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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  Navigating Nissan - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Howard - November 28 - 7:26 pm

  One of the best cars I ever owned was a Nissan Maxima. While a very different type of vehicle, the Murano offers the same responsive and well built qualities that my Maxima had. It is a pleasure to drive, and is very sure footed in the snow. Unlike the previous SUV I just traded in, the Murano is all wheel drive all the time, so there is no shifting to 4 wheel drive and grinding when backing up or turning at slow speeds. The Murano is smooth and responsive. The radio controls on the steering wheel. automatic lights, and others features are nice touches. Instead of trying to jam in a cramped 3rd row of seats, the Murano has spacious and comforable rear seats with plenty of room for 3 people.

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  Nice Truck Pro-4X - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By cascar - November 28 - 6:43 pm

  Bought 2010 used. Nice ride and awesome RF sound. Heated seats. Leather. No complaints at 72,000. Will go anywhere in snow and mud.

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  Great Small Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By NJ Versa - November 28 - 3:23 pm

  Affordable. Packed with features, space, and technology/amenities you wont find anywhere else... and trust me I looked. Unbelievable value for the money.

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  Love this car! - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By loveuggie - November 28 - 11:26 am

  Purchased this car a little over a month ago ~ has not yet failed to impress me. Gas mileage is excellent, performance is excellent, comfort is also excellent. Love the fun Nissan put into the overall appearance inside and out. The wind noise really isnt as bad as anticipated, but is noticeable. Was worried about winter driving, so took it to the mountains and drove up a steep muddy/snow covered gravel road ~ "Uggie" didnt miss a beat! Cannot wait to drive it in the snow now!! Overall, a very comfortable, fun car ~ Love It!!!

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  Avoid Mobil Gas - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By The Davester - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Extremely reliable. 2 months after I first bought the vehicle I had to get all of the fuel injectors replaced. The guy at the repair shop said it was due to the gas I was using. Up to that point I was using Mobil gas religously often going out of my was to get to a Mobil station. After the injectors were replaced I stayed away from Mobil gas and have used 76, Shell, and Chevron. Well, 5 years later and I have not had any problems with the fuel injectors getting clogged. My suggestion would be to stay away from Mobil gas just to be safe. The high gear 4WD can be quite dangerous on normal ashphalt.

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  Ugly yet beautiful - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Providence - November 28 - 10:00 am

  First this car is down right ugly, from the plastic grill to the huge tail lights. Yet all that matters is inner beauty. And when you pop that hood and take a look at the amazing VQ engine you will know what I mean. I bought my Max as a car to get me to and from college everyday. Four years later I have a degree and my Max. As a poor college student what I loved about this car is that it NEVER broke down. All I had to do is routine maintenance(tires, oil changes,brakes,filters,ect..) I also loved blowing away that kid in the civic at every red light. Now I am looking to upgrade to a new G35.

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  Dont buy a Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Moooo - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Nissan is not willing to work with you. It has left me on the side of the road several times. Has intermitent problems and not worth the money.

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  My Rano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Rcs - November 28 - 10:00 am

  When shopping for a new "ride" we happened upon the Murano. Talk about an eye catching magnet. After test driving the Murano, well the rest is history as it now has 12,000 miles on it after a little over 8 months. I love my Rono and my kids do as well. My son is in parent taught driving lessons therefore he gets to experience the handling of it as well and says Mom, this car (drive one and you will see why we call it a car) is awesome!!!! In driving home from the dealer I found on my way from the dealer the stability of handling was alot safer feeling. I love this SUV

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ymofz - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I bough the car 3 months ago. I prefered the Sentra over the competition... I dont understand why they are not the top seller. Underestimated maybe? I often hear people saying that Nissan cars are expensive!

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  Nissans finally done it! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mr.cool - November 28 - 10:00 am

  First time we saw the 04 Quest, we said this is for us! It reinforces the image of the owner. We got a lot of praises from curious onlookers; Thumbs-up signs from drivers who pass us by (even SUV drivers). We feel secure and proud inside. Its smooth yet so powerful. Very quiet. First minivan we drove w/ a sports car engine(350Z). Tried the Sienna and the Oddysy but it doesnt compare. finally nissan made a minivan that a dad can be proud of,even boast of!