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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  best maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By steverdd - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Maxima SE is my 3rd Maxima . I have driven Acuras and BMWs and they do not measure up to the Maximas price and performance. Its very powerful and the ride and handling is just right! I love my Maxima and will drive nothing else.

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  CVT Transmission/Transfercase/Gaspump - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bgarcia78 - February 26 - 8:42 pm

  I have a 2003 Murano 140,000 miles I have replaced my transfer case three years ago called Nissan for help and got no where with them I had to pay out of pocket $3ooo. Two months after that I have to replace the catalitc converter another big job. Now a month ago I had to replace the gas pump again another big expensive job. But my real problem is my transmission the problem started last summer where after driving the car for about 20 to 30 min and then get into traffic the car starts to hesitate when pressing on the gas I took the car to the dealer w/ no help they told me I had to bring the car when it was happening and this problem doesnt happen all the time. So finally I take it aga

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  So far...so good - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By jay357 - February 26 - 8:11 pm

  Traded my F150 for the Frontier due to size considerations. I just dont need a full size truck 365 days a year. Maybe twice a year but thats about it. I have about 1500 miles on the Fronty, like the size, styling and acceleration. MPG is only about 16.5 mpg with 75% highway driving. So its averaging about 1.5 less than my 2wd F150 with a V6. But the engine is still breaking in so hopefully the mileage will increase. More engine noise in the cabin than the F150 but its not bad. F150 seats were/are way better than the Frontier. The Frontier seats need more thigh support and longer seat bottom.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By J.D. - February 26 - 1:35 pm

  I bought a 2009 Versa Hatchback brand new off the lot. I traded a Jeep Cherokee that I loved for this car simply for the MPG. I love driving this car. Its compact, very fuel efficient and well worth the money. I have 144,000+ miles on it, mostly interstate at 70 mph or above. Its fun to drive and comfortable. I have been well pleased. We had a sun roof installed which added to the comfort. Only negatives I have are the air conditioning doesnt cool as much as I like and the cloth on the rear door is turning loose, but with the use its had - not bad. The engine does sound like a "sewing machine" when pushed, but once youve reached your speed its fine.

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  Nice - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By james - February 26 - 7:20 am

  Just got this car, it looks nice on the outside, just a little generic. drives smooth, overall a decent car. bought mine used with less than 100k miles on it for about $8000 plus tax. i wanted a Honda but i couldnt find out and was in a hurry to get a car. overall Im happy with the car. i got the S model, automatic, sedan.

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  Works for small, city commutes - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By JJONES - February 26 - 6:54 am

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  Why Can I Not Get Answers? - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Mike Litteral - February 26 - 4:02 am

  I have purchased the above vehicle a 2016 Murano SL AWD. I have asked the dealer to explain how the AWD system works. But Nissan has also, not been able to explain to me how the system works. I have also asked them to recommend what brand of oil I can use for oil changes. Normally this is not a big deal; however the requirements to maintain the warranty are so tight I would like to know. According to the manual Nissan would like you to bring the vehicle to them. That is OK for Nissan and you IF YOU live in the same neighborhood. With the business traveling I do some times I am hours away from the nearest Nissan Dealer. To date Nissan has not given me a brand of full synthetic to use. The manual has a D I Y section that will only say it should meet these specifications. I prefer to use Mobile1 Products I just wanted Nissan to recommend a brand; other tan the Nissan Brand of motor oil.

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  maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Angel Baca - February 25 - 8:20 pm

  This is a very fun and practical car. It turns a lot of heads with its looks and drives really nice. I installed a K&N air filter and get about 29 MPG on the highway and about 21 MPG in town. Really enjoy. Test drove a Camry before this Maxima and it made my choice really easy.

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  Excellent Buy - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Quest Driver - February 25 - 6:13 pm

  Purchased van early 07 and have not regretted my decision. Its spacious and perfect for a family vehicle. I looked at Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Nissan was definitely the best buy for the money. It makes for a great ride on long trips with young kids with the dvd entertainment. I like the exterior design... not so minivan looking.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By John - February 25 - 5:43 pm

  Coming from a 2007 Maxima into the Murano, I can say it does not disappoint. I can only describe this vehicle as awesome. The engine is smooth and powerful and this is using regular grade fuel and the CVT trans only compliments it. The fit and finish on the body is flawless. The interior has a rich, classy look and feel and is plenty roomy in both the front and back. The navigation system works really well and is simple to use and accurate. The ride is great, I have driven my friends Lexus RX 350 and can only say that the Murano is equal to or better than it for about 8 grand less. If you are on the fence about buying this vehicle just jump off and buy it, you will not be disappointed.