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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  Great SUV but styling no longer excites - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By thegmen - January 26 - 1:26 am

  Its reliable, comfortable and well made. Best vehicle Ive ever owned. Interior materials not as premium as they look. Leather wrinkles on drivers seat have begun to crack thru. Simulated alloy trim on center console dents easily.

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  Unresolved problems - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By dianne - January 25 - 3:43 pm

  Brakes squeal. Popping sound from front wheel area sounds like the strut when turning engine clatters as if out of oil. Steering wheel and passengers seat vibrate. Stereo has cuts in and out, speakers have a lot of static at times. There have been times radio would not come on at all after a car wash. Dash and front right door rattle.

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  3rd review at 18mos of ownership - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By whilte knight - January 25 - 9:30 am

  After 18 mos, still a great truck and I am very happy with it. No mechanical problems at all. Service at dealership has been great. Just got back from a trip into the Colorado Mtns. and it did great on the steep and winding roads. Plenty of power with the 4cylinder. Got my best gas mileage yet of 27.3 mpg coming down out of the mountains. So far have averaged 24 mpg in 13,000 miles of driving with 90% as highway driving. No towing.

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  1999 Nisan Sentra - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By jayson - January 24 - 2:00 am

  good review needs little bit lower in rear. needs bigger engine for kinda heavy car

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  A great off road truck - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By enb74 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have own the Xterra for almost a year and I go everywhere with it. I bought this truck for Off-road and 4X4 driving as well as to serve me and my wife. The truck is GREAT. High capability and great ground clearance. Good transmission and performance. The seat could be better, they donÂ’t give you much to play with even thou my is full loaded. The 6 CD in dash FM-AM radio with RDS system is great and the 6-speaker system has a good sound. The instruments panel is not a good point for the Xterra. It is hard to read and if you tilt the steering wheel down you canÂ’t see the signaling lights.

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  Great Vehicle; Fuel Economy Surprise - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By SmOkEy - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It drives and handles very similarly to a sedan and gets me through the 12-18inches of snow that we occasionally get here. Plus it is very fast for its size. The stereo an six disc changer are very nice as well. Finally, the curb appeal is definitely there. My wife (who drives most of the time) was asked about the Murano every day for the first two weeks that we owned it. The only hitch is that I am getting 7-10 mpg less than the average that was advertised and 5- 8mpg less than the minimum stated in the drivers manual.

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  Great Vehicle; Fuel Economy Surprise - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Smokey - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It drives and handles very similarly to a sedan and gets me through the 12-18inches of snow that we occasionally get here. Plus it is very fast for its size. The stereo an six disc changer are very nice as well. Finally, the curb appeal is definitely there. My wife (who drives most of the time) was asked about the Murano every day for the first two weeks that we owned it. The only hitch is that I am getting 7-10 mpg less than the average that was advertised and 5- 8mpg less than the minimum stated in the drivers manual.

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  Tire trouble - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By fred w - January 22 - 1:33 pm

  I had the truck for one day and took it back to the dealership for severe vibration with rear tires. The service manager told me this was a problem on some trucks and to come back in 1000 to 1500 miles if I still had the problem. Took it back next day and they changed both rear tires after the computer said they were out of specs.

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  It is a smooth quick runner - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Timothy Howell - January 21 - 4:43 am

  I have owned it 2 weeks and I think this car will be the best in all areas. I have owned 12 autos (54 years of age)

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  2008 Xterra Experience - 2013 Nissan Xterra
  By suzuski - January 20 - 4:00 am

  Bought an 18 runabout w/ trailer so traded-in a 2004 RAV4 for a used (14kmi) Xterra in 2008. Couldnt be happier. Plenty of power and tows very well. Mileage? Average 19mpg with 16 the lowest and 24 the highest. Very practical load carrying. RAV4 very noisy. When I rep laced the tires I didnt care about longevity and asked for the quietest tires available. The Xterra has very little road noise. Interior is basic with little gingerbread, thus no trim to fall off or rattle. Im a Zen kind of guy and wish to keep things simple. There is only 63000 miles on it but when it comes time to buy a new car Ill seriously consider another Xterra (assuming Nissan stills builds them).