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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  I LOVE MY MURANO - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By D.Aydelott - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my car a friend/saleman and my husband both who work for serrs nissa in centerpoint alabama talked me into this vechile and its the best thing ever.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jesiminn - September 22 - 10:00 am

  it is soooo fun to drive and youll always get a look, even from other convertible drivers. It should have been an 8 cylinder but you cant have your cake and eat it to. The only thing I dont really like is the breaking on this car. It doesnt seem to break smoothly. Besides that buy it!

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  Not Bad! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mangtas - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Owned it for 3 weeks now so, I think its time to write a review. I was a bit disappointed on the the first 3 days after I picked up the car. I found a broken (split) rubber molding on the upper right corner of the rear right passenger door. I was surprised that Nissan didnt catch this problem while conducting their quality assurance on this at the factory. But the staff at Extreme Motors really did an excellent job of fixing the problem. They ordered the part for me right away and fixed the problem as soon as the part arrived. The quality of the repair was excellent.

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  Wonderful car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Gerri - September 22 - 6:13 am

  I went from a large SUV to this Versa. I love it! I get twice the gas mileage with comfortable sized interior, good power, great styling & features! I have a sunroof & bluetooth, CD stereo pkg. Hatchback has easy entry trunk w/ fold down back seats.

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  Great Car so far - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By austin1982 - September 20 - 9:10 pm

  I have had this car for a little over a year and I am very impressed with it. It gets a little better gas mileage then the 2010 Lacrosse that I traded for it, but the power is sooo much better. I can actually merge into traffic now. Yes you have to use the Nissan Synthetic Oil (about $90 an oil change) and premium gas. So it is expensive to maintain, but it has never had an issues, is beautiful inside an dout and has plenty of power. Its is well worth the extra cost.

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  Replacement for Lexus ES 350 - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By bmt22033 - September 20 - 2:10 pm

  Following back surgery, I needed to replace my beloved Lexus ES 350 and I finally decided on the 09 Murano. I was leaning towards the Lexus RX 350 but after spending some time with the Murano, I couldnt justify paying an extra $8k - $10k. This was my first Nissan and for a non-luxury brand, Ive been very impressed with the car. The build quality is great and the ride is very smooth. The interior is well crafted and very quiet. With the possible exception of the grill, the exterior styling is very handsome, as well. If youre in the market for a crossover/mid-sized SUV (luxury brand or otherwise), the Murano should be near the top of your list.

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  Buy the 2.5L if you can find one for sale. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By unixfreak0037 - September 20 - 12:50 pm

  I bought mine new in 2005. Its 2012 and it still looks and runs like a brand new truck. With these high gas prices, having a truck that can haul light loads and get 22/23 MPG is really nice. Right now I wouldnt trade it for anything. And these are hard to find. Used 2.5L manual shift XEs are rarely found for sale, probably because the owners recognize their value. Took this 2WD truck on some dirt roads in Tennessee and had no problems at all. Very good truck.

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  Just bought it - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rom - September 20 - 11:36 am

  Just bought this first generation Versa which Im quite pleased with. I bought a stripped first generation Nissan Sentra in 1983. Still running with over 250k miles on it. I expect Versa to last longer than my Sentra. Its roomy in the front and back. No comment about mileage because I have only used up 1/4 tank. If I get 30 MPG combined, then Ill be very delighted. It beats other smaller cars in standard amenities. Side curtain bags are $700 option in Scion tC. Its not the best looking design but it serves the purpose of good mileage and safety features. I love this car so far after 4 days of driving it.

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  New 03 Blue Max SE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Kthomp100 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  After getting rid of my 1999 Lexus GS 300 (liked it, was just time for something new), drove my 01 GMC truck for several months while I did research on the under 30K sports sedans. Maxima wins hands down. Bought a Majestic blue metallic with black leather SE with all the options. This is a solid, well built car and even though I have not "stepped on it" yet, I know the power is plentiful and just waiting to be pushed. This car for about 13,000 less that the Lexus has almost every feature the Lex did AND more comfortable back seats.

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  Extraordinary! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By MikeRG - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Nissan pick-up then I switched to Ford F-series and I was disappointed with Fords quality. Also, my relatives used to on Chevrolet and I hate GM vehicles. I decided to switch back to Nissan and told myself to stay with Nissan forever. I love my new Nissan Froniter. There are no other trucks (makes) that are equal or better than Nissan.