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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  One Outstanding Truck!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Eric - September 6 - 8:03 am

  One Outstanding Truck! Very FUN to Drive. Great for towing my boat.

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  Great Pathfinder replacement - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By dave - September 6 - 5:10 am

  Replaced a 2002 Pathfinder since its usually just me on the road for work or my wife and me on the weekends. I looked at the CR-V, the CX-7 and Rav4 but wasnt pleased with any of them. We happened to pull up next to what turned out to be a Rogue at a stoplight a few weeks ago. I now own a full-tilt model AWD SL. The interior, particularly the heated leather seats, is great. Ive had several Accord coupes in the past with wonderful leather interiors, and these are equals. Very smooth, great Bose sound. AWD feels solid.

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  Best Motor - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By sam - September 5 - 10:16 am

  This has been probably the best all-around car we have ever owned from the standpoint of durability/reliability. This is the best engine in any car weve ever owned. Smooth as silk, lots of torque, but with great mileage. We can get near 30 mpg highway if we use cruise and stay at 70mph or under. Hard to believe its a V6. Wind noise and ride quality are a little dated, but overall this is a better car than the current Maxima which is too soft and a big disappointment.

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  Great purchase - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ap - September 5 - 1:53 am

  Ok, so the gas mileage isnt the best. Its an SUV, what are you gonna do? I still think that out of all the SUVs out there, this one has some of the best mileage Ive seen. Im averaging 20city/24hwy. The comfort of the ride is extremely smooth and its got great get up and go. Im very glad I bought this car. It has been reliable comfortable car.

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  Fast and Fast and did I mention its FAST - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By steveme140 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 124k at 2800.00(STEAL), totalled at 50k so I bought rebuilt, but the guy drove it 20 miles a day for 5 years with no problems. This thing is super fast. I had a 91 Lumina V6 and this thing blows it away. Starter went at 125k and it needs a new 02 sensor,tires, but other then that it goes 0-60 in 6. And cruises at 120 smooth.

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  My Van, Your Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kameosis - September 4 - 10:00 am

  My kids play a game calling out all the other minivans they see driving by!! Ours is the shiznic! Too many glances for comfort! It does not look like a minivan!

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  Excellent choice - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Erwin5353 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had it for 4 months. Excellent vehicle.

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  Great SUV !! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By BobPr - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Glacier Pearl Murano ( Leather Package ) after months of deliberation and test driving numerous SUVS. I narrowed it down to the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander.The previous vehicles were nice but donot come close to the Murano in Performance,Handling or Braking.The CVT which I must say after reading some Editors Reviews had me concerned. I just returned from a trip to the Mountains ( Lake Tahoe ) and was Blown away by the Performance. The CVT is SMOOTH and RESPONSIVE. This is a GREAT SUV !! If I encounter any Problems I will Post a Follow Up .

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  show - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BO. WILLIAMS - September 4 - 10:00 am

  best truck made. for price and budget. exceeds highest standards than most. best built longer lasting truck on the market.

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  I Love This Car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By papillion - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership looking for a new car. I thought I would get one that was a year or two old, maybe a Sentra. I thought what the heck, lets go ahead the test drive the new Altima, and I really liked it. There is a ton of room, it looks cool, and it is fun to drive. I would recommend the Altima to anyone looking to buy a new car!