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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  Great SUV! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By g_love - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned it for a day, but it feels, looks and drives great! Im very happy to own this one.

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  Why not to buy Altimas from an Engineer - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By daveed - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had multiple problems with my 2005 3.5SE. I have been to the dealer 4 times in 3 months for different reasons. Nissan consumer help is lacking in technical knowledge, and always says, "That is normal operation." The alignment will not stay straight, radio reception is poor, A/C wont shut off until the car is turned off, rear view mirror is impossible to see out of at night (dangerous!), glare from front and rear dashboards obstructs view, and it doesnt get that good of gas mileage. So overall, the designers of this car did not think through their comfort factor of the car, only the power and the looks.

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  2005 Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By rick - April 4 - 8:13 pm

  Stylish, comfortable, well laid out, really good SUV fuel encomy. We evaluated many other SUVs but felt cross-overs were a better choice for our life style. Of the cross-overs, the Murano was a clear standout for us, even compared to more expensive models like the Lexus RX330 and the VW Toureg V6.

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  No bang for the buck - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By notverypleased - April 4 - 9:23 am

  I had very high expectations for the new Maxima that were not met. The ride is much too rough and the back seat room is absolutely terrible. I jumped the gun way too quick on this one. A little bit too sporty. It may as well have been a coupe. Im not knocking Nissan but I am knocking the Maxima. If I could make one recommendation to anyone, lease dont purchase.

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  Best Crossover Vehicle on the Market - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Mark - April 4 - 8:13 am

  Just bought an 07 Murano SL with the touring package. This is a great vehicle for the price. Many safety features that are standard on this SUV are in packages in SUVs that cost thousands more. The ride is very smooth and extremely quiet. This ride also turns a lot of heads. I strongly recommend this vehicle. My Murano is a SL equipped with the touring package. Which basically gives you all the features you would ever want in any car class. Nissan has hit a grand slam with this one.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra - April 3 - 9:16 pm

  Ive been driving my Xterra for 5 years now without 1 problem. Its a fun car to drive, handles well in all weather, and is great for long trips. Gas mileage on the highway is acceptable, not as good for street driving. I feel save in it. Weve been rear ended twice and both times the other car was in much worse shape than the Xterra. Id buy another one.

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  radiator/transmission - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By cindy0710 - April 3 - 3:31 pm

  I, too, have experienced the faulty radiator leaking into the transmission and ruining it...I have 109000 miles so it is beyond the 80000 mile warranty and nissan wants thousands to fix it....acknowledging that the faulty radiator caused the problem, not wear, tear, etc.....so now they want me to pay the hefty bill for a new radiator and transmission for a defect in the automobile....Shame on Nissan for not recalling and fixing this problem

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  Awesome Frontier - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By FYREGOD - April 3 - 2:20 pm

  I have 2 complaints with my truck. Its averaging below 20 mpg. I previously owned a 99 S-10 V6 that averaged just over 20 mpg. I was really expecting the newer Frontier to be a little over 20, but I average about 18. Half of my 60 daily commute miles are highway. A few months ago I drove 1500 miles to visit family in California and it averaged 19 mpg (averaging 80 mph). I am very impressed with its performance. Shortly after purchase the stereo wont play or eject CDs (err03), but it sounds great still. I am also considering buying a new extended cab Frontier when this one is paid off. Overall Id give it about a 95% satisfactory rating.

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  Bulletproof - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Evergreen - April 2 - 11:50 am

  Bought the car because my buddy has a 99 with 130K miles and his still looks runs and looks like new. Mine has 77K on it now and seems designed and built to last. Only regular maintenance so far. The engine is awesome and puts others to shame with its smooth power and passing ability. The interior carpet seems to be the only thing that isnt really up to the rugged standards of the rest of the vehicle.

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  Perfect car for first time new car buyer - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - April 2 - 9:13 am

  I bought this car when I was 18 as a left over brand new. Its my first new car and I have it for 11 months now without a single problem. Fuel mileage is amazing. I dont think Ive ever had under 25mpg in the city which is rare for a car of this size. 5-speed is almost to easy to drive. I think this is a perfect car for anyone who wants to buy new affordable car but doesnt want a compact.