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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  Too Many Rattles - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Katie - September 10 - 9:40 am

  I have owned this 09 Murano SL for 18 months. I am happy overall with this purchase, however I have experienced a few issues. After 6 months my brakes started squeaking, they finally fixed them by replacing the brake pads and lubricating the rotors. The brake pads were not worn, the problem was in the rotors. A few months later, the car started to rattle in many different locations. The service department is still trying to figure out the issues. My Murano SL is loaded with great goodies, more than my husbands Mercedes ML350, but its just not built as well.

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  As Advertised - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Ironhead in CT - September 10 - 8:23 am

  Just turned 5K on the odometer and overall I am satisfied though not thrilled with this vehicle. I did get exactly "as advertised" however. After much research, I went with the Xterra for two main reasons: I needed a vehicle that would handle New England winters and could also tow at least 5K lbs. It does both very well. At 61", the drivers seating is cramped. Rear seating is also cramped for anyone 510"+, with the front seats back. They should have added 6" of leg room in front and back. Running board is useless to me. Very tough for kids to get in/out without help. Drives more like a truck than car. Should have gone with SE model. S model=no frills. MPG is "as advertised", 14/17

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  No major complaints - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Marylander975 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I dont have any major complaints with this Altima, though I cant say I love the car. It has been dependable, but doesnt have enough cargo room for me. I would have preferred a car with rear seats that go down to extend cargo room. One thing - the paint job is the worst. It didnt take long for the paint to start peeling and chipping and for it to become oxidized. I have had to replace the alternator, windshielf wiper motor and have had a problem with the rear brakes.

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  Great Mid-Size SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pf03bob - September 10 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Pathfinder LE has the BEST styling of any PF ever built.( Now Nissan is going to change it!) It is also a safe vehicle since you are surrounded by air bags and side curtains. Good visibility. Drivetrain (2wd)offers power and reasonable mpg. The PF feels car-like in a parking-lot. An enjoyable vehicle to drive!

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  This SUV is a 10! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Chris1 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is probably the best SUV on the road now! I love it. No one need to look further than the Murano. It has everything anyone could want! Seriously.

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  New Urban SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ColoradoMH - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Owned all types of cars, 4Runners, Trucks, PT Cruiser and Subarus. This by far is the best I have driveen. Dont need three seats nor a minivan type of vehicle. Want smooth performance and excellent seating for 2. This delivers all and more for the price. Glad someone got it right. Wont drive it off road either that what I hve my truck for so back off on off road ability. This will go anywhere I want to do.

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  I love Muranos - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Popper - September 9 - 10:57 pm

  This is my second Murano. They are extremely comfortable and I would include it as a luxury vehicle. Getting in and out is so easy if you have a bad back such as I do, and I love the captain bucket chairs! The Bluetooth is much improved since my 2009 LE. It is much more comfortable than the Lexus. There are really only a couple of improvements that I would suggest. The safety warning signals could be a little louder and the around town gas mileage is not very good but great on the highway. I would not consider any other SUV in this price range as it is superior to all others.

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  No Problems - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Speed Bump - September 9 - 7:10 pm

  I bought my Spec V with 400 miles. Now at 15,300 running premium gas as recommended and synthetic fuel. I average 25.8 mpg. Incredible little car thats extremely pleased me after owning a twin turbo Volvo and an 88 Supra n/a.

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  poor mans GT-R - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By True Sports Car - September 9 - 5:06 pm

  We got the Sports package with the upgraded wheels, brakes, suspension, etc. The ride is firm but not overly stiff, even with the 19s. Yellow paint has every head turning. The front plastic spoiler gets scraped on every 4" driveway. The blind spots are significant but thats why they give you 3 mirrors. Ive had a C5 Vette with the Z51 suspension, the Z rides no worse, and it probably wont leak in the rain. The MPG is mid 20s but the car is still new, hopefully better with time. I love the look, handling, ride and Nissan parts availability and reliability. The difference between a GT-R and a 370Z is not so much performance but cost of parts when tires, brakes, etc. are replaced

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  Beware - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By BS 2K - September 9 - 12:36 pm

  What a fun car! It goes fast, looks good and it attracts attention. However: 1. The paint is poor quality. Faded quickly and had a few "stains" that the dealer couldnt get out. 2. The brakes and rotors needed to be replace at 30k miles (mostly hiway and hardly used) My Lexus coupe had 130k on the original brakes and still had 40% left on the front when I got rid of it. 3. Electronics: 3a-The auto transmission stopped shifting after a heavy rain. 3b-The auto-up windows go back down rather than stay up. 3c-The airbag sensor went out. 4. Tire wear is only fair. You can expect only 25-30k if you drive the car easy. But, it sure is fun to drive!