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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  HAPPY BUYER - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By TEDDY S - July 21 - 2:00 am

  AFTER OWNING 6 SUV, THIS SUV HAS THE BEST START OF BEING ONE OF THE BETTER ONES. HOPE I WILL FEEL THE SAME 3 YEARS FROM NOW ?

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  Sweet motor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By maxim1010 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Happy so far, excellent ride, absolutely incrediably motor/drivetrain. Coming off Ford F150 this thing makes ford looks like POS. Tons of room

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  Its awesome! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By George S. - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned my new Xterra for a few weeks so far. But, Ive been looking at them for over 6 months now. The Xterra is great looking, and very fun to drive. Im new to suvs and trucks, but Im sure this is a typical feeling truck based suv. The steering is very numb, but again, I figure that is normal. Freeway driving is much more comfortable than expected.

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  Radio problems - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Frostop - July 21 - 2:00 am

  While I am pleased in general with my Murano, I have had a miserable time with the FM reception on the Bose stereo system. The problems are sporadic -- reception at times is excellent. However, when the signal goes, it goes with a blast of static that frightens everyone in the car, and then the signal is lost for the rest of the day. Im looking for a solution to this problem. Nissan hasnt been overly helpful. Also, the Murano sensors have required service, and the interior aluminum trim dents rather easily.

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  I like it - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Marko1464 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Going from a 1986 Camaro to a 2004 Sentra is a big jump. The car is very quiet and feels pretty solid, light years beyond the creaky, rattly camaro. Definitely needs more rear leg room. I also wish there was a choice of wheels with this model, they only come with the 2.5 models. Otherwise I like my car alot, and look forward to driving it for a long time.

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  Great SUV for the $$$$. - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By FloGarb - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It handles really well. Comfortable ride. Does not ride like a truck as my previous SUV.

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  We love our Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By TxDet - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought the base model, but would like to have been able to afford some of the bells and whistles in the SE package. The engine and its performance is a good trade off for 18.6 mpg in (in city) fuel economy. All in all, we are very satisfied with our Murano. With the Nissan dependability this car is sure to have a good trade in value when we decide to buy our next Nissan.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By RickNYC - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Xterra for just over 1 year, and think its a great car buy! Handle well in NYC traffic and long road trips. Easy to get in and out of.

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  thems the brakes - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Big Ali - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Nissan make a great van. This is my second Quest. It has tons of room, drives great and looks good. I have only one complaint, the brakes. the breakes needed doing over completely in less than a year. I was not impressed. Vehicle isnt cheap, I lease, but you get what you pay for.

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  Excellent Purchase - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Sentra - July 19 - 5:10 am

  I purchased my 2001 Sentra GXE in June of 2001. I financed it for 5 yrs. It still runs as well as it did when I drove it home brand new. Hopefully it will last another 5 years.