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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  Dependable, sturdy SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sanjoy - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Fun SUV on and off the road.

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  Big hit with me and the dogs - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By maafimushkila - September 17 - 12:33 am

  I settled on the XTerra after driving way too many mid-sized SUVs. I drove the XTerra first, and I kept coming back to it. It beats competitors hands down. The powertrain is excellent (smooth, powerful, responsive). Comfortable. Good looking in a geekish kind of way. A great dog vehicle--fold down the rear, and theres no fabric touching the dogs, so its easy to clean. The dogs get a great view, too. Great handling in snow, mud, and sand (havent had it on rock yet). I wouldnt recommend this for commuters--this is a true 4WD so expect to feel bumps (and pain and the pump, but thats expected, so no downgrade there). If you like to play outside, and have a lot of toys, you want this

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  Great suv - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By MANNY - September 16 - 5:00 pm

  Almost 10k miles this vehicle continues to impress me. Ive owned several gme yukes & tahoe the power handling are superior in every way. The ride is stiffer but i liken it to the comparison i made between my american cars and my 5 series beemers..You feel the road..For something this large it handles superbly. Creature comforts seating , hvac, bose are all above average and certainly up to the standards you would expect from a $40k+ suv. The engine and trans are flawless in 2 snow it was as good or better then my yukes. In full auto the engine has a short shift range but what power! As mentioned handling was superior as proven on a recent trip to nyc on the merit pky twisties++++fun+fun

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  Its not a luxury car but nothing less - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxmized - September 16 - 1:30 pm

  I think I know what I am talking about, because I have driven Lexus ES, Infiniti GS, Acura TL and Maxima 06. Mind you I drove them because I or my family member owns these cars. My review is not based on test drives. I think the editor is incorrect in saying - if you can live without ohs and ahs of neighbors then Maxima is for you. Not that it matters, but for the last two weeks that I have had this car that is all am getting from friends, colleagues and neighbors. This feeling is same across both genders. I would buy this any day over Acura, Lexus or Audi A6. Cons: wish it was quieter inside like Lexus and that Nissan can make this beast a rear-wheel drive. Great size for family too.

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  Mixed feelings...love it but worried... - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By CarmenGhe - September 15 - 7:46 pm

  I love this car inside and out! Except that Ive only had it for less than 24 hours, (w/25 miles on it when I drove off the dealership) and the same thing happens to me as one of the reviewers...a weird knocking sound coming from the right front tire. It happens when I accelerate right after driving and/or backing out of a spot. The steering wheel also makes a squeaking sound when backing up into a spot. Im not sure if I should be concerned because its a brand new car or maybe it just needs to be driven more and the noises will go away through time. Other than that, I am super happy with the build quality and fine interior.

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  AWESOME - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Keri Knapp - September 15 - 5:00 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle!!! It is sooooo smooth!

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  Very Pleased - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By austinbeartux - September 15 - 1:49 pm

  While I care about the environment, I didnt buy my Leaf for environmental reasons. I bought it for financial reasons. When you add up all the financial and efficiency aspects of this car, its really quite amazing. Local Nissan Dealership rebate: $3,500. Federal tax rebate: $7,500. Texas rebate: $2,500. Austin rebate on home charging station: up to $1,500. Nissan finance % over 72 months: 0%. Austin Energy has a deal where for $25, you get unlimited charging at over 200 stations scattered all over the city for 6 months. With average mixed hwy/city driving, it gets the equivalent of 115 mpg. All in all, Im very pleased with almost everything about the car.

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  Nissan Security Flawed - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximaT - September 15 - 10:56 am

  I am a big Nissan Enthusiast and was very excited to get my 2009 Maxima. Overall it has been a great car, however, these week I was targeted by car thieves because they knew that the car had a security flaw. They were able to roll down both front windows unlock the doors and get in without setting off the alarm. When the police arrived they informed my that Maxima, Altima and G35 have had this issue since 2004! Why Nissan has not addressed this in the new Maxima model is beyond me. The estimate fix the damaged caused to the door skin and lock is over $1000 and I would still be vulnerable to future break ins. I am very disappointed in this development and Nissans lack of accountability.

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  Just problems. - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Stephanie - September 15 - 8:55 am

  Got the car. Had it about 2 3 months and started driving funny. Between the transmission, brakes, stalling, wipers, hole in my driver side seat from not stitching. Needing an alignment and they cant align the back of the car, so now when I drive it grinds when I make a right turn. I just wish I didnt go Nissan. Im stuck and I wish I wasnt. I got the car thinking it was going to be a smart buy and its been nothing but a peace is [non-permissible content removed]. 6-2016 update. Still HATE it! Im stuck in it because Im upside down in my payments. The backend is eating my tires and I have to get a whole new backend! I hate hate hate this car!

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  2016 Mo Mo - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By AR M - September 14 - 8:38 pm

  If youre looking for a mid size suv or crossover and dont at least test out the Murano, you would be foolish. We can afford luxury brands, however went ahead and purchased a Nissan. This car is an Infiniti in disguise. First we looked at the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, both we liked, great handling and quality but 10g more and premium gas. We then looked at the Lexus RX which we almost bought at $60,000. The NX is cheaper but to cramped inside. Off to Acura, RDX was to small and we had no need for 3 row seating, so didnt really consider the MDX. We also really liked the new Mercedes GLC but at 60g fully loaded was just to much and I couldnt adjust to that screen plastered on the dashboard like an after thought. My wife saw a new Murano at her work and we decided to go test drive one. Let me tell you, this car has plenty of quick acceleration. I like that it still has a V6 when everyone else is going to 4 cylinder turbos that need premium gas. Out of all the cars we test drove, the Murano was definitely the most comfortable. Sure it doesnt handle like a German car but it rides very smooth and the seats are awesome. I actually love the CVT transmission, it will surprise you and shifts gears (without gears) very well. This car has every option compared to a 50,000 or more crossover/suv. Its not to big but definitely bigger then the NX, RAV4 and Santa Fe. Im not a fan of the Nissan Connect, but Spotify and Pandora work great. Navigation is very well done and the all around view cameras are awesome. My android phone works flawlessly with the system and text display. I hear Apple though, not as well and needs to be plugged into the usb port to use the apps. However my wifes IPhone works great with Bluetooth for music and hands free phone but not for the apps. We definitely wanted a crossover that had remote smart phone starting but the key fob remote start surprised me on how well it works through buildings and up to almost a football field away line of site. I do wish it had Apple car play or Android auto, but overall were very satisfied. The Murano will surprise you on what you get for 40,000 loaded out the door. Seriously if youre shopping for a crossover or suv, at least take a look at the Murano, Nissan really surprised us.