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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  My New Murano - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Carolyn - August 11 - 1:00 pm

  Traded my 2003 Murano (60,000 miles) for a new 2007. I like the visibility and seats, as well as the appearance - not your usual SUV!

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  What a fun vehicle! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Randy - August 11 - 11:03 am

  This is one outstanding car to drive, especially with the top down in the sun! With power and giddy-up to boot, Id say itd be find a more fun ride. However, I am beginning to notice some unneccesary wear of the relatively cheap interior materials and workmanship.

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  loved it - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By max - August 11 - 10:13 am

  drives like a champ, definitely the truck for me, I will drive nissans forever after buying this truck.

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  Ninja Land Rocket - 2015 Nissan GT-R
  By rockit_syntist - August 11 - 6:28 am

  I cant put into words just how good it feels to drive my new 2015 GT-R Black Edition. Ive been a Nissan fan since 1977 when I got a new Datsun 280Z (still have it) that has never had a single problem. Much as I love that Z car, the GT-R is from another universe. From the moment you fire it up & hear that low growl as the systems status unfold on the various display screens, you know you are about to experience more driving pleasure on four wheels than the law allows. Then with the slightest tap on the pedal every rumor you heard & every Youtube video you watched becomes reality. I considered many other supercars, but none were as badass cool for the price as my Super Silver GT-R.

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  First Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Cameron Green - August 10 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Titan used back in January. Before the Titan I had 2000 Silverado. Night and day difference! The Titan gets better gas mileage, has power to give and rides great. Before I decided to buy my Titan, I was looking at a 2007 Sierra. The Titan has more room, and with me being 6-2 that helps. I can put my family of four in it and not worry about how cramped the kids are. I love the seats and the interior, it feels like a truck but yet comfortable. I recently went on a weekend camping trip, pulling a pop-up. Got the same gas mileage pulling the pop up as I do in the city. I also like the tailgate a nice safety feature with young boys running around. Love this truck!

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  Greatest Truck Buy - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By LCM - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been the best investment that I have made. I am in love with this truck because it is very reliable and durable. This truck is like a passenger car, SUV and truck. My family fits just perfectly. My wife rather use my truck instead of her mini-van (Chryler)which we are very disappointed with.

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  Perfect all around sports car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By King - August 10 - 10:00 am

  An unbelievable car worth every dime spent! Forget BMW, Audi and Mercedes, this car is the best bang for the buck !

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  OUTSTANDING BUY! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Bradford - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the XTerra for two weeks and it is absolutely the best vehicle purchase I have made in 25 years!!!! Fun, durable, reliable, and easy to drive. It has the necessities of a truck/SUV but the handling capability of a car. It looks great all cleaned and waxed for a luncheon with clients; or all muddy and rough for a weekend camping or hiking. GREAT VEHICLE!!!! 110% SATISFACTION!

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  Itll Make You Smile! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ckone - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a big smile on my face since I bought this SUV! You will too! Nissan has an excellent product. One of the best vehicles Ive ever driven. Drives and rides very smooth for an SUV..the best of all I test drove. Very fun! Be ready to get lots of compliments and gazes! EPA fuel economy is accurate after a few tanks if you use premium gas and dont be forceful.

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  Very Impressive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By SDMURANO - August 10 - 10:00 am

  We traded our 2002 Altima V-6 for the Murano (black) and havent regretted it since. This SUV lives up to its billing. Gas mileage is good considering all the other SUV mpgs but not up to specs. It has power as well. The transmission is awesome (so smooth!!!)I am still exploring all the gadgets. (We purchased everything we could for this car: Leather pkg, sunroof, cargo cover and mat, etc...) rear seats recline (cool)then fold flat for cargo space.