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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  Nissan has a few bugs. - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By saintro - January 19 - 7:12 am

  Overall the Murano is good vehicle. That being said it like many other cars, Im sure, is not without it faults. To date failures include: The passenger side sun visor flops down and refuses to stay up or forward. The side of the leather seat(the vinyl part) has split into an "X" for no apparent reason and the airbag light is flashing and is going to have to be replaced to the tune of $1000. The seat and visor is also a complaint in other Nissan model, that apparently is not an issue to Nissan.

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  Love my Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By gemini - January 19 - 12:20 am

  The Altima is the best car in its class. Totally awesome good looks, sporty and extremely economical. I do a 50/50 split hwy and city. During normal driving mid 30s fuel economy. If I baby it, Ive gotton close to 40 mpg. Gauges are easy to read day or night. Standard halogen lamps, push start, all standard. I love the fact that I never have to pull the keys out of my pocket. The 4cyl Altima easily beats 4 cyl Accord and Camry of the line and passes better as well. All for a car that is in the low 20s.

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  Read carefully-good car with minor annoyances. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mred72 - January 18 - 3:39 pm

  I bought this car with 6,000 miles on it. Dealership had reprogrammed the CVT so the notorious vibration at low RPMs is somewhat eliminated. The entire rear lighting assembly was replaced as others complained about. Car DOES NOT get much more than 33 MPG as of writing this, but it should improve in warmer weather, at least it better (I drive all highway). Still its better than the 26 MPG I was getting in my 05 V6 Avalon and Solara. Very nice handling and little road noise. Comfortable car, fit and finish done very nicely. Had fog lights installed afterward. Makes a big difference in distribution of lighting.

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  Well built suv ,fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Richard James - January 18 - 11:00 am

  This is the first suv I have ever owned. From the time i drove out of the dealership until today i have never had more fun driving any other vehicle. From its great handling to its clean lines i gould not be happier in my choice to purchase this vehicle.

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  Worth the money - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By Vijaiendran sv - January 17 - 11:56 pm

  If you are looking for performance at its best for the cheapest cost. This is your car. Dont expect to look for Porsche performance or bmw interiors or miata mileage. This has its own craze among people and Nissan provides the best in class for the bucks spent.

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  My new favorite - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Madog - January 17 - 8:50 pm

  Last winter I couldnt get out of my drive in my 2wd Explorer so I went in search of a replacement. I ended up with an 07 SE 4wd. After about 7 months and 15500 miles of use, Im still very pleased with my purchase. I live on unimproved dirt roads that get severely rutted during heavy rains. The 4wd has came in handy numerous times, along with the other off-road capabilities.

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  Finally Happy A Year Late - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By George G - January 17 - 12:37 pm

  I was shopping a car for myself a year ago and accidently came across Murano which was even on my radar screen before that day. I was so attracted by the comfort and finish of the interior / seats that I made a kind of rush decision and bought Murano instead. The car has run smooth for 18,000 miles and comfortable like piloting a spaceship, but for a year, I have had a kind of regret for my rush decision not my original plan. I am shopping a car for wife now and test drove a BMW 535 xDrive (my wifes choice). I was so surprised when I set in the BMW. The sale person saw the surprise on my face and mistaken that I was awed by BMW. I was actually stunned by how primitive and noise its interior feels and how cumbersome its controls ( not touch screen??). If this is what BMW can offer, I am very happy with my Murano now, Finally, A year later.

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  99 nissan maxima GLE - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By mannyp - January 16 - 8:56 pm

  After 6 yrs of tough desert driving this car still has it. Fun to drive, great acceleration, and not a single problem thus far. Drives like the day i drove it off the lot.

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  best bang for your buck - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By therupster - January 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car in 98. No A/C, no power anything. Put in our own radio three times and going on the fourth (stolen). I dont agree that it has much pep. But it is very reliable. I just put in a new battery, and probably only spent $450 on it in 5 years (including tires and brakes -- not including other regular maintainance and theft repair). Great car, easy to work on, and generally cheap parts. I get 40 miles/gallon when we drive out East.

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  Altima SE, 2001 - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By John Lampe - January 16 - 10:00 am

  The car has been a zero defect vehicle. It does everything well. The standard six CD in-dash radio is a delight. the std four wheel disc brakes are excelent as well as the sport suspension. It has been totally reliable so far (30k miles).