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:

• 

  Its the little things - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By vabjames - October 30 - 10:03 am

  I love my Juke. Love the exterior styling. I receive many comments - mostly favorable. Its the little things that I didnt notice during the test drive that are worth pointing out. For this price point, you kinda expect to have power locks and auto up windows on both front doors rather than driver only. Also, the vanity mirrors are not lighted. As the only covered storage compartment in the entire car (aside from under the seats), a light in the glove compartment would be a welcome adsdition. As most of my driving is done solo or with my dachshund, it is the perfect car for me. No major complaints just a couple of minor gripes...

• 

  Never expected the goodies... - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Laura - October 30 - 10:03 am

  This SUV was the last of my test drives and I purchased it the same day. I got lots of interior space for 4-5 people, love the cockpit driver area with big dash board and over-abundance of added optional equipment. I went for "fully-loaded" with no regrets. Right away I was impressed with the quickness of acceleration and handling. Its a nice quite ride and the front dash is well centered and balanced with features. I have had no real issues and would repurchase a month later this same SUV. I find its cute to look at, easy to park and fun to drive. The gas mileage is accurate and now I just need to plan a trip to the mountains to fully appreciate this vehicle.

• 

  Nissan Convert - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Richie C - October 30 - 8:36 am

  As a proud/loyal owner of 4 Toyotas and in the market for a mid-sized pick up, it was a given that I was going to purchase a Tacoma. Keeping an open mind, however, I researched and conducted test drives on the Tacoma competition, Frontier Pro 4x in particular. I was blown away. Much quieter ride in the Frontier as well as "tighter" construction vs Tacoma. Bottom line, I am now a "Fronty" convert. Although I have only had a short while, I am very pleased with the purchase--will continue to evaluate and will post updates to review after a few thousand miles (plan an extended trip to the Rockies this summer). Bottom line--check out the Frontiers before you purchase--youll be glad you did

• 

  Third Pathfinder in a Row - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By P. Matthew - October 29 - 1:03 pm

  This is my 3rd. Had an 01 (my favorite), an 05 and just picked up an 08. Was initally looking for something bigger & w/side airbags standard, but for price, value & fun-to-drive I was back to the Pathfinder. Found an SE w/ side airbags which came loaded minus the leather seats. Ive had others including Cherokee and Volvo XC90 - Pathfinder has the best performance(very fast!), character, and lots of storage. Many of the materials on the 08 seem better than 05, the cabins quieter and the wheels/tires are larger, so its a slightly different ride. Doesnt seem to corner quite as well, but the 01 handled the best. The thick steering wheel feels just right, and the truck is easy to drive.

• 

  Great Altima - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By rhino20 - October 29 - 11:30 am

  A fun car to drive with a 4 cylinder that acts more like a 6. Great handling...takes curves at high speeds staying flat and giving great feel of road. I have had the 2.5SL for about 1 1/2 months and have put 1400 miles on it. Love the car so far and the gas mileage is very good...25+ in city and 35 on interstate. If it proves to be as reliable as my Hondas of the past, I will be back to Nissan in the future. If not, then back to Honda.

• 

  Nissan Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By bsyokoyama - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. I purchaed the LE which has many many standard features. The automatic liftgate and rear back up sensor are great additions. Very confortable, very well built except for the sunroof controls (very cheap looking). I was about to purchase a GMC SUV, but 3 of my neighbors who own one talked me out of it and I am glad I took their advice.

• 

  all the space youll ever want - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By el_santo - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car except for the a/c unit. Took it on a trip and on the way back it started doing funny things(the vents seem to have disconected and a very little if any iar was coming trough the vents, temperature of air went up as well). Took it to dealer and since the problem went way on its own they could not do a thing about it.

• 

  GREAT - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jrat - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I Just got my ne Rodster, White with blue top, It is AWSOME. So many looks from everyone. It may be my imagination but it seems like I get a lot o people trying to challange the performance on the road. They always lose!

• 

  Great Car/Bad Service - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Robert - October 29 - 3:56 am

  I love this car, I was one of the first people to buy the new Murano at my dealership when it came out. The only problem Ive had with it is the front cap is loose, and the dealer is having trouble fixing it. I love the comfort, we have done a lot of traveling, the car already has 28,000 miles on it, and not one complaint. Just wish I could get the service dept to do their job.

• 

  fun, reliable car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Two Nissan Man - October 28 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first Maxima and I would definitely buy another. The SE model is a really fun, sporty car with great road-hugging performance, especially with the Goodyear Eagle tires we have (our second set). I like the 98 design better than some of the newer models. The sound system is wonderful and reliability has been fantastic (current mileage 60,000). My daughter drives it mostly now and I feel confident the vehicle will operate flawlessly. She wont turn loose of it.