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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  first_time_user - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By 033277 - September 13 - 1:04 pm

  I just replaced my 2001 Ford Explorer Sports Trac with 225k miles, its the best move I have ever made. Presently, Im going to average a little over 30 miles to the gallon...considering the winter conditions of WI and commuting. Big relief at the wallet! Reliability time will tell; will post more...

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  Knock at low speed. - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By rajacars - September 13 - 7:11 am

  I Hear a knock at low speed, its one time after you start and move the car. It looks that nissan doesnt car enough to fix this issue. hoping that nissan takes this issue serious, as Maxima is nissans flagship sedan. if the reputation is spoiled its difficult to gain it back.

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  Smooth Operator - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Tony - September 13 - 5:53 am

  I have had my Murano less than a week and I applaud NIssan for a well put together vehicle!! I am enjoying every driving opportunity! This stylish SUV handles very well! In addition, the Boise sound system is positioned well to produces a high quality sound! I think you will be impress with the 2016 Murano!

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  Love It!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bryan Wickel - September 12 - 11:30 pm

  I was in the market for a new car and was able to pick this up from a friend that deals in used cars. I purchased it with 3200 miles on it, which makes it practically new. Absolutely love it! Very peppy for a 4 cyl. Great room and comfort. Quiet and handles like a dream. Classy looking and looks like a much more expensive car.

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  Love my car! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Marajc - September 12 - 10:06 pm

  I bought my Nissan Sentra in 2003, right off the lot. I wanted something dependable. I had my first issue with the car at 85,000 miles. I had to replace a belt, $30. At 93,000 miles I replaced a battery, $75. At 115,000 miles I replaced a sensor, $160. An now at 125,000 miles I have another $50 issue. So in 7 years, I have only put $315 worth of parts in it(minus tune ups, oil changes, & tires). I cant complain AT All! Daily Driver and now is managing to be my childrens car to learn to drive it. I trust it completly with my kids. Just not sure that I trust my kids with the car! :) My next new car will be a Nissan. Hope this one lasts over 300,000 miles though!

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  Best value - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Rick - September 12 - 7:06 am

  This is my fourth Z and is clearly the best in overall performance and can match or outperform almost any sports car on the road. I test drove a Porsche Boxster the day before I bought the 370Z and it matched its performance as well as being quicker. I had some reservations about the restyling from the 350 before I saw it, but its gorgeous. The Sports Package, with SyncroRev matching, TC, bigger and dagger styled wheels is worth it. At 60", I felt very comfortable in the cockpit.I usually negotiate the price down, but even at MSRP, it was a steal.

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  2007 Max with Nav - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnR - September 12 - 6:10 am

  Previously owned a 2004 Max. The 07 is improved in both interior and exterior. The cvt is very smooth and torque steer greatly reduced. Acceleration about the same

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  Fast and fuel - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By EL - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I am a MOPAR man by far. I have a Chrysler Congest TSI and a Dodge Cummins so figured Id add one more turbo to the mix. This car caught my eye when I saw it for the 1st time and the turbo power! The look of the car is a head turner. I have had 95% good compliments on the car. It handles great and has a lot of get up and go. MPG is around 30@55mph. I have the S/AWD and has about the same pep as the SV with out all the nice features but I figured the features are one more thing to go wrong as cars do when they age. Plus it would just be something to brag about and this car brags for its self. But dont get me wrong the features are nice and one of a kinda. Over all great car. Time will tell

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  my m - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By mary - September 11 - 4:10 pm

  Fun car love to drive . Does make noise when in reverse.Interior design not very practical(for me).Other than that is a lovely car

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By GLG - September 11 - 11:16 am

  I simply love this car. It clearly has the most options of any car in its class and in some instances in the luxury class. Of course, once you jump up to the luxury class (BMW, Audi, Lexus, etc.), you are paying for the name. Best value for a car given all the options and the performance