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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  Love the Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By car_lady - July 20 - 8:24 am

  I have driven Ford vehicle for most of my driving life and I test drove an Ford Edge, felt like I was driving a mini-van and the Ford Escape, felt like I was driving a truck. So, next I test drove a Hyundai Tuscon, actually several times, and just could not get comfortable driving it. The sales person suggested I try the Nissian Rogue. When I first saw it I loved the body style and then I test drove it and I was conformtable driving it because it felt like I was driving a car. I am come up on 16,000 miles and have not had a problem with it. Great gas mileage and handling in the snow. Great sound system and all around great car. Love the back up camera and of course the sun roof.

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  Better brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By big and bad - July 19 - 4:43 pm

  This is a nice machine;however, the brakes seem to be flawed...The veh shakes and shimmers when slowing down...Memory seat would be nice

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  Last Nissan Ill Buy - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By billbern - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is fun to drive, ride is truck- like. Assembly was top-notch, but quality of parts is disappointing. Reliability is dismal, it has a great engine but everything else has been poor quality. Rear suspension problems and failures, electronics (six O2 sensors in 3 years, cd changer died 1 month out of warranty), brakes squeal, leather color flakes off, you name it. Vehicle spends as much time in the shop as it does on the road.

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  THE BEST BY FAR - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ARMADA/LOVE IT - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWN THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS AND THERE IS ONLY ONE WORD FOR IT EXCITEMENT, U HAVE TO HAVE DRIVEN ONE TO TO REALLY APPRICIATE THE VEHIHCLE,THE POWER WHEN U EXCELLARATE,THE COMFORTE OF THE LUMBAR SEAT,TO HAVE SO MUCH CONTROLL AT YOUR FINGER TIPS,NEVIGATION SCREEN ,ALLOWS YOU TO VIEW,TIRE PRESSURE,FUEL REMAINING BEFORE EMPTY,ETC. AND THE SOUND SYSTEM 10 SPEAKER BOSE 6 CD CHANGER,AND THE LOOK OF THIS VEHICLE REALLY CATCHES THE EYE,I COULD GO ON ,CONSIDERING I HAVE ALL THE BELLS AND WHISLES SUNROOF,DVD ETC. NISSAN U DID IT. THANKS

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  Proud owner - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Harley Scogin - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 8 Mini-vans in my life. Before this purchase, I drove all of the major manufacturers mini-vans and the Nissan was the best driving and riding of all tested. The independant rear suspension, rear wheel disc brakes, fold down seats, and most important, the engine power which is outstanding and other quality items left me with only one choice, which was the Nissan quest. The more I drive the more I love it.

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  MURANO IS OUTSTANDING - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By glasgow - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent auto. Went from sport cars to safer SUV. Rentes many SUVs prior to purchase of Murano ie. Infedinity, BMW etc. For the value there is no comparison

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  I Love My Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By LouCStPete - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I cannot say enough about this vehicle. Nissan hit a homerun with me when they developed the Murano. I am a 62 yr. old grandma in Florida that has her own business, drives alot, and has a lead foot. I want something that not only has the punch when I need it, but is comfortable, luxurious and fun. Thanks, Nissan for making my day. I am a devoted customer.

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  Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By kurt12 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its smooth driving nice handling and lots of power. It get surprising mpg more than i thought. The only complaint i have is the wind noise at high rates of speed.

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  Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By D. Smith - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Seat design and height reduces driver confort.

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  2004 Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By esoken - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Everything you would hope to expect from a full size truck. More value in standard equipped version. Chevy & Ford dealers tried to sell option loaded trucks which wasnt what I was looking for. Handles very well even in our recent rain storm. Only down side Ive encountered is it has tendency to get bouncy over Socal freeway joints. But considering its towing capacity, I guess thats expected. Otherwise extremely happy so far.