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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  Sold on Rogue - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By forevernissan - May 21 - 7:03 pm

  After owning a 2010 Murano SL for five years, I waited until the new body style to come out, convinced that was my next vehicle. After driving the new Murano SL, I realized it was bigger than the previous model and sat lower. As an empty nester, all the space didnt justify the high price. Drove the Rogue and realized it was the perfect fit for me. All the same bells and whistles for $10,000 less plus way better fuel economy than the V6 Murano - already averaging 28 mpg after two months.

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By T McCabe - May 21 - 2:30 pm

  First, I want to thank and recommend Edmunds to everyone. I shopped using their pricing quotes and I wasnt disappointed. I was able to get $1600 below the TMV, which at the time was below sticker just by using their price quote service. I bought the car back in August 04, I was switching from a full size SUV (Tahoe) to a car mainly for the gas mileage. I was looking for something economical but that still had some power like my truck. I found it in the Altima. This car is great. I love the power and the handling. It looks sleek both outside and in. I got the 3.5SL and its everything you would want in a car. I now drive an hour each way to work and I LOVE IT. Stereo really jams!

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  Not Everyone Needs Third-Row Seating!!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By blackdog - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I was shopping for a 4Runner, but couldnt justify $6,000 more for the same features. This SUV rides like a Maxima and the 240 hp. V6 runs very smooth. I have already put 4,500 miles on it in 4 weeks and so far I am very pleased. I also dont understand the complaints about the rear seats. I put mine up and down on a daily basis..Very EasY!! If you are like me and want a true midsize SUV, than the Pathfinder is a great deal. Remember, not everyone needs a third- row of seats!!

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  Better Than I Imagined - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Keesu - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought my loaded Murano about two weeks ago. Its a dream in many ways: ride, stereo, seating comfort, controls. My first choice was the Lexus 330, but for the price, the Murano is a much better deal. Got mine for MSRP out the door. Buy one of these if you want a reasonably priced sporty SUV with the comfort of a sedan and the utility of an SUV.

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  Amazing - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Charlie - May 20 - 10:00 pm

  Trading in my 04 Altima 2.5, I was very excited to get the V6. Man, can this thing fly! The handling is superb, turns at high speed are easy and its very comfortable. I love this car.

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  05 Xterra - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Janet - May 20 - 12:00 pm

  LOVE IT!!! I just traded in my GMC Jimmy of 10 years. Did not think I was going to find another SUV with such reliability and built, but I did. Looking forward to the next 10 years with this truck.

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  Excellent MPGs and price - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By robj80 - May 20 - 9:10 am

  I grabbed this 1.6 because I needed a car and didnt want a used one. I have never gotten less then 34mpg mixed driving. Its way better then the EPA rated. The car costs very little, insurance is hardly nothing and its so roomy.

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  Efficient, Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By JK - May 18 - 4:06 pm

  Owned truck since new for over two years now. Very dependable, not issues to report at this point. Gas mileage is around 27 in the city and around 30 on the highway (5 speed manual). Doesnt feel like a 4 cylinder. Pulled a 2000lb trailer with plenty of power still.

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  My 2014 Nissan NVP SL review - 2015 Nissan NV Passenger
  By Joe Flash - May 18 - 9:11 am

  I am very satisfied with my 2014 Nissan NV SL. I use this van for my business deliveries and personal use. Camping, road trips, etc. We dont have any children so I store most of the seats in my warehouse. I wanted the passenger van for the rear air conditioning. We drove our van from Florida to California for a Cross Country trip in 2014. We averaged about 18 mpg. We drove thru a lot of rain and It was a very comfortable and stable vehicle. The V8 Nissan Titan engine is a 500k mile engine. It has been tested many times by delivery and trucking companies. This is why Nissan gives you a 5 year or 100k mile bumper to bumper warranty. Many people are scared about driving this van because of its size. But with front and rear sonar sensors, large mirrors and the back up camera. It is easy to drive. The front and rear sensors also monitor the front and rear sides of the bumpers making it easier to park close to objects. Our Nissan NV is a Tow Monster. It pulls our 5000 pound travel trailer like its not even there. I have plenty of power to pass a vehicle if needed. The 5.6 liter engine produces 317 hp. I have owned Chevy and Ford vans and there were not very comfortable and had little cockpit room. The Nissan NV is the only vehicle made that has the engine forward like a pick up truck giving the driver plenty of room and comfort in the cockpit area. I dont have any negatives to say about my NV. This is a wide vehicle. The only modification I would like to see from Nissan is for them to add amber side mirror marker lights.

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  Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By T Scott - May 18 - 4:26 am

  Fun to drive and the best sounding stock truck I have ever heard. Poor fuel mileage. Moderate fit and finish.