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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  I got a good deal on a 2010 OFF ROAD - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Hardy - February 22 - 6:16 pm

  A week or so back I feel that I got a good deal on a OFF ROAD package. I got them down to $23,600. Out the door was about 27,700. Im 64 and I find the Xterra comfortable. I have not had the chance to take it off road yet but cant wait to. One of the selling points was the rear locking diffand the offroad lights. Its nice to see that comes stock for the offroad package. Also my wife loves the Bluetooth, portable Garmin navigation system and the Rockford Fosgate stereo. Buy one if you can find one at a good price

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  Best made sedan built in Mississippi - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Rusty Wolsleger - February 22 - 9:23 am

  No issues at all, great on MPG, Nashville to Jackson on a tank of gas! Comfort is great, compared to a old mans Camry, this is the car with style and reliability!

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  great truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Franks truck - February 21 - 4:23 pm

  Always dependable and I have to say this a manly feeling when you start to roll

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  Year and a half later with the Quest - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By sheggaw - February 20 - 6:00 pm

  We traded in a European luxury sedan for the Quest, an appropriate car for a growing family. Both me and my wife drive the van and it takes time to get used to it but once you get over the gas pedal softness, it becomes comfortable. Has ample power and gets OK gas mileage. Some of the materials they used to make the car are cheap and breakable. The only problem so far is the tire pressure sensor. Knowing that there are problems with the sensor by reading similar reviews, it seems like Nissan should have a recall for it. It accommodates 7 comfortably. From the outside, it is better designed than that the other box vans that you see on the road. The kids love it because of the ample space.

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  I studied the rest and bought the best! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By retirin99 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Researched several SUVs including Lexus, Acura, BMW, Honda, Pacifica, etc. Found the Murano offers all that I want in a more spacious vehicle with a price tag $$ less than all others I considered. Traded in LS400 so my expectations were very high. I couldnt be happier with performance of engine and transmission. Love the extra room, styling, handling, comfort, and ammenities in Murano. Couldnt justify $9,000 difference for Lexus RX330. Nissan has a winner here---recommend highly!!

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  They built the better mousetrap - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Paul James - February 20 - 10:00 am

  By far the safest, smartest, and fastest vehicle I have ever owned. My sense of well-being and safety when operating my Murano has never left me since my first test drive. Owning one means being prepared to describe to curious citizens just how beautiful of a car it is, and they do asked every time Im stopped somewhere.

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  Even with Standard, its GREAT!! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Josh - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I got nissan murano when I test drove one... It didnt take long decide to get this car... I was just looking for plain standard car but with many good features... and found Murano... one of the great cars Ive got... If I ever get a new car, Id get nissan murano again!!!

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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By A.S. - February 19 - 2:43 am

  This Sentra was a pleasant surprise. Tne car is clean, crisp, and sharp. It is very spacious in the front and in the truck, but a little cramped in the back seat...although, this was suspected--it IS a compact car. I found it an extremely great deal, and very reliable.

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  Best of 10 SUVs tested - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dr. Burton Katzen - February 18 - 11:46 pm

  I started looking for an SUV about 2 months ago, and tested 10 different ones, including Jeeps (I have owned 7 Jeeps in the past 20 years). The first thing that blew me away was the interior and quality of workmanship of the LE. They thought of everything! I drove the Cadillac, Mercedes, BMW 5 Series, Jeep Limited, etc. and my impression of the LE was that it should cost $10,000 more - The quality and design of the leather, the standard 3rd row, the Bose speakers (I actually started listening to classical music). Acceleration is superb. Handling is wonderful. Cant make the car rattle. Went to 4 different dealerships and would recommend DARCARS. Got best treatment and deal by far w/ no BS.

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  A great value - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brandon - February 18 - 9:56 pm

  This is a very fun to car to drive! One of the best values out there. The only things that can beat it are the STi and mitsubishi evo, but then you have to deal with thier spoilers and tough ride quality. The car is very quick and makes a beautiful noise while your on the throttle inside and out. Handling is excellent and acceleration is quick right from the dealer. I paid 22,000 grand for mine used, 0-60 in 5.4, brembo brakes, great exhaust note, great looks and you got a deal of the year. Sure you can get a Mitsubishi evo or a Subaru STi for around the same price or a used one cheaper but then you deal with jarring suspension and huge spoilers and street racer looks. Z is a great deal.