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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  stronge car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By milad - July 2 - 9:07 pm

  this car really last for ever it has now 220000 miles and it was back to life again after running on the car without oil it was miracle engine started knock and I thought the engine is went out simply pulled the dip stick was no oil at all bought 4 quart of oil poured in to engine and after 3 minute the engine was back to normal you will never see that in other cars stronge engine reliable and over all good car just check your oil every month or 3 weeks and it will never disappoint you this is my sitaution

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  Snow Digger - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BASTION - July 2 - 8:40 pm

  Ive purchased new about 2 months ago and have been using it all over. Very Reliable and outstanding build quality.

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  Nissan Got it Right - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By BiggCheddar - July 2 - 12:40 pm

  Nissan got it right when they built this truck. As a life-long F-150 man, I was skeptical getting into a different truck, but the Titan blew me away! The horsepower, towing capacity, handling and comfort are just as good or better than other full-size pick- ups. Plus, the sticker price is considerably less than other comparably- equipped pick-ups. I got a fully- loaded truck for thousands less than other manufacturers could offer. What a great truck!

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  A Cut Above The Klunkers - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By unclejay - July 2 - 5:40 am

  The Titan powertrain is so smooth and powerful, and has a marvelous sound, seems more like a Lexus or Infinity...until the rear suspension hits a bump. I know they need tough springs back there, but the rear ride is no better than a Ford. Cab is roomy, A/C is a little weak above 90 degrees you have to use max AC which is very noisy.

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  Chicago Murano Owner - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Chicago MM - July 2 - 5:03 am

  I used to drive a Volvo V70. I considered a Lexus RX, Acura RDX and Infiniti FX. This had the best combination of drivability (also fun to drive) and comfort. Unfortunately, its cargo area is smaller than other premium SUVs. Seating, however, is very comfortable for four or five adults. Good, confident handling with a firm, but smooth and quiet ride. Fast acceleration. It is easy to drive around the city; although, the gas mileage could be better. Road imperfections, including potholes, are well-handled. Terrific at high speeds on the highway, very stable with reasonable gas mileage. Speed-sensitive steering works very well.

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  This car is underrated! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By roadman03 - July 2 - 4:20 am

  Before you search all the other popular models - test drive and price the Nissan Sentra. Cant believe the amount of features for the price I paid. Also proven reliabilty vs. the Focus or Cruze. Great featurs such as I-pod connection, Alloy Wheels, Steering Wheel Radio Controls, etc. Drive mostly highway with some rush hour traffic and I am averaging almost 36 MPG. Some complain about the CVT, but it is better than the low end torque of the others. Overall great car for the price if your looking for a base commuter car with excellent reliabilty and a smooth ride.

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  Purchased just in time - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Murt - July 2 - 3:40 am

  When my husbands company changed their policy on taking company vehicles home, I had to sell my 350Z and go back to driving a SUV. After test driving just about every SUV out there, I decided on the Murano. With two back to back major storms in one week here in Denver, my Murano is being put through the tests. And I must say it has performed great. I feel very comfortable driving it in the amount of snow we have received. I chose the SE model because I like a firmer ride without feeling like I am driving a truck. The ride is very quiet and smooth. Cup holders are nice and deep and hold my Venti sized drinks just fine.

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  Sweeeeeet ride!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By NYPHIL - July 1 - 7:56 pm

  Everyone says "What a Sweet Ride!" and they are right. I just bought a Spirited Bronze SL with black interior loaded (no Nav) with everything including Sirius, a wing, wheel locks, floor mats, slash guards for $29,000! What a truly wonderful vehicle. Based on some critics reviews I was a little skeptical about purchasing this car. The complaints about interior design, torque steer and turning radius are baloney. What an underrated luxury vehicle. I had a 1995 Avalon for 11 yrs and loved it. When I compared/test drove the 2006 Touring Avalon against the Maxima I found it was lacking so many of my Favorites Features listed below (also lacked side molding) that we had to have the MAX!!

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  A great little truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By timv11 - July 1 - 4:03 pm

  Ive had this truck for just over 2 years now. Bought it with 76,000 miles on it. I think I should have bought the extended cab but I really like the truck otherwise. I have had 720 lbs. of hay in the back and it ran just fine. It is more than enough truck for going to the hardware store or the dump. I use it as my commuter, around 70 miles a day. I would highly recommend this type of truck to anyone.

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  Loved my Versa for the first 2 years...now...not so much - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By beatchic - July 1 - 3:18 pm

  Off the bat the first year I took it into the dealer multiple times before they replaced the fuel pump and I think there was a recall at the time. The muffler and exhaust system rod severed at 3 years. The horn quit at 3-4 years. The visor fell off, the rubber sealing around the doors fell off and the fabric around the back door peeled off. Lots of discoloration on the turn signal bar and other levers. Was told by mechanic that this is a Renault with a Nissan Logo on it.