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 4x4 SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jim zraiq - October 9 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased my pathfinder le almost 2 years ago with 12,000 miles.. The car now has 35,000.. I have never had any problem with this car, it handles the snow amazingly since I live in Chicago. Much better car than 4runner or envoy. It has great look and performance and I am 100% satesfied with my purchase and I would buy it again.

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  MPG takes practice - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By wwChuckDo - October 9 - 1:30 pm

  I bought my Sentra because in my opinion it is the biggest bang for your buck. The CVT takes some getting used to. I get 35 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway. Look up Hypermiling and practice accelerating slowly barely pressing down on the gas. I may annoy some people behind me but I am saving HUGE $$$

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  A copper-colored work of art - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By David Acton - October 9 - 9:03 am

  It has been an absolute pleasure driving my Nissan Murano for the past 3+ years. From the outside, it looks great and I never tire of admiring it as I cross a parking lot to get in. From the drivers seat, the inside looks great, too, but more importantly is very comfortable in all respects. The dash is well laid out and easy to read, day or night. Lots of storage compartments, in all sizes. And when I turn the key and drive, the best part of owning a Murano occurs. It is fun to drive. Handles well, both in accelerating and stopping. Runs very quietly and drives a straight line effortlessly. I enjoy every minute. Only routine service needed in 3+ years. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  drifts and pull - 2014 Nissan Sentra
  By ardic - October 9 - 5:31 am

  poor engine power, horrible cvt trany. 2000 mile onVehicle drift and pull on windy days so bad hard to keep on center line or the road. milage 3800 on the vehicle and transmission fells like slips on up hill driving from stop and go. millage 4000 vehicle stall and almost shuts down when almost stop on braking. Horrible customer service provided by Nissan and he dealer.

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  Unbelievable - 2018 Nissan Rogue
  By Jack paugh - October 8 - 2:32 pm

  My big thing is no digital speedometer? With all the technology,no digital reading on speedometer. Has a digital average speed though! Rest of car is basic. Great gas mileage, and that is what I was wanting . Road noisey at higher speeds. I have owned most of simulator suvs Honda,Toyota,gmc ,Subaru all have some hold backs.

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  I found the perfect vehicle - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Matt Josephs - October 8 - 12:16 pm

  Forget the rest of the pack and go for the best! The Nissan Murano is the perfect vehicle for all around driving. This is my second Murano. The first was a leased 2006, loaded with moon roof and leather. I loved it so much that I purchased the 2009. The problem with the Murano is that you will enjoy driving it so much that you will exceed your lease limits. So go and buy one! This is a road trip waiting to happen. I have driven in blinding snowstorms from Buffalo, NY, through the mountains of West Virginia, and onto the beach at St Simons, Georgia. This vehicle will take you up and down hills, through unploughed roads, and pass 18 wheelers like a bullet. It is fast. It is the perfect SUV!

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  Im In Limbo - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By evy197531 - October 8 - 7:03 am

  Well I had the 2006 Nissan Sentra and upgraded by way of a car accident to the 2007. I love the style. It is totally different than the 2006 and resembles the Altima. Nice compact size for myself and I am single with no children but bad choice for someone with a family.

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  08 Still Great - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Owner - October 7 - 6:20 pm

  I love this truck. This is my first truck test drove others and there was no comparison. The power, smooth ride, distinctive attractive look, if there is a better truck out there it hasnt hit the U. S. yet. I was driving beside an F-150 in the rain he hydroplaned hitting the concrete wall, my Titan maneuvered around him safely unscathed. I have no reason to trade except when a newer model with must have amenities becomes available. Nissan please do not make the mistake and let the competition build this truck, I would be heart broken and it would probably cause me to jump ship.

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  FUN!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Gibby - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Love my Maxima! This was the first maxima I had ever driven. After the test drive, I was convinced. The 3.0 L V6 is phenomenal! So smooth, and so torquey! With the manual tranny, this car is a blast to drive. I felt the suspension is a bit soft and allowed too much body roll, so when my struts went 94k miles, I went with aftermarket struts/springs, and now it handles like a dream. Really fun car with plenty of room for the family!

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  The best pathfinder of this class 04 - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Vincent Quitco - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has prove it again and broken the monotony of 4Runners. Agility and Performance off and on the road is excellent, nobody beats this class.