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:

• 

  Excellent Family Van - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By jod5 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Very nice van to drive that is relatively quiet. It does not feel as heavy and bulky as it really is. Fantastic acceleration, solid braking (althought soft pedal), and reasonable cornering ability. The kids love the dual screen DVD (I love the sound of silence that eminates from the rear). The Navigational System is wonderful. The center console design is really nice when the van is equipped with a Nav. system. Everything is right there in the center and your eyes track to the same area for speed and direction versus down for speed and over for direction. The AC and fan controls are right there also within easy reach. Passenger door ticking appeared at 500 miles (fixed).

• 

  The Murano is a JEWEL of an SUV! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By FirstTimeSUVer - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I drove about 8 mid-size SUVs before I settled on the Murano. Everything from the Kia Sorrento on the low end to the BMW X-5 and Lexus RX-330 on the high end. I decided that, for the money, the Murano was the best deal out there. The Murano has not disappointed. I love the way it looks, and so do others given the number of looks it gets on the road. I love the way it drives and rides. Very comfortable due to the many adjustments you can make to the driver and passenger seats. Gas mileage has been great so far -- 21/23, CVT transmission, which some reviewers dont like, has turned out to be a very pleasant surpise. No regrets at all. I love my Murano!

• 

  Awsome driving experience! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mr. Fisherman - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Ford, Chevy, and Dodge trucks in the past. I have NEVER been this happy with a truck, ever. versatility, form and function are all aparent at high levels. I tow a 22 boat and love the performance.

• 

  First review - thoughts - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nissanpathfinder - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have hard car for 1 week.Very Solid build quality. Drivetrain appears very solid. I hope to have similar experience as my Maxima which had unmatched quality and reliability. Only small issue I have is mis- allignmnet on back hatch. Base model very affordable for quality and based on past reliability.

• 

  frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By zeelodee - January 15 - 9:40 pm

  I enjoy the overall look and the handling of the vehicle. Also,the rockford sound system is a good addition to the truck.

• 

  Great Car for The Money!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By ChadO - January 15 - 12:46 pm

  Car is amazing!! The Altima is built tough and has plenty of features on the base model to make it practical for everyone to use!!

• 

  nice suv... - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By ramesh - January 15 - 8:50 am

  purchased 06 Murano last week, fun to drive and I love it. Drove Lexus (expensive with the same options) and Honda Pilot before buying this and guess what Murano is the best...

• 

  Love it - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Marisa - January 14 - 10:56 am

  This car has been a pleasure to own and drive. I have a long commute every day and this vehicle very comfortable-- smooth ride, spacious, comfy seats, low cabin noise. This car has TONS of trunk/storage room, way more than I expected and also has lots of head room. It does great with gas mileage and has plenty of pick-up on the highway. The SL is definitely worth the extra money. It has a much nicer interior and a center console (S does not).

• 

  Good Torque For a 4CYL - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By drdoz - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I was going to buy a 3.5 V6 but after driving the 2.5 I decided the larger engine was a little overkill. The variable valve timing, variable intake runners and 2.5 liters make power from take off though high RPMs. This may well be the most powerfull feeling 4 cylinder sedan in its price range. The car rides good; acomplished by increases in the wheelbase and is quiet. The fuel economy is on par with most cars in the class but not as good as an Accord. Maintenence should be less expensive as there is no timing belt to replace. The back seat is very spacious compared to any other midsize I have been in.

• 

  Great - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Wanda Allen - January 13 - 6:53 pm

  We have enjoyed our truck greatly. We love all the room it provides especially having 2 children and going on long camping trips. We have a 27 foot camper and have no problems with pulling it. We have even pulled the camper in the mountains with no problems. This will be 1 truck we keep until the wheels fall off.