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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  After one week... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bspz - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice, solid construction. Quiet at highway speeds--love the speed adjusted volume on sound system!

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  My first SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By myMurano - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is awesome!!! Ive seen them being advertise on the Nissan Website and on TV and went to look at.. After test-driving one, I didnt want to get out of the car... This is the first time I ever bought a brand new car and Im glad it was the Murano that I picked!

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  Best ride ever - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Nissan Fanatic - December 23 - 2:00 am

  You have to drive this vehicle to really appreciate it. Very quiet and smooth, tremendous power from the V-6. Build quality is great.

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  Smooth Ride Up The Grape Vine - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By KXS - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the smoothest vehicle for traveling. I could not feel the transmission shift at all during an up hill climb as compare to vehicle without the MURANOs CVT. Also, the cruise control maintained its speed without dropping out or deviating too far from its set point. In addition, lots of power and torque, yet agile and smooth, head turning style, and a car-like drive. This vehicle is fun, fun, fun. . . . .

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  PIECE OF JUNK - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By SUBIENUT - December 23 - 2:00 am

  having had a 97 altima and a 2000 Altima I tried a 2003 for a test drive. It is still a piece of junk that has been slapped together with very poor straight line stability when it hit bumps and dip. My 2001 LL Bean outback is decidedly better and my new 2003 H-^ outback sedan absolutely trounces an equivalently priced Altima. The new altima is pathetic and your reviewer must have received a free vacation or something. Tyoical Nissan more sizzle and less beef. By the way does Nissan believ in rear bumpers?

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  Nissan is - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By M.Ochoa - December 22 - 1:43 pm

  My mom always told me to get a Nissan Pathfinder, but I wasnt really interested in buying a Nissan. Not sure why, at first it was the style of the SUVs, didnt really like it. Well my mom took me to Universal Auto Nissan and I got a better look at them. She convinced me to go, as soon as I saw the 2005 Pathfinder I fell in Love with it. Its fully loaded, leather interior, sun roof, air conditioning throught out the truck. Love the way my music sounds. I espicially Love the color (silvertone blue). It drives smooth with power. Its very comfortable. Since I got my 2005 Pathfinder I have been spreading the word. I just Love it and regret not getting it sooner. Thanks Nissan

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  Timing Chain - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By willima wallace - December 22 - 3:33 am

  The experience I had driving this car was wonderful. Very comfortable smooth really nice, I know some mechanics so I change my brakes, driver side Windows switch, but the fun ended when I started to hear a noise coming from the engine. I was not worried because ever since I bought this car I have changed the oil and oil filter every month no matter the mileage, I did always use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Well to make a long story short the timing chain broke, and it damaged the engine. I took it to the dealer and I was 2 months shy of my warranty expiring, but my mileage was 120,000 they told me I was out of warranty. They told me I needed a new engine total cost $6600 good luck with your quest.

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  You cant beat this Sentra - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By B Puck - December 22 - 3:20 am

  Had good experience with previous Nissans, so felt comfortable with the Sentra. Was looking for economy, as my Titan is a great truck, but lousy commuter vehicle. The Sentra is my first 4 cylinder car in 20 years, and is surprisingly fun to own and drive. Gas mileage beats the EPA numbers - all city driving gives me about 27 mpg, and a recent trip across the PA turnpike produced 36 mpg. Lets face it, this is basically an entry level car, but loaded with many features. Just about all of my passengers are impressed with the performance of the engine, and the smoothness of the transmission. This car has everything - good styling, great economy, and expected Nissan quality. No probs so far

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  nissan drew the line - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mike - December 22 - 3:16 am

  I have to say this truck is such a delight to drive thumbs up where ever I go. a radar detector might be in order

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  Very Happy With My SE-R - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By SE-R Lover - December 22 - 2:10 am

  I bought the SE-R in June and have been driving it over a month. I went from a BMW 525i to this car. It is very fun to drive and very responsive. So far the gas mileage is 21 mpg, but I certainly am on the pedal a lot. Of course the interior is not like a BMW, but the acceleration is just as good as the 525. I drove the Focus, standard Sentra, Corolla, and Saturn VUE Hybrid (on a whim) and the Sentra SE-R put a smile on my face like no other. When going 80 on the highway I can feel the wind more than in the BMW, but it isnt bad and the rest of the time it is great. Here in LA I dont get lots of opportunities to drive 80 on the freeways anyways. Thanks to all who wrote reviews!