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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  Excellent choice - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Erwin5353 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had it for 4 months. Excellent vehicle.

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  Great SUV !! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By BobPr - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Glacier Pearl Murano ( Leather Package ) after months of deliberation and test driving numerous SUVS. I narrowed it down to the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander.The previous vehicles were nice but donot come close to the Murano in Performance,Handling or Braking.The CVT which I must say after reading some Editors Reviews had me concerned. I just returned from a trip to the Mountains ( Lake Tahoe ) and was Blown away by the Performance. The CVT is SMOOTH and RESPONSIVE. This is a GREAT SUV !! If I encounter any Problems I will Post a Follow Up .

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  show - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BO. WILLIAMS - September 4 - 10:00 am

  best truck made. for price and budget. exceeds highest standards than most. best built longer lasting truck on the market.

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  Dont Be Fooled - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Fooled - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the truck thinking it was an off- road machine, wrong. Alternator died on me and the dealer said it was due to being dirty and wouldnt fix it under warranty. The truck has about 38k on it and it rattles like an Army truck. Gas Mileage is terrible. Installed a cold air intake and flowmaster and still dont have the advertised mileage. Highway miles average about 15.25 and city is 17.85 even with mods. Truck is sluggish at best on the street but does perform off-road. Watch out for front hubs coming un- lubed easily. DONT GET THE 5 SPEED, ill leave it at that!!!

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  I Love This Car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By papillion - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership looking for a new car. I thought I would get one that was a year or two old, maybe a Sentra. I thought what the heck, lets go ahead the test drive the new Altima, and I really liked it. There is a ton of room, it looks cool, and it is fun to drive. I would recommend the Altima to anyone looking to buy a new car!

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  Nissan Altima 2.5SL w/Nav - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Dave22 - September 4 - 4:03 am

  I looked at Accords, Acura TSX, Mazda 6, and even a used Lexus ES 350. Hands down for the money I feel like I couldnt find a better car. I ended up leasing a brand new 09 Altima 2.5 SL w/nav. Has all the features of high end vehicles w/o the price tag. If your looking for a smooth looking car with great features this is a hard one to beat!

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  Test Drive at Nite A Must! - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Sarah - September 4 - 1:20 am

  In all the cars Ive owned, never would I have thought to test-drive at nite to check the visibility in a car for the headlights. Wish I wouldve. As much as I like my 2013 Altima, the headlights suck! Like one of the reviews, you really cant see past 100-150 feet ahead of you and going faster than 60mph....is tough when youre not familiar with the roads unless you are following someone! Im looking into purchasing road lamps. That should help, but its ridiculous! Dont buy this car or any until you test-drive at nite. And the car was steering and pulling like when youre on the frwy in those grooves....even when youre not. Talk about increasing the play of the traction/steering when youre in the rain on the freeway! No time to relax and drive.....had to take the car into Mossy for them to repair and they couldnt figure it out and Temecula Nissan was able to correct the issue. Dont ask what it was as I forget sadly but Im sure the mister remembers. Each car is like a kid, even tho they come from the same parents just like twins, they are all different so be sure to test drive the car you want to buy before buying and test drive at nite too on a road/frwy you arent familiar with and read the reviews. Youd swear the poor visibility of my headlights was due to the plastic cover being 10 years old and needs polishing but thats NOT the case. Good luck and hopefully Nissan will read these reports and no that there is a valid and legitamate issue with these headlights! Otherwise, yes I like my car!

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  Nissan quality rules! - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bluek9 - September 4 - 12:50 am

  I bought my 1995Nissan Pathfinder as a second vehicle to haul my dogs. It is roomy enough for two with seats down. it is a good, tough, reliable truck. I baby it but am first putting on normal mileage after seven years of less than normal miles. At 38,000 miles I replaced poor General Inc tires (OEM). Those tires were terrible. I replaced them with Michelin All Terrain & I love em. At 55,000 miles (eight years old) I replaced the front brakes, rotors, calipers & boots. This was not a big deal considering the mileage & age fo the truck. At 63,000 miles (nine years old) I replaced the alternator (expensive...$300 just for parts). Despite this normal maintenance, I am very satisfied with its toughness & durability. it is a good value.

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  Best decision ever!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By kc1987 - September 3 - 11:33 pm

  I love the new 08 Altima, I shopped around between an accord, camry, malibu, and even a 3 series and still loved the altima more! This car wont let you down. When you need the power to pass in a short passing zone, all it takes is a little bit more pressure on the gas pedal and your gone. The CVT is way more favorable than I expected, although the engine is a bit more noticeable. Comfy cloth seats with microfiber trim, but everything does stick to the microfiber.

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  Light bulb!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Vancouver - September 3 - 8:13 pm

  Bought this car used, with 15k miles on it. I had a previous Maxima (96) that I drove for 8 years. This is a different car, nice, good visibility and good handling. Quiet and very powerful engine (265 Hp). I wish it had a 6 speed manual but Nissan does not make enough of. I am at 55k miles, and love it. Fuel economy unpaired, if you drive it on the hwy for this size of engine (29-30 m/gl and 20-22 in the city). Always I get the best fuel because this car loves it. At 37k the front light bulb died and service wanted to charge me over $160.00+tx. I could not believe it, but thanks to e-bay I was able to replace it for $36.00 plus my time. Consider maintenance cost when you buying this car.