vehicle has been reliable--I have no major complaints. It is a success as a city vehicle--more practical and generally useful than my BMW 5 series. On logging trails, it is excellent. My only complaint is that it is not great as a long-distance freeway cruiser. It usually get about 18-20mpg. Some observations: the mudflaps could be better designed because in serious off-roading, they get sucked into the tires and it tears them at the base. I like the OEM Rugged Trail tires because they are soft on rough pavement and have a lot of give, but are good in mud and snow. The 6 speed is the better trans, by far. The R-F stereo could be improved with better stock speakers.

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  Big Mo Great for Tall Drivers - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Kevin - December 5 - 2:13 am

  Own the 2010 SL AWD Murano for 2 wks now and loving it. Merlot with Black, leather, prem, moonroof. Looks great. Gets lots of compliments around NJ/NY. Some of these auto mag review geeks just dont know beauty when its staring them in the face ; ). The drive is very sporty, and being 65"/235, it was one of the few cars that I felt totally comfortable in as a driver or passenger. The leather seats are like lazy-boys and the rest of the interior is luxurious. I leased a new Lexus RX350 for 4 yrs in the past, and the interiors are on par. I actually liked the Cadi SRX exterior the most, but overall, it just doesnt match up to the Murano. Researched for months - Best Ute for the $$.

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  I LOVE this car - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By Nissy Missy - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car after seeing a friends. I have never regretted the purchase! This is a zippy little car that continues to look great after six years. It rides very smoothly, the five speed manual transmission is smooth, and I really hate giving it up. My only reason for thinking of giving it up is because Id like a car with automatic transmission that isnt so low to the ground (arthritis is cramping my style). I have really enjoyed this car; its a lot of fun to drive!

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  WOW!! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By mrmc1 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This carÂ’s whole personality revolves around its incredible engine. Acceleration, economy, and reliability are all well above average. ItÂ’s smooth and delivers abundant power through a broad rev range. In contrast to other power plants which seem to complain when pushed, the Maxima always sounds eager to run hard. This engine is always a joy!

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  Fun car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ron_22 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Well, this car if paid price is invoice or less(minus $1000 rebate) is a great value. Great powertrain. Very comfortable ride. Acceleration is awesome.

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  Yikes... - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Chris0101 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This car has real punch. Im still amazed how quick this car is after nearly a month with it. The transmission does a good job of kicking down quickly too. Nice to get 4 wheel disc brakes, side airbags and abs in a car for $15.8K

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  Love my MO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Gonzo - December 4 - 10:03 pm

  I have owned the Murano since 2003 when I purchased it new with 35 miles on it. The car has been great. The CVT tranmission is smooth and fun to drive. I love the enterior features and displays. The 2006 is a huge thumbs up with improvements.

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  Initial Impressions - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Jim C. - December 4 - 4:53 pm

  Decided it was time to trade my 2002 A4 for a less costly cross-over. Looked at Mazda CX7, Honda CR-V, Saturn Vue and Toyota RAV4. All of them were well built with good features. Rogue had the most going for it. Loaded mine with AWD, SL, premium package, leather, moonroof. I am in the first week of ownership and so far no regrets.