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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  I LOOVE this car!! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By soozi - February 1 - 6:26 am

  Bought the SV w/Prem Package and I absolutely LOOVE this car. I drove an Audi prior to this and was afraid Id feel like I downgraded. NO WAY!! This car has more features than my Audi and is super fun to drive! Transmission shifts smoothly and quietly and Im getting 19.7 mpg around town using 89 octane. Would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Never again - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Needs Help - February 1 - 1:36 am

  I have only had my Murano for a year and a half since buying it as a used vehicle. I have already had to replace the controlling arms, tie-rods, and muffler. Now I have found out that there is an engine problem and will require around $3000 to $4000 to fix. I am highly disappointed and will not purchase another Murano. There should not be this many problems with a car before you hit 100,000 miles.

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  Does its job, quality average at best - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By snowatcher - January 31 - 2:50 pm

  When we bought it new, it was after a long decision process between Pathfinder and 4Runner. It fits the needs of our family here in Colorado perfectly - its comfortable around town and on the highway, great for camping trips, and surprisingly good off-road. Really nice interior design and quality. We are happy with it after 3 years of ownership, and hope to keep it long time. My wife absolutely loves it, however, the built quality to me is questionable. When off-roading, the squeaks and rattles are very annoying, it feels like the truck is going to fall apart. Back on the road, its surprisingly smooth and quiet. If you dont go off-road, there are much better choices out there.

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  Best Pathfinder Yet - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gary Ferrero - January 31 - 10:13 am

  Coming off previous model as well as two Grand Cherokees, this is by far the best mid sized SUV value out there. The stroked VQ engine is awesome, power at all RPM ranges and noticeably more torque than its predecesor. Ride is firmer but the truck is quieter and although a bit choppier still a great pleasure to drive. Added heft is definitely a plus on slippery roads and this combined with addition of the AUTO mode make truck more surefooted. Build quality is, as with all Nissans, incredible as this is a real truck that doesnt really know it. Not one shake rattle or roll from this baby, rock solid. Kudos to Nissan for upgrading and improving an already great vehicle.

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  Murano in the ville - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By pelf - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Id been holding off on purchasing the Murano until it mutated into a ride that I couldnt live without. The 06 model has definitely become that. It handles great and has such a quick response that it makes me feel like a kid again when Im out driving around. The fun factor is off the charts!

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  Mostly Satisfied - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Sandra - January 30 - 10:23 pm

  I fell in love with the looks of this car. Very stylish and the many wonderful features make driving it a pleasure. However, this is my first non-american designed vehicle, and I am disappointed in the comfort of the ride. I bought the SL because it was suppose to have a more luxurious ride. I find the seats to be hard and uncomfortable (when driving for any distance) compared to other vehicles I have owned in the past. Also, even though the car is sound proof, every imperfection in the road is felt and heard.

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  overall bad experiend - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By jwelk24 - January 30 - 4:05 pm

  the car has been nothing but problems. Replaced the radiator and muffler within first 3 years of ownership. Brakes are a constant problem. Rotters always warping, constant vibration when braking. Need to buy a new set of tires every year. Rust on both sides of the car by back doors. I have never had a car that was such a piece of junk!

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  Nissan Should Be Ashamed - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Disappointed - January 30 - 2:43 pm

  This is my first new car, it has been driven for a year and I am considering trading it in. For a buyer that was supposedly making an upgrade from a 295,000 mile 1991 Toyota Previa I am truly disappointed. The car has been in the shop for major repairs like a malfunctioning A/C condenser, and braking problems. I never had such problems with my Previa. The engine knocks pretty loud in the mornings too. Needless to say, this was one of the worst cars Ive bought, and I cant get rid of it because the resale value on the Nissan Versa and Nissan Sentra drop like a stone once you drive them off the lot

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  Better than a Camry and Accord - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Joy - January 30 - 2:23 pm

  I love my car! It looks and drives great. And compared to the 2006 Camry and Accord, it has more standard features. The entire car is roomy without feeling like youre driving a boat.

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  Smooth Ride w/Power Cheap Features - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By SunDevil - January 30 - 2:23 am

  Overall truck does ride smoothly. Power and concept is good. Features and trim are cheaply built. Two weeks new embroidered "TITAN" on floor mats unglued. Since then, edging interior and exterior along rear window, front windshield, and other areas pops up and has to be resecured. Front captains chair shifts like it is not locked into place. Mileage is terrible but it is a truck and new that going in. Power is fun. Truck does ride well and interior room is nice versus tundra.