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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  A Dream Come True - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By BlueMurano410 - September 14 - 3:43 am

  I LOVE this SUV. Wanted one for 2 years and I still pinch myself each time I walk up to it. Good acceleration, good ride (SE)! Corners and drives like a sports car, but will go through 14" inches of snow and climb curbs if needed. Bose radio is outstanding. Heated seats great in winter. Adjustable pedals and seat make it comfortable for short (53") women to drive and dont have to hop into it. Super vehicle. NOT DISAPPOINTED at all!

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  Watch Out - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Aron - September 14 - 3:33 am

  Love this car. The acceleration is very impressive and the ride on the highways make the trip zoom by. Bluetooth option is much better than I have had before. Stereo system can really crank tunes. The key is super convenient. Very Happy with purchase and would recommend to all. Price, quality and fun.

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  The Best SUV for the bucks - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Mikey Knows - September 14 - 1:53 am

  Before I bought the Xterra I did a lot of research. I needed an SUV with 4wd that was under $30,000 that was big enough for a family of 4. The gas mileage for the V-6 is not the best, but if you want better mileage then youre stuck with a 4 cyl micro SUV with little cargo space.Cargo space kicks butt in the Xterra compared to other SUVs below $30k & the roof rack is SOLID TUBE METAL not flimsy plastic.I strapped lumber, doors, & other big stuff with no problems(Max weight is 20lb) You do have to remove the rear seat bottoms to have the seats fold flat,which is good and bad.The Xterra drives like a 4x4 truck,it is no where as bad as a jeep. But like a jeep you will never get stuck in snow & mud.

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  1 Year Review - 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrcarp - September 14 - 12:50 am

  One year old with a little over 7,000 miles. No complaints and does what I need and expect it to. Driver seat leather holding up...still watching it and putting leather preservative on it monthly.

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  first_time_user - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By 033277 - September 13 - 1:04 pm

  I just replaced my 2001 Ford Explorer Sports Trac with 225k miles, its the best move I have ever made. Presently, Im going to average a little over 30 miles to the gallon...considering the winter conditions of WI and commuting. Big relief at the wallet! Reliability time will tell; will post more...

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  Nissan Sentra, A great buy! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By skutte - September 13 - 8:53 am

  This car has stolen my heart with its reliability. My car has 180,000k and it still runs like a new car. The only trouble i had was replacing the breaks and the rotors because the breaks had no squeakers. The Nissan Sentra is a great buy.

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  Knock at low speed. - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By rajacars - September 13 - 7:11 am

  I Hear a knock at low speed, its one time after you start and move the car. It looks that nissan doesnt car enough to fix this issue. hoping that nissan takes this issue serious, as Maxima is nissans flagship sedan. if the reputation is spoiled its difficult to gain it back.

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  Smooth Operator - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Tony - September 13 - 5:53 am

  I have had my Murano less than a week and I applaud NIssan for a well put together vehicle!! I am enjoying every driving opportunity! This stylish SUV handles very well! In addition, the Boise sound system is positioned well to produces a high quality sound! I think you will be impress with the 2016 Murano!

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  Love It!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bryan Wickel - September 12 - 11:30 pm

  I was in the market for a new car and was able to pick this up from a friend that deals in used cars. I purchased it with 3200 miles on it, which makes it practically new. Absolutely love it! Very peppy for a 4 cyl. Great room and comfort. Quiet and handles like a dream. Classy looking and looks like a much more expensive car.

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  Love my car! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Marajc - September 12 - 10:06 pm

  I bought my Nissan Sentra in 2003, right off the lot. I wanted something dependable. I had my first issue with the car at 85,000 miles. I had to replace a belt, $30. At 93,000 miles I replaced a battery, $75. At 115,000 miles I replaced a sensor, $160. An now at 125,000 miles I have another $50 issue. So in 7 years, I have only put $315 worth of parts in it(minus tune ups, oil changes, & tires). I cant complain AT All! Daily Driver and now is managing to be my childrens car to learn to drive it. I trust it completly with my kids. Just not sure that I trust my kids with the car! :) My next new car will be a Nissan. Hope this one lasts over 300,000 miles though!