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:

• 

  I must be alone - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Plutosmom - August 18 - 12:16 pm

  When I purchased this car, I loved the features. Now, almost two years later, I regret buying it. While still very pretty, for a mini van, every thing is breaking. The rear cup holders, the rear sonar, the rear cover. Every little piece of plastic that can break is breaking. I could understand if I was hard on the vehicle. But it is mostly city driving, which the mileage is horrible, 11-13 miles per gallon.

• 

  Avoid High Mileage Used Muranos - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By moneypitowner - August 18 - 2:56 am

  Love the design and functionality of the Murano. Had Nissan and Infinity before and very reliable and economical to maintain. I put 200K on my earlier Nissans and they ran great. Not the case with Murano. I bought the Murano with 80K on it. Owner babied it and Murano maintained by dealer, all receipts. At 115K. CVT went bad. $4500 repair. Head gasket bad at 121k. Another $4500 repair. Numerous reports of transfer case failures as well as exhaust system repairs. Very expensive repairs. Recent problems with head gaskets on newer models also reported. Get extended warranties if you keep the car past dealer warranty period. Dont buy a first generation used Murano.

• 

  Enjoyed this car immensely - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By trspot22 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had a great time owning this vehicle. It has been extremely reliable and hate to part with it but have out grown it family/space wise. I would recommend to my friends.

• 

  Loved This Car! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Scarlett_1750 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in 2000 with only 16k, and had nothing but positive experiences with it. One of the best buys out there- dependable, clean/great interior, ran very well, and huge roomy trunk could fit just about anything. In three years, I didnt need to replace a single thing, only needed oil change and tuneup. I was heartbroken when car was totaled in accident at 60k; I would have driven it forever!

• 

  Great crossover! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By queeney - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Nissan blew it with the minimal advertising of this great vehicle! It rides wonderfully, is very luxurious and comfortable inside and has loads of safety and comfort features. It is perfect for those who no longer need the seating in a van, and who want the option of 4 wheel drive, a great transmission, plenty of power, and comfort!

• 

  Happy Mom - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Happy Mom - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the look of this vehicle. It certainly doesnt look like all the other minivans. As parents of two teenage boys and a baby girl, we were looking to purchase a vehicle with lots of room. We looked at the competition, Honda and Toyota, but we werent impressed. The Quest is perfect, with pleanty of room for baby equipment and generous leg room in all three rows for our almost 6 tall son. I love it!

• 

  Awesome Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By azjimbo - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th Z I have owned and have loved every one.My last Z was a 1990 300Zx and I thought that car turned heads.It is amazing the looks you get in this car.The 1st day I purchased the car people stooped me to look at the car.The 1st time I washed the car 4 people came and looked at the car.When you add up price,performance,handling and styling I believe the Z takes a back seat to no car on the road.It is the best bang for the buck.

• 

  Dont trust the Bridgestone Tires - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Dixie Gordon - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 3.5 Altima SE in May . The next morning I was driving to work, at 65 miles an hour the front of the car began to shimmy. They said the tires were out of round and were at fault, that they had a lot of problems with them, The car was taken to a tire co. It took the Bridgestone dealer 8 tires to find 3 to put on my car I have less than 4 thousand miles on my car at this time, the sunroof is broken, pieces fell out of it the second time I opened it, Trust me, this will be my last Nissan....

• 

  Great truck for the money - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike Warren - August 17 - 3:53 am

  The Frontier is a roomy, powerful mid- size 4x4 truck. It will seat five comfortably, has a decent sound system and smooth ride. Like most pick-ups you have to pay attention driving in bad weather. Im averaging about 15 mpg (with a six speed). A good truck for the money

• 

  The Real Thing - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By RealWorld - August 17 - 3:43 am

  Took this car on a 1,700 mile road trip shortly after purchasing. It was comfortable, great gas mileage, and so quiet. Love the bluetooth, keyless ignition, and the overall drive. Havent had any problems with this car. Every time I drive it I think about what a great choice I made between all the cars I was looking at. No regrets!