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:

• 

  Just Short of Perfection - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Rob Federle - October 13 - 10:00 am

  One issue separates this car from the great review that it truly deserves - Im talking about world class torque steer. When you jump on the gas, two things happen, exhilaration and the immediate need to latch on to the steering wheel. If you change the drive wheels to the rear pair, youll have perfection.

• 

  Best bang for your buck - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Mjacobs - October 13 - 7:23 am

  I bought this car to get better MPG and I am pleased, CVT is awesome, its not even broken in and gets 29.9 MPG. Thats with about 25% highway miles. Big difference coming from a 05 Xterra. Glad I didnt buy the Civic I was considering. My car is twice as quiet and rides smoother. The sentra information center blows the civic away, o/s temp,average MPGs, trip timer, etc. Better sound system.

• 

  Love My Coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Bev - October 12 - 3:36 pm

  I had been admiring the coupe since February. I thought it look so much like the G35. I started checking out the pricing and said Bingo! Ive been driving a Toyota Solara for 5 years and was looking for something sporter. I purchased a "Code Red" coupe and I love it. Heads turn as I whiz by. When I park, people stop me to talk about the car. I always find reasons to go out to drive. It has great pick up and go. Love that I dont see a lot on the road!

• 

  Great Car, Buy a Camry ! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By MikeB - October 12 - 3:23 pm

  My wife and I have an 04 and an 05, both 2.5S models. The 05 has held up pretty good so far, only having to replace an O2 sensor but the 04 is rubbish. Brakes are bad and need replaced often, had an O2 replaced, radiator/AC fans, rotors, rattles and noises. There is a rattle coming from the engine compartment. Check engine just came back on, again. Code P0420, catalytic converter. Warranty goes out after 80K on cat convts and after that youre on your own. $950 to fix +engine may be compromised. I really like the car when its parked. Im scared to drive it. Lucky me I own an 03 Corolla which never lets me down. Absolutely no problems. If you like having car problems a lot get an Altima !

• 

  Great truck - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mouseparty - October 12 - 10:16 am

  I really enjoy this truck. It was extremely well thought out. It is so luxurious, I forget that it is also an offroad vehicle. The nav and dvd are great!

• 

  Very Happy - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By cmroler - October 12 - 10:00 am

  My Frontier XE CC LB is 1 year old with 12000 flawless mile. Looked at Toyota Tacomas but the dealers wouldnt deal. Nissan dealer was great, drove in for 1st time look and 1hr.15min. later drove my new truck home. Love the whole truck, looks, power, and handling.

• 

  Speedy Econobox - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By ffratrik - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed overall. Got a great price, and I am very happy with the performance. Great buy just coming out of college. Has plenty of guts, but still gets almost 30 mpg. A friend with a 00 civic si loves it. Overall, higly recommended.

• 

  excelent - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By fernan - October 12 - 10:00 am

  excelent auto.i dont have any complaints .

• 

  2003 Murano SE HOT!!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Bl@ckDr@gon - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my 2003 Murano on 7/3/2003 and put close to 1000 miles on it over the July 4th Weekend This is my first truck and Im totally impressed with it. Ive driven the Ford Explorer & Toyota 4Runner the ride of the Murano is in a class by itself. The CVT transmisson always seems to be in the correct (range/gear) While cursing on the highway at 65mph the RPMs were just below 2K on level ground. The handling while not 100% car like due to the height is excellent. Even highway driving with 5 passengers and luggage in the rear the truck moved effortlessly. The 245 HP powerplant always has power to spare for passing and climbing hills.

• 

  2003 Murano SE - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Stepos - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Drove many different vehicles before chosing the Murano. From the styling to the little subtlties of the interior, Nissan has a winner. The SUV is very sporty in its handling yet retains a hint of the truck. Would recommend it for somebody looking for more than the conservative offerings from Honda or Toyota.