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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  Never purchase a Nissan Murano again!!! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By lrwilliams7 - June 8 - 8:03 pm

  Transmission was slipping around 113,000 miles. Took it to Nissan they said it just needed to be reset. At 129,000 miles the transmission went completely out. Still paying on a car monthly thats sitting in my driveway. Already paid for the radiator, catalyst converter, and exhaust pipe. Cannot afford another thing. Trying to replace the car or voluntary repo. So sad!!

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  2011 Nissan Cube Red - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By iggypop1 - June 8 - 12:09 am

  Bought my 2011 Cube in Red, used, was about 11 months old, with about 16k miles, got it for about $14k total. I traded in my 2007 PT Cruiser for a Cube. I love the look/interior/headliner! I did NOT get the extras; 20 color lights/Rockford stereo/better seats/better ac/heat dial (wish I would have), but it is still a great car! Rides pretty bad (like a truck), and you have 2 hold the wheel at all times (very shaky and flimsy) BUT after I had the car a few months I was doing about 50 on the interstate and could not avoid a 12 foot piece of wooden fencing and I went right over it without ANY damage or problems! I love Nissan! BUT my PT was a much better car! I would buy another cube!!!!

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  The Ride - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Frank - June 7 - 6:26 pm

  Have owned this car for about a year. GAs got to $.00 gal so had to try something else. I drove this the Honda CRV, and Toyota and found the best mixture of creature comforts was the Nissan. CRV had no get up and go, Toyota was to pricy for the product.This offered the best ride, economy, and value. We are considering getting another one for my wife.

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  My Nissan - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Joanna - June 7 - 6:10 pm

  The front seats have so much leg room. Even more than my full size SUV. The gas mileage is wonderful.

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  Not your fathers Olsmobile - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By WDS - June 7 - 2:40 pm

  Ive had this car for two weeks and love it. It handles extremely well for a mid- size sedan. First tank of gas I got 25.3 mpg. I hope that will improve some as I expected to get around 28mpg. The stereo isnt bad for us 40 and over crowd. The trunk is huge. I wish I sent the extra $1500 for the convenience package. other than that it sure beats my Dodge Ram with the Hemi 14 mpg.

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  to my friends @ nissan usa - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By john hellberg - June 7 - 10:00 am

  the plastic scratches to easily on the inside. fuel economy is extremely poor. brakes are horrible, wear out easily. make the interior more appealing. front mudflaps are a joke for the money u charge. make it moulded into the runners along the vehicle. i am personal friends w/the owners @ smithtown. i do not hold them personally responsible with what i call poor interior workmanship. i really think u need to address the interior quality of the vehicle. all plastic and there is alot marks too easily!

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  Waste of money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By murjose - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car looks great and runs great for the first couple thousand miles. However, I have always had a loud clunking noise from the front suspension. Nissan is unable to fix it and keeps replacing parts, but at my cost. The car is cheap and cost a lot. Buy Honda. I will next time. I am hoping that someone steals this car and I never get it back. Thats how much I hate it. I bought it brand new.

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  The Quest is the Best! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Stefanie Ascherl - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. My husband wanted an SUV but with a family on the way, I wanted something not so high off the ground with good gas mileage. We looked at the Sienna and the Honda and the Quest was the one for us. I love all the room and the sensor in the back is fantastic. We really didnt need all the bells and whistles but we are happy to have them. The BOSE system is a plus. With kids, the sliding doors are a must. I cant keep my husband out of it.

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  Pick of the litter - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sensibleguy - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I am obsessed with getting value for my money and its my nature to crib about everything I buy. But everytime I look at the Titan on my driveway, I cant stop smiling. It looks cool and has a more urban touch than the roundish dodge rams and F150s. I test drove every combination of every model of every maker. Other trucks felt like they have been put together from seperate pieces. When they move, it is the engine dragging the rest of the body. The Titan feels like one tight unit. Integrated. The whole thing has been designed to be one powerhouse. Fun to drive, smooth as silk, responds to the pedal without hesitation. Only a matter of time that it becomes numero uno choice of America.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By tblaisdell - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This truck has exceeded all my expectations, I researched and test drove several makes and choose the titan for the pulling power and functionaal design. It tows superbly and has power to space, just a great vehicle.