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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  2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By big daddy - December 4 - 12:23 pm

  This car handles like a dream, I dont know why the other peoples mpg is so bad. My fuel economy is kickin. I get near 30 on the hwy and more like 24 in town. But I get the better octane. I feel better that way. Anyway, If theres anyone hesitant, they should stop worrying and just get the car. I love the interior, especially the fit and finish of the materials and the two seat memory is nice too.

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  2004 Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By wadelington - December 3 - 10:07 am

  I owned this truck for about five years. The best truck I ever had. Looks good and is a conversation piece.

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  Easy to live with every day - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TimmyBones - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Great power finally! The old engine was so weak! 3.5 is awesome. Handling is great. Reliabillity is excellent.

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  Comfort Zone - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By NickWood - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The truck is great. The only thing I really would complain about is the gas mileage, but its an SUV, I knew what I was getting into as far as fuel consumption when I looked into them. Its a quality machine and I enjoy driving it.

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  Glad I Bought It - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Virginia Guy - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I grew up with Jeeps, and still love them, but I have been extremely impressed with my new Pathfinder. I bought it almost on a whim (I had been looking at sedans), but I test drove one on a Saturday, and bought it on Tuesday. It has been great in the 30+ inches of snow weve had in D.C. since I bought it, and the heated seats have been great.

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  Changed my mind - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By MN - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Like below, owned it for a week. Traded in a sports car for this b/c of a change in needs. Wasnt expecting to like it as much as my toy, but its definitely won me over. Surprisingly enough, Not sure Ill ever go back... Fun to drive, great sound system

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  Starting to roll - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bluecrab - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought out Murano SL about three weeks ago and have been more than pleased with our "Pewter Panther." Ride, handling, comfort are all aces. We were looking for touring machine that can go down the long road with performance and comfort and to the grocery nimbly and pratically. Weve found what we were long lookin for.

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  Murano-Go! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Swisher Sweet - December 2 - 2:00 am

  My Test drive with the Nissan Salesman sold me on the car; he drove first, and stomped on it showcasing the cars acceleration 7.7 sec to 60mph!!! He took the car up to 80mph, and then did some quick lane change manuevers and the car stayed flat, composed and handled it with aplomb!!! Drives wonderful, well controlled for such a beast 3900lbs! Xenon HIDs are a must, crisp! Interior accomodations are very good, comfortable, spacious, great use of space. Navigation system is a nice tool and Birds-eye view is a nice improvement! Versatility!

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  Is This A Family Saden?? - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 42386 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for $22,700..asking price was $25,995 brand new on may 23,02 this car has some serious power. My 3.5 SE goes 0-60MPH in 6.7secs, and does the quater in 14.9secs. This car has 240HP and 246trq. I love this car,.. its stylish and most of all its ballzie.

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  "Very Nice!!!!!!!" - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By joeeeeeee - December 2 - 12:00 am

  I traded in my 99 Stratus for a new 07 Sentra 2.0 S with the Convenience Package. I never thought I would buy a Sentra, but after looking at the Civic, Mazda 3 and Jetta this car had the most bang for the buck. The car rides incredibly smoothly down the road and feels substantial driving down the interstate. As a taller guy I have more than plenty of leg room. The CVT transmission feels different, but ok after getting use to. Six speaker sound, AUX jack, sharp looks, bluetooth and lots of other features really make this car stand out from competition. I wouldnt recommend living in this car, but I would highly encourage a test drive.