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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  YEP - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Drinkmartinis - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Finally another foreign car in the big SUV market. Even with no options this vehicle is well equipped. Great leg room in the rear seat, my kid cant kick the front seats anymore (come to think of it I dont think Shaq can reach either). The ride is quiet but the SUV has tons of power. Comfortable cockpit with controls easy to find. If your looking for the new BIG SUV this is it. Cant wait for the first road trip!

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  Great Car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mgentry - August 11 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I just bought the 2002 GLE model, used. It has 46,000 miles on it. So far we love just about everything about the car. We had looked at other sports sedans (Acura, BMW, VW Passat, etc.) Overall, the Maxima just impressed us more. It feels like you are driving a luxury car and sports car at the same time. We live in the NE, so we will see how it handles in the winter.

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  Already Partial To Nissan! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Shaverklan - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Nissans in the past and was already partial to them which is why I checked out the Murano. But just to make an informative choice, I also checked out the Lexus, The BMW, The Infinite, None of which compared, and which was backed up by the online studies. I love the CVT, super smooth, esp. climbing steep grades. you gotta go try some mountain driving! Nissan did everything right on this vehicle. Yeah, theyre still my favorite!

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  The Little Sports Car that Could - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By o4SpecV - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Pound for pound, this is the best car you can buy for 20k. Did you want a sports car? You got it. Did you need something that can carry your friends from point A to points B, C, and D comfortably? You got it. How about something with trunk space for groceries this weekend? Yep, you got it. Not only does the Spec V perform a large variety of tasks, it does them all well.

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  murano 2004 - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By markk - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car (SUV), there is a noice on the driver seat that I hate and there are not any solucions at this time. I will recommend this car if you like a SUVs, there is no reason to buy another expensive SUV like BMW or Volvo.

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  Love it so far - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Travish - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy driving & owning the 3.5 Altima very much so far. Accelerates very well and handles nicely. Sharp interior & exterior.

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  No need for a key - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By sentra2012 - August 11 - 12:43 am

  I was hoping for better fuel economy but I live in a very hilly and mountain area of the northwest and I am getting 24 to 29 mpg. The 29 mpg was achieved with more expressway driving, less hill driving, limited air condition use and a thought of how to maximize fuel economy at all times (smooth breaking, cruise control, smooth acceleration). Other than that the car is perfect for people that are fat, commuters, couples, green philosophy and an affordable car.

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  JUKE OUT OR GET JUKED!!! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By timbo21 - August 10 - 11:12 pm

  My mom bought a 2011 Juke. It has 55000 miles and major timing chain issues and they are telling her it needs a new motor. She still has the original tires and brakes on the car, so she doesnt drive it hard. They are telling her they are not going to honor her warranty. I am reading that alot of people are having these same issue. On top of that it never got even close to the gas milage they suggested. I would say if u own one running u better trade it in while its running and if u see one used dont buy it. ITS A [non-permissible content removed]!!!!

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  100% reliable so far - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave - August 10 - 8:03 pm

  I had to go out and drive my Pathfinder to see what everyone is talking about vis-a-vis the transmission. Basically it clunks if you go on and off the gas when travelling around 40mph. I drive with a smooth throttle foot so I never noticed it. My wife, on the other hand, drives with a continuous throttle-on-throttle-off style so Id imagine that she would elicit that type of transmission behavior, but she would never notice it because, well, frankly shes mechanically clueless. Thankfully I drive it 90% of the time so I dont think well need to replace the transmission, u-joints, or rear diff anytime soon.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Darrick - August 10 - 6:13 pm

  Very nice car, that rides as smooth as it looks...good MPG which is very important today.