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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  Go with a 2015 altima, i found out until then - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By CraigBasciano - April 6 - 5:23 am

  I bought a used 2012 in may 2016 with 46,000 miles, they ripped me off bad, i didnt understand why it was so slow, drove like a truck, the 2.5 uses a lot of gas and handles so poor, i ask the dealer today and they said up til 2015 it weighed 2500 pounds more then it should, that explains why i hate driving it, you wont enjoy it at all

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  Nissan Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Susan Arbogast - April 5 - 6:13 pm

  I am not a "car" person, but I love my Murano. It is comfortable, roomy, I am able to haul things in it. I really love it. Gas mileage is ok, though I dont get the mileage the sticker said I would. Overall, I am extremely happy with this car, and its very good looking too.

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  Cramped and Weak - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe.C - April 5 - 5:53 pm

  I made a big mistake purchasing this vehicle. The cabin is the most cramped of any vehicle I have ever driven. I am 60" with a 33-34 inseam in pants and my knee always managed to hit the steering wheel no matter where the seat was. The seats were horrible. I could not drive for more than 30min without pain. The gas mileage was beyond terrible. The engine is super weak. I only put 5500 miles on it and I had squeaks in the suspension and rattles in the windows. The steering was very vague and numb. The rear end shuddered when no load was in the back. What a mistake! I have since purchased a used 02 Ford Ranger XLT and I am very happy. The room, features and ride are so much better.

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  Fantastic - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By rebe945 - April 5 - 1:56 am

  Black on black. Fantastic looks in and out. Very fast, comfortable ride. Handling fanatstic. No problem with noise as I have the 18 inch wheels. Never even noticed. Interior wraps around you and makes you feel part of the machine. Cozy yet roomy. Love the creases on the hood from inside. Seat comfort good and grows on you till you love it. Have to wait till Spring to drive it again. Cannot stand the wait but the anticipation is fanatastic. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  TITAN truely massive - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By INDY TITAN - April 4 - 12:43 pm

  my first new vehicle and shopped around and read the reveiws on this site before I made my decision. WOW!!! what a great decision this the most comfortable, power is immense, the looks the "tuner kids" give when they finally get to the next light is priceless. cannot imagine filling all the storage bins or the cup holders. Only downside would be the mileage but I DONT CARE this is an amazing truck.

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  Nissan does not deliver - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By sicofnissan - April 4 - 9:06 am

  I purchased my 2008 Rouge in Dec. of 2007 and have had it back to the dealer 4 times, resulting in the replacement of 2 transmissions and 1 trans case. Now I am experiencing the transmission slipping when slowing down or stopping.

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  Wish Id Waited for 2007... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Nissan Lover - April 4 - 6:36 am

  Sleek look, powerful, smooth--and handles like a sportscar (not kidding)... Too bad they ruined it with the instrument pod... Its such a quiet ride---until you turn on the heater or air conditioner... Even with the blower in the "1" position--the cabin fills with noise! I must not be the only one with this complaint-- because Nissan listened, and has redesigned the dash in the new 2007... I only wish I had waited--because there isnt a better powertrain out there...

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  A VERY Safe Car, Looking for another! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By GLSC - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car, but recently I was involved in a head-on crash with a drunk driver and I was able to walk away from the accident. My Altima was totaled, but it did exactly what it was supposed to do. I had plenty of room for my feet during the crash. The car just absorbed the impact and broke away, but the inside of the car was for the most part in tacked! As soon as I got out of the car I told my husband I wanted another one EXACTLY like it. I never had any problems with it, air worked great, seats were comfy, heat worked great, didnt make any noises when it ran.

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  A Real SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Kipling - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my X-terra. They only flaws are rediculous gas milage (they let you know before you buy it) and some cheap interior items such as the head rests are coming undone after a year. It is built to drive off road and can handle anything i put it through. I missed my old puck-up truck but with my family I needed to have the back seat. I got the best of both worlds with this Truck.

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  1st Murano Sold in NC - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Greg P. - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the SE FWD Premimum/Cold Pkg Murano right off the transport. First one believed to be sold in NC. Below MSRP. Great toy.