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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  This Vehicle is a Blast - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Mr Bill - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is incredible. It drives very similarly to a BMW X5. The quality is there. The ride is firm but comfortable and definitely handles very well for a SUV. It drives like a car. I get a thumbs up wherever I drive. The CVT transmission is great. One does get used to it fairly quickly. You never feel any gears changing or jerking like a normal transmission would. I think anyone who gets this vehicle would be very content. I am very impressed with Nissan.

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  Extremely satisfied - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By agarcia1 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This review is for the SE AWD with Nav. for the first 500 miles. At first I was so mesmerized with the style that I didnt realize the excellence of the fit and finish on this vehicle. My second surprise was finding out how smooth the engine and transmission operate. All features and details are excellent. The only thing that I would modify is softening the suspension a little, because it is a little harsh over pot holes and bumps. I rate this vehicle as a solid "10".

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  Love this car. - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By bustersdad - November 9 - 12:04 am

  Picked this car up last night and finally got to take it for the rounds this afternoon. I switched to the sport mode to get on the parkway and wow. So far so good. Not a luxury ride but very decent and great features for the price (bluetooth, navigation, USB port, leather, AWD, heated front seats, moon roof, etc.). Cant wait to take it out tomorrow. Were expecting snow and would like to test the AWD.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By MARK W - November 8 - 9:06 pm

  Very little to complain about. I have switched over from a series of Dodge Ram trucks and will never go back. This SUV is superior to any other large truck or SUV I have ever driven. The only complaints would be that the power seat controls tend to accidentally adjust while getting in and out of the vehicle and laying the seats flat for storage is not a completely simple task. Besides that, it is fun, big, smooth and more powerful than even necessary. Highly reccomend this truck.

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  dependable workhorse - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By msferd - November 8 - 5:43 pm

  nice. nice. nice. bought this vehicle to help me rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. The shock came when I was able to haul a 5ft patio door with ease.

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  Titan - Drive the BEST - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Fanatic - November 8 - 9:40 am

  This is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. I cant complain about the fuel economy, because thats not why I purchased the Titan. In reality, its not that bad considering the powerful engine. Im getting the same fuel economy that I had with my 2001 Nissan Xterra, which was a V6, and the Titan is far superior.

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  big disappointment - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ifhorseswerewishes - November 8 - 8:30 am

  I expected much better gas mileage, the best gas mileage I have ever gotten is 28 and that is on highway. Its noisy and bouncy, not a very good ride. I had an Aveo that I enjoyed a lot more and paid $10000 less for. Did I ever goof! This car doesnt have much storage space in the back/trunk and the seat does not fold flat

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  Love my Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By april804 - November 8 - 8:03 am

  I really love my Xterra. The only fault I see with this truck is gas mileage! I have had all of my service done on time, but gas mileage continues to diminish. We drove this vehicle on a 500 mile trip and got 11 miles to the gallon highway. I hate to get rid of my truck, but Im gonna have to. It has been parked for 2 months because of the gas mileage. Its hard to pay for something you cant afford to drive. The major problem I am having is finding something that I like as much or better than my Xterra. Theres not much out there.

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  Getting Closer to Luxury - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By mbro1 - November 8 - 4:39 am

  Ive owned a 98, 04, and now the 09. Every Altima has been an improvement over its former self, however, this Altima is surpassing every expectation that I had for it. The CVT is smooth and keeps the car in a superb power range, yet maximizing the fuel economy. The noise outside of the cabin is greatly reduced from the prior models and everything is just perfectly improved. Nissan has certainly pulled themselves into an area that is capable of competing with European and American Luxury brands. Think about it...do you want Luxury thatll cost you as much as a house, or car that is almost just as good for a supremely phenomenal deal!!!

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  Rogue . . . So-So - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By MPATTER - November 8 - 2:23 am

  Ive been driving my Rogue for 3 wks. now. It has a comfortable ride, but the int. ergonomics are terrible. I believe it must have been designed for someone with the arm length of a veloco-raptor. The window switches are set back about 4 inches too far. The center armrest is also back too far. The cup holders are too close together and are also set back a bit far. The side mirrors are nice and large. This is good because the rear window is the same size as the rear view mirror. Performance wise, it is not bad. Smooth ride, with OK pickup for a 4 cyl. engine. It does have an unusual resonance when at 40 MPH. Must be the CVT trying to find a sweet spot. MPG is between 21-23.5