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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  Fun Machine - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By TMRST - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I have put 1,000 miles on the Armada - city and highway driving - and it is averaging a little over 20 miles to the gallon; why does the editors review state that mileage is dismal? This is better mileage than the other large utes. The seats in my Armada are leather; and again I disagree with the editor in that my wife and I find the seats very comfortable. This is a fun vehicle to drive.

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  thre right stuff - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By griff graham - December 17 - 10:00 am

  another awsome nissan.....one key is that the vehicle is manufactured in japan

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  350z review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By mhoweoffices - December 17 - 10:00 am

  the most fun driving since high School. Like driving a high performance go cart. Performance is unbelievably smooth and quick. ease of control is only surpassed by the incredibly great look of the car

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  Good Small Family Car - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Melissa Kieffer - December 17 - 5:43 am

  The 2005 Nissan Murano has a smoother ride than most SUVs. It took a while to get use to the transmission, but after I got use to it, I liked it. It rides a lot better than my old 2001 Lincoln Navigator did, but it is a lot smaller.

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  WOW!!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan guy forever - December 16 - 10:43 pm

  This is my first Maxima, I love it! Its fast, fun, and sexy, its got hips. The Premium pack and I love the double sunroof, just wish the rear one opened. There is an endless power feeling with the CVT trans. With front wheel drive it doesnt feels so much like a sports car, but it handles at a top notch level. On and off ramps can be a lot of fun. If you want the balls to the wall sports car, drop the kids off at grandmas, and buy the 370Z. MPH is not the greatest, but its a big V6. All in all, Ill buy another one when it comes time.

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  No Surprises - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jack - December 15 - 7:36 pm

  I have only had this car about a month so I cant say it is broken in by any means and the temperature has been below freezing most of the time. This car meets all my expectations and then some. I was concerned about reading about the "shudder" transition from electric to gas but I found that only noticable at a full stop and not a problem. While driving it is smooth and responsive. I cant wait for warmer weather. On my first tank I hit about 34 mpg which is about the current EPA. I expect in warmer weather that it will improve. Got the tech package and I am glad I did. Seats are a big improvement over the standard cloth. Even now this baby gets me about 15 more per gallon than my previous

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  Sports car that doesnt look like one! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Skelley - December 15 - 1:43 pm

  Mother of 2 here, this is my second altima purchase - first was a base model 3 years ago. This upgraded version is well worth it! This is one fast car for what Im used to. Love the added features. Intererior is a little dark, but overall I am highly please with this family/sporty car! CUP HOLDERS are much better than the huge ones they used to put in. better storage too!

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  SER Spec-V - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Christiani - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Asked for a free price quote thru Edmunds, got a 2003 Spec-v with Audio package ,mats and microfilter for $16835 plus tag title and taxes . What a car for that money. Other 4 Bangers had to be downshifted to get anywhere , Not the SER . Shifting is short and precise , alittle clunky , but its great to have six speeds . Tires and rims look great . If you are looking for the best bang for your buck , look no further than your local Nissan dealer.

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  The BEST - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Garik - December 15 - 10:00 am

  have owned the vehicle for almost a year, and not regretting it. The best truck/suv in its line, enough space for everrything with long bed option.

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  Murano is worth the money - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By chivazo - December 15 - 5:53 am

  Besides the location of the rear cup holder and the dashboard dimmer you get a lots of car for the money. Excellent handling and performance. Rear seats are very comfortable. Got 22 average miles per gallon on my first tank using 87 regular.