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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  Never Thought I Would Own An SUV!!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LBBB - April 4 - 2:00 am

  In all my life, I never thought I would own an SUV. Whwn I first saw The BMW X, I thought well maybe it is possible to meld the best of the car/ suv worlds but not at that price! Then I see the Murano at the Auto Show in NYC and I dont tell my wife that this Murano seems very different. God ,have I lost my mind???? Well four weeks into ownership, I have to tell you this vehicle is amazing! I think it outperforms my 2000 Maxima in acceleration.It handles well in all aspects. It lloks like a vehicle nobody would ever buils so hats off to nissan!!!

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  2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By EMK - April 4 - 2:00 am

  It was between this car and a new Honda Accord. I test drove both and actually preferred the Altima over the Accord. I thought the features inside were better & the exterior just blows the Accord away. Overall I have been very impressed!

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  Big and Fast - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By keepemreal - April 4 - 1:16 am

  I bought the Armada shortly after I got rid of my Excursion and I have to say I am very pleased. The truck very comfortable and the features are great. I havent had any problems and would recommend this truck as worth the price.

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  Above All - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By " THE BEST " - April 3 - 12:33 pm

  This is absolutly the best car in its class. I test drove them all and for power this is the best, for looks this is the best, and the push start button is the best. This is my first Nissan Ive ever owned and Im glad I chose it.

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  Underrated but Exceptional - 2013 Nissan Quest
  By aa0526 - April 3 - 7:41 am

  Ours is only the base S. We were not looking for a Quest. We were eyeing the Sedona, Sienna or GC for over 6 months. I was already preapproved etc. but just was not convinced about the reliability issue of the three - plus, the high price but low feature content of the Sienna. Walked in a dealership - test drove a Quest and was blown away. Comments about high price, limited cargo room were simply not true. The year end clearance made the price very competitive. Plus, the cargo and passenger room? The van is very spacious. You get a PERMANENT 3rd row storage - since the seats fold forward plus, the regular 3rd row storage - for a total of 37 cubic feet!

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  Nissan Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Robert McNeal - April 3 - 2:16 am

  Performs very well on and off road. It has a very comfortable ride. It looks great and its powerful 270hp engine moves it down the road with authority. Plus, the seven passenger seating is worth its weight in gold. Id recommend the Nissan Pathfinder to anyone. Its a very reliable vehicle.

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  Nice design - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By rmada - April 2 - 6:53 pm

  I had a 2005 Armada which I liked but wanted leather and dvd player. traded for the 08 model and the ride is much better. The interior is redesigned and more comfortable. Only real problem is the gas mileage, but its only a family hauler and it doesnt get driven as much.

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  First Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By kris1023 - April 1 - 3:56 am

  I LOVE this truck! I initially wanted this vehicle because of the aggressive styling, but ultimately bought it for the value and practicality. Even for a small V6, it can move if it needs to. I dont have the same mileage issue as most people (I get about 20 per gal) and I have a bit of a lead foot. No mechanical troubles, except that the check engine light went on when I put on a locking gas cap. With the birth of my second child, I found that the backseat cant handle an infant carseat without squishing the front passenger. Still I only paid $17,500 including the optional power and sport packages, so this is truly the best vehicle I have ever had for the money.

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  Best Truck I ever owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Kevin - April 1 - 3:56 am

  This truck is Awesome! I had one minor problem. There was a brake recall bacause of warping of the front brake rotors due to overheating. I took it in and they replace the front rotors and turned the rear and replaced the brake pads with new ones made of a different compound.

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  Truely a pleasure - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By chademerick01 - April 1 - 3:07 am

  Well, the very fact that I am taking the time a. sign up for edmunds & b. to review a vehicle, pretty much sums it up- either a great car or Im very upset. The 350z is amazing.. I also own a Honda civic (great car), but I havent been able to get out of the Z yet. This car makes you feel like a champion every time you drive it. I honestly would sleep in it if I could. Looks good, sounds freakin awesome (class leading exhaust in my opinion- leave it stock!!), and performs & handles like a dream. Highly recommend- coming from a bang for your buck kind of guy.. Also, Nissan is a reliable engine, what more is needed?