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:

• 

  its the right suv for us - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By mlr - June 5 - 10:00 am

  comfortable urban suv with great interior room and excellent visability.teriffic sound system.smooth shifting and breaking.quiet with little or no road or wind noise.you dont see a lot of these so its stands out in a crowd.very pleased so far. Milage per gallon is at lower end of what the window sticker indicates but not bad for 245 hp.great styling

• 

  Undersung hero - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MLBS - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The Murano is a unique vehicle for todays market and deserves the attention it is getting. The sproting "crossover" style is actually a new center to which all car manufacturers will find themselves moving (e.g. Volvos XC 90, Infinitis FX, Porsches Cayenne, Lexus RX330). Fully equipped, the Murano costs much less than any of these, and is more fun to drive, more comfortable to be in, as capable on bad roads and in bad weather, as fast, and good-looking as any of them. Bravo to Nissan for delivering a sport-SUV so bold in style and thought-out in function.

• 

  I love this car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By cookingmg - June 5 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun car to drive. great pick up, and great passing speed

• 

  Fully loaded - Get the Maxima! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Jersey Driver - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a ton of electrical problems with this vehicle. Dont rely on the handling of this car. Maybe with the entire car full and the truck stuffed with weights it might handle well. I was fooled by the looks and hype. The interior is gracious and roomy. The exterior looks are one of a luxury car. With the options that I purchased the price reached one of a well-equipped Maxima. So, to make a long story short this car isnt worth the money. Once again, Nissan has a good marketing strategy when it comes to this one, but thats about it.

• 

  Maxima Has It All! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Lu - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I finally found a car with all my requirements: comfort, reliability, performance and reasonable price. I have back problems and found adequate lumber and lateral seat support. We previously owned a 1999 Maxima and have experienced first hand its reliability. The Maxima has outstanding acceleration, responsive steering and braking. Finally, in comparison with the Infiniti G35 which has the same engine, Maxima has more luxury features on the base SL model thus providing a better value.

• 

  Impressions after 39 Mos - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By NiHao - June 4 - 11:10 pm

  I went with the Nissan Murano after much research because of the advertised MPG, Utility and Amenities. I have 45K miles on it now and have only had to do the scheduled maintenance. No issues, zip, none, 0 with this vehicle. The Goodyear tires are still the originals in fact and I have about 5K mi left on them. The AWD works well in the snow and on wet surfaces for all you weekend skiers out there. The seats on a long drive were quite comfortable as well. New the gas mileage was bad = 17 MPG. Now I get 21-22 regularly in mixed driving. ItÂ’s fairly quick too despite the fun zapping CVT transmission. This, besides the paint chipping a bit too much for my taste, is my biggest gripe.

• 

  Never better - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Jamie C - June 4 - 8:20 pm

  It has been a hassle for to find a car that really affordable to my budget. The Xterra has served me well. I have take this off-roading with my kids. Lots of leg room, very comfortable.

• 

  My (Almost) Dream Car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Aqua423 - June 4 - 7:53 pm

  I had been dying to buy a new GMC Acadia but when I saw the Murano in the used lot with leather and in my price range I had to have it. I love how the engine picks up and goes, and how it can make sharp turns. Its small enough to park anywhere I want and I dont feel like Im driving a boat but its high enough for me to see out (since Im short). Its a good family vehicle and Im glad that I found it.

• 

  Okay car--I just expected better - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By BecGood - June 4 - 11:50 am

  Like other reviewers, I passed up a civic for this car. I thought it would be a good choice. Im not pleased with the gas mileage (22 mpg in the city, and 30 mpg on the highway). My heat also works only on the highest setting so Im either really cold or really hot. Ive also noticed that this car handles really poorly in the wind--I was blown into oncoming traffic once!! And who can forget the paint job--the top coat is peeling in several locations.

• 

  Been Pretty Reliable So Far - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By myfirstnissan - June 4 - 11:18 am

  Ive had my 2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S since Feb. 2009. It had 58,000 miles on it when I bought it, and now has 122,000. Overall it has been a reliable car. In addition to the normal wear & tear stuff with any car you buy, I recently have had to change the rear struts, rotors & brake pads, left lower control arm, right tie rod end, and had an alignment. Overall, so far the car has been good to me.