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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  Some Hits and Some Misses - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By tengineer - October 30 - 9:27 pm

  The Altima is a nice car that boasts excellent interior styling and comfort. The 2.5L engine has great acceleration but the drivetrain is also quite noisy, even at moderate throttle. The drivetrain also exhibits a pronounced rumble/growl at low throttle from a standing start as the CVT seeks to keep the engine RPMs very low for maximum MPG. The cabin is quiet while crusing, but a high-pitched whine can be heard at idle and low speed driving. The AC compressor stays on even while heating; the manual gives a procedure to turn it off, but it doesnt work, so the compressor is working all the time. Highway MPG is very good, but EPA city MPG can only be achieved with very careful driving.

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  So happy - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By max - October 30 - 3:23 pm

  I have been eyeing the 350Z for years and am so glad I made this purchase. I love the feel of the interior, the looks of the exterior, the wide power band, the on-rails handling, and the sound the engine makes when wide open. I realize that there are various problems that will undoubtedly arise so I got an extended warranty and am not too worried. This car gives you confidence and I get looks everywhere I go. I love the ride and even make my daily commute in it. This car gives me a thrill that I cant accurately describe. Im not sure if I own the car or it owns me.

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  Happy Max - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By frencjas - October 30 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 2000 Maxima GXE with 7,000 miles on it, and now have 98,500 miles, with very few problems. Mine is a manual transmission, and has been absolutely bullet proof, and still has the original clutch. This has been the most reliable car I have ever had, period! The only issues were a bad mass airflow sensor at 37K (graciously replaced by Nissan even though it was just out of warranty), warped brake disks which I had replaced with aftermarket units that have proven more reliable, and thats about it. Exterior styling is not my favorite, but dollar for dollar, it is hard to beat this combo of performance, utility, and reliability.

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  Best in Class...No Complaints! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By New England Driver - October 30 - 10:40 am

  My very first car was a Porsche 944 and since then Ive converted and driven nothing but Saabs...then we had a baby and it was time to be more practical. So we started our research and compared all of the different mid-sized SUVs out there in the <$30K price range. I was truly surprised when we finally test drove the Nissan Rogue. It had many of conveniences youd find in a luxury car, the performance experience youd want in a sports car, the fuel efficiency youd expect from a compact car, the storage space you need in a SUV, and the safety features youd demand in a family car. So we got one for my wife, and every day since Ive beggged her to take the Saab so I can drive the Rogue!

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  Happy Man - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By happyCARMAN - October 30 - 10:00 am

  this is the fastest car i have ever own I had a 450 Mercedes and 2 Trans Ams. the most comfortable and quiet cars. it is majestic Blue and beatiful. the Steering is a llittle light in drive. but drop it don to third and hold on for a sure footed great handle super fast gricery getter head turning time!!! i love it. the toys the bose the compass the outside temp the climae control. oh the leather .......WOW. NISSAN WHY DI YOU MAKE THAT 2004. THE 2003 HAS IT ALL!!1

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  Fun Ride - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By JJF - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Murano for my wife at the end of April, and we have been enjoying this vehicle ever since. Fun to drive, alot of power, and the CVT transmission is great. You dont even feel the car shift. Only problem is the windows rattle going over pumps. Only seems to happen when the windows are down 1/4 to 1/2 the way down.

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  WOW - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By This SUV rocks! - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Was looking at an Explorer or a Honda CRV. Found the space and fun to drive in the Murano. Great highway handling with plenty of power and breaks makes my 42-mile drive each way to work is pleasure. Programming my garage door into the rear view mirror is a great feature. Cool gadgets and room for the kids, all in one vehicle. Was expecting better gas mileage (now getting 22 hwy / sticker is 25hwy). Overall very impressed with my first new Nissan. Used Costco membership on line and saved a lot!

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  Nice Nice - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Bryguy - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Great Car...SUV...whatever it is. My wife and I have to Paper/Rock/Scissors to decide who gets to drive it each time! Beautiful ride, great handling, could be better on gas...but its still worth the drive. Im 67 and I love the headroom and legroom. The rear seating actually works for me as well! CVT is a sweet idea. Definitely a headturner!

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  Excellent! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By johnsonjs2 - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I looked at virtually every SUV on the market and this one is the best combination of style and performance I found. It came down to a Honda Pilot (a wonderful SUV) and the Murano and while both offer substance, the Murano had style. It is comfortable, powerful, and in the SE trim eats up corners and handles nimbly around town. The price is also very reasonable considering all of the features and options.

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  Great Car...and made in Tennesee - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RDM - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Did much research before buying this car, it came down between a Acura TL and the Maxima. After driving both I cant see how anyone could not fall in love with this car. I got the SE 5- speed with sunroof and Journey package. There are so many new toys included in the new Maxima but the real joy is how quite and effortlessly it cruises at 100mph The looks will shock you at first but then after a close look you say "cool". Had a hard time finding the color and options I wanted due to 9000 Maximas getting hail damage at the factory, which is leaving dealers short on inventory. Still I was able to buy it for $300 over invoice.