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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  Glad I buy this - 2012 Nissan Murano
  By k100fun - December 15 - 3:17 am

  Im in the market for a Mid size crossover SUV, and end up purchase this lovely model when I nail down between the Lexus RX350 and the Murano. I select the SL model for the leather and the power lift gate. The main reason that I choose this model is the handling and performance. Suspension is stiff enough to handle the curve and it maintain reasonable comfort riding. Nissan do a good job on balancing the suspension for handling & comfort. 3.5 V6 is powerful and I get about 19.5 Hwy with average speed of 70-80. The CVT transmission is one of the best in the market. You feel no gear change at all, just silky smooth. I bet you will get spoil and wont go back to a traditional tranny again.

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  THE MAX! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr Max - December 14 - 10:56 pm

  This car although easily overlooked in todays automobile market is truly one of a kind! I was so impressed with its many features and comfort that while I was waiting for an Infiniti to be transfered from another dealer I decided to take it for a drive. I instantly fell in love with it and decided to purchase it. It now has 57K miles and still running and looking brand new! All the electronic equipment is in great working condition! If you are in the market for a new car dont buy one until you have test drove a maxima! In todays world if you want to drive a luxury car and dont want the price tag of a premium sedan which will just get banged up in the parking lot then the maxima is for yo

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  Love the car - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Lslblues - December 14 - 2:58 pm

  Fun to drive stick. Averaging 34.7 mixed city/highway. Large interior and trunk. Great car and got a fantastic deal.

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  Nissans Entry Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Commuter Man - December 14 - 2:36 pm

  In short, great car! I bought this car for its features, price and mpg, in that order. At 16K in todays market I did not expect a performance vehicle. I wanted good transportation that was safe and economical. The ride is great for a compact econo-box. The engine is quiet most of the time and it performs well in city and on the highway. This would be a perfect car for a college student or a commuter of any age. My average mileage is 30 mpg and I am quite pleased with that. On occasion it is called on to carry 5 adults and it does so with reasonable comfort. The leg room in this car is amazing! I have had no mechanical issues and the fit and finish is excellent.

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  I Love My Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Ann Wilson - December 14 - 9:10 am

  My car is wonderful. I would buy another if I was ready to trade. The only problem is the blind spot on both sides of the back.

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  Drivers door lock is a real problem - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Brenda Rinebold - December 14 - 1:20 am

  I am very pleased with my 2004 Murano. The first week I had my new murano I thouhgt I would go out at night to see the appearance of the head lights. Well, I shut the door, with the car still running. When I tried to get back in, the door had locked me out. I had to call road service and the auto dealership. The dealership sent someone to open the door. I took it back to have this fixed. It was not repaired and I was told that maybe I was hitting the lock by accident(duh!) Well now I still have the problem, but I am not going to take my SUV all the way there to be told that this is a flaw with this model. I have to make sure I have my keys at all times. This is a poor feature.

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  A dream car, but dreams arent perfect - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Sherrill - December 12 - 9:13 pm

  I drove my 1986 300ZX until 2005 and sold it for a great price even then. In the 370, it took a bit to get used to such tight steering and a great spring in the clutch. Another feature not to be forgotten is a very effective breaking system - press gently. I drove the car very carefully for 2 or 3 days. Now, I am taking curves at speeds that would tear a sedan off the road. This car sticks. I have a great feel for it. Still glad I took time to break things in gently. I have put 700 miles on so far. And summer awaits!

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  u better get one - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By path finder - December 11 - 6:26 pm

  I had this car for a week and the odometer reads 527 miles already. It is extremely fun to drive it. I have to admit the seats are very comfortable along with the car ride. You can fill up gas tank with about $42 and it will go for about 345 miles.

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  Amazing - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By arif - December 11 - 10:10 am

  Amazing car. Feels like a Jaguar while on the road, and total confidence off road. Fuel economy a little low, but, hey, arent all SUVs? Bought brand new in March 2002 and no problems at all. Thats why it has amazing resale in our part of the world. Prettiest 4x4 in terms of exterior, while interior is comfortable and functional. All in all, $ for $ the best SUV in the world. Its ripe for replacement as its approaching 4 years, but I cant find any alternative that will match it for build quality, comfort, ergonomics and performance in that price range. So I guess Ill be keeping it!

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  Green Machine - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By neorik - December 11 - 9:16 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Handles like a small car but with lots of space. Leather seats are comfortable. Four cylinder provides plenty of power for me. Receiver works well. I love this car.