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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  2002 Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Jennifer Nagy - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my car.

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  Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Carcrazee79 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Xterra for three days and so far I have no complaints. The 6 cylinder seems to be a little underpowered but it has enough get up and go to get out of its own way..which to me is the important part. I got the Xterra to have more room for my hiking/capming gear and my two dogs. I really like driving the Xterra it is a lot of fun and the fuel economy is not that bad..it gets a lot better gas mileage than my truck (01 Toyota Tacoma).

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  I love this car!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MomwithKids - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Nissan & the Murano is by far my favorite. Very spacious interior, luxury car features, very smooth car-like ride, CVT makes ride even better, awesome exterior design. I definitely would recommend!!

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  Quest raises bar for mini-vans - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By BlueSky - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Considering the old Quest model, the 2004 model is even more amazing. The design, style, convenience and driving experience sets a new mark for mini-van quality. For those searching for a safer more comfortable means of transportation than the SUV without the drab of your fathers mini-van, the Quest is the ticket! Can Honda keep the pace?

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  I LOVE MY MURANO! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Joana - April 11 - 12:16 am

  As a previous Chevrolet Suburban owner (for about eleven years) this Nissan took me by surprise. I cant ride in smaller vehicles without feeling carsick and unsafe. When I started to think about down-sizing, I drove all sorts of styles and models. And I came across a Murano, drove it and loved it! But I wasnt sure I could drive a smaller vehicle ALL the time. I kept my sub. for a little longer, but kept looking at other vehicle, always going back to the Murano. Then I found one that had ALL of the options of an SL, but was an S. I traded in my sub. for it, had a panic attack 9 days later, and got over that about 3 days later. I made the right choice! I absolutely LOVE MY MURANO!!!

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  Very satisfied so far - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Subadude - April 10 - 3:56 pm

  Had my SE for about a month now. My likes definitely outweigh my dislikes. Very powerful engine, getting good fuel economy 18 - 20 overall, but driving it easy in the break in period. Seats seem very comfortable, good support, wish they were heated. RF Sound system is awesome for stock. Surprisingly quiet even on rough pavement, but it does have a firm, choppy ride. Its not a car though, so I can live with that. Great no-nonsense SUV that will handle my towing chores, and get 5 skiers or backpackers where they need to go with all their stuff. Got one drive in the snow, and had no trouble blasting through a foot and a half of light powder.

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  Why the fuss? - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Barry Blank - April 10 - 2:07 pm

  Its 2015 and I guess Im the odd ball out. I have have 40,000 logged miles and no problems with one exception Last month (July 2015) the variable windshield control stopped functioning properly. Thats it, pure and simple. Ill take this one issue in 8 years any day. This is our 2nd Quest *first one is a1994 still running - we use it for hauling. Very happy with both vehicles.

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  CVT problems - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By d l stough - April 10 - 1:23 pm

  Replaced transmission with 78000 miles,now experiencing problems with second transmission when it snows and only when it snows, the transmission sputters and shuts down, let the car sit for two hours and it is ok very dangerous when driving

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  Best Car for the $$$ - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Kim - April 9 - 9:30 am

  After owning my fair share of Honda Civics, I decided it was time for a change. I wanted something that was good on gas and comfortable at a price that wouldnt break the bank. I test drove a Mazda3, Ford Focus & Hyundai Elantra before settling on the Versa. Im 100% satisfied with my decision. While an "economy" car, the Versa SL doesnt lack in quality. The quality of the interior fabric is superb. Its easy to clean & durable. All controls are placed logically & are easily accessible. The CVT is smooth and quiet. Love it!

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  My 3rd and BEST Z - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Z - April 9 - 9:10 am

  This is my 3rd Z and the BEST one. I had a 1991 and a 1994 300z but this is a awesome improvement. I look forward to driving it everyday. It is very fast and very good looking car. Handles well and it can move when you want to. I highly recomended it!