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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  never thought i buy anything but a gm pr - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By dan - October 29 - 3:50 pm

  the best crossover i tested, and i tested most,the handing is great, the power is very good, i just love the transmisson. the comfort was the best, friends tell me the back seat is also very comfortable. what can i say? great job nissan. i just wish you could get it with a lumbar for passenger seat!!

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  Excellent commuting car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By TD - October 29 - 3:46 pm

  Purchased the 4dr hatchback SL with CVT and I have been impressed with the quality of options such as the 6 disc cd changer. The elbow rest is nicely padded which is respective of the quality of the rest of the interior. The rear seating is very impressive with two car seats and no feet pressing against the back of my seat, Im happy. The tires could be a little wider so the ruts left by semi- trailers wouldnt grab the vehicle so easily.

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  Good car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RICH - October 29 - 1:46 pm

  Had no issues with mine except like alot of other people, had to change the front rotors. Other than that and new tires, no problems

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  I overall like my car - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Shaquille - October 29 - 1:10 am

  I think the car kind of depends on where you get your car from. If you get it from a crappy dealer who has like 3 or 4 owners then i wouldnt get it. I got my car at 62k (it was a rental, Igot it from Hertz car sales.) I am not at 85k and all I chaaged was wheel barons and oil changes on the regular. I drive about 300-380 miles a week thats just a guess. I drive alot and i love this car, I have no complaints. I love acceleration, push start and keyless entry. Great features for a a weaker model i fill up my tank on sunday and i dont fill up again until friday....... So the gas mileage is good to me, its roomy and i have great trunk space. This is a great car for young adults..

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  Nice truck - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GEORGE - October 28 - 6:20 am

  It drives pretty nice, looks a lot better than other similar american made models in its class,

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  Love my Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By toner - October 28 - 2:00 am

  So far this vehicle has been a pleasure to own. Only the routine maintenance has been performed so far and Ive put 20,000 miles on it. The engine provides plenty of power on tap for any situation, and the car like handling characteristics sometimes makes me forget Im driving an SUV. My only complaint is that this truck is THIRSTY! My fuel mileage is terrible at about 12 MPG average, and that is compunded by the fact that premium fuel is recommended.

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  sooooooooo nice - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By soontoretire - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery of my polished pewter charcoal int. + all options except the entertainmente system on 2/28.Have logged a bit over 600 miles so far, combo of hiway and city, with an average MPG of 22.1 system calculated and manual.In that Im eligible to get on the social security wagon,its likely that my body has logged more miles than most who have an interest in the Murano design.However, this vehicle is by far the most comfortable and satisfying vehicle Ive driven in my lifetime.

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  This is "The Truck" - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joehova - October 27 - 2:40 pm

  This truck has been nothing but stellar! From daily driving to some serious off roading, the 05 Frontier has done nothing but amaze me. When I first heard about the truck I almost overlooked the truck, only because Im not a fan of the older styling but when I saw it on the lot, I ate my own words. The new body style stands out in a crowd, especially with the NISMO package. Of course, the body style isnt the whole package. The new VQ40DE engine is a real power house and doesnt require premium fuel. This engine performs, hands down. Interior is comfortable and looks geat. Not too much cab noise other than the tires (What do you expect with A/Ts?). Any other tricks for the competition nissan?

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  City boy truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By jimbo - October 27 - 1:03 pm

  Titan is my first full size pickup. chose it over cookie cutter Ford F150, F250 and GMC/Chevy. i liked all those truck appearances but too common. Fell in love with the Titan FFV 2wd LE crew cab. its sneaky big. Interior is huge with lots of hip and leg room. Has more rear/front leg room than wifes Suburban. Locking Leer bed tonneau makes for a huge weather proof trunk! Heated seats are large and comfy. Rock/Fosgate stereo is awesome. a/c is great. Truck rides great, i even put a 2 inch leveling kit on front to level the look. just a great vehicle for everyday city use. it will never get in the mud or go hunting, but can carry 20 sets of golf clubs i bet.

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  Exceptional! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By cubist in SC - October 27 - 5:40 am

  I bought the cube out of necessity. I have bad arthritis in feet and knees and needed something to get in and out of easily. When I test drove it, I liked the feel and handling better than Murano, Rogue , Vue or Compass. I had to take stuff to a son in college, NO PROBLEM ! I put a 3 ft.x2 ft. fridge, three cases of bottled water, and a 19" Old style TV in the back of this puppy and still had room for more and a passenger. I have had the car for a year now and I am still as in love with it now as I was 15,000 Miles ago. For you fuddy duddies, dont turn away because of the appearance, this is one great car!