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 get-about - 2015 Nissan NV200
  By Whitecrow - May 25 - 4:25 am

  Pros: Great on gas and parking...shopping made easy. GPS system fantastic, exterior design awesome, topside mounting anchors for luggage rack excellent...double sliding doors made for exiting easy. Split rear windows(on mine) assist backing out-a little better. Makes for long distance drives fantastic. But, tight fit for large individuals to set comfortable... rear passengers seats should not be an option. Cons: driver front seat comfort sucks-right arm rest made for child size individual. Large front side view construction design makes for poor blind-spots...extra caution taken at stop lights and cross walks. Also, front side rearview mirrors block side view when making lift or right turns...back up monitor needs to remote viewing control-left/right, for backing out safety.

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  No Compromises - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Helen - May 25 - 2:40 am

  I traded in my 2003 Murano. I absolutely love the 2009 Murano. I looked at the Toyota Highlander and the Lexus 350LX. The Murano blew the doors off of the Lexus. All the standard features on the Murano LE were optional features on the Lexus and Toyota. The fit and finish is much better on the Murano than any other SUV on the market. Nissan really got it right. The little details are what make me so happy. Like the back up camera, the keyless ignition, the heated seats, the laptop ports, the automatic liftgate, the 20" wheels, the large console display, and of course the stereo system. The styling is really fresh too.

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  Awesome SUV! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Peter - May 25 - 2:30 am

  My 2004 Pathfinder does everything right. The acceleration is exceptional with 240 horses and I would choose it over a Honda Pilot any day. The features are plenty and I love the one touch front windows and moonroof. Everything is there when you need it. Go buy one! It is very reliable! I have had no problems even after 28k miles!!!

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  Nissan Forever - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Nissan Rich - May 24 - 2:16 pm

  We have two other Nissans (and our 1969 AMX). We buy them for the longevity and value. This one is no different, good value for the money, a/c, p/s, p/b, cruise, CD, auto. Not sure if that is the series or extra purchase. Gets about 30 mpg, city/highway combined. Got 35 mpg highway at 85 mph in Colorado, Washington on a trip to see my son. Has had a few hiccups, fuel regulator causes you to turn key three or four times to start while pressure builds, fixed under warranty, tire pressure sensor goes off for right rear tire but so slow a leak dealer cant find it, steering wheel made a scuffing sound when turned lock to lock. Overall very satisfied, 11,000 miles already, fun to drive, good mpg.

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  Fun car, few complaints. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By John - May 24 - 12:13 pm

  The Maxima is overall a great car. It has quick acceleration for a car of its size, and provides a nice ride. It has so many great features like memory and heated seats, satellite radio, and everything else needed to make a car feel like home. The exterior looks amazing, especially with my optional "amazing" package, with great looking bright chrome rims and grille. I have gotten so many compliments on an awesome looking car. The paint does chip easily though, and I have spent a lot on detail work. Inside, everything feels fairly nice, although some parts are a bit cheesy. The controls are overly-complicated, but manageable. The Bose stereo sounds good.

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  Very Nice Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Ty - May 24 - 1:30 am

  Purchased 2010 fully loaded. Love the interior. Has all the high end tech features of a G37, or Lexus 330 but at a significant cost reduction. I am tall, just over 64" and feel very safe and comfortable. You wont be disappointed with this car.

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  Great Car!and a must own for any looking in this class! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By englddriver1 - May 23 - 11:01 pm

  I have to say after reading some of the other reviews I laugh at what people find as annoying...Claiming there AWD doesnt work when they dont lock it? Or the fact that they think the car is a 4X4. Nissan/Infiniti AWD is one of the best in the world and as a long time Infiniti owner of the M class X series I love there AWD and I live in snow country.We purchased this for my fiance as a baby is on the way and wanted a great MPG Cross over.We look at the Infiniti Cross over but my Fiance didnt like any of the looks and felt it had to many gadgets. So we went with the SL AWD Rogue and she loves it! Great MPG love the CVT tranny fun on highway and holds well in the snow for the high RMPS.

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  Wonderful but Noisy - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxed out - May 23 - 8:50 am

  This is the 4th Maxima Ive owned and they just keep getting better except for one thing... the interior is noisy. If Honda could build (my second car is a 2005 Honda) a super quiet ride, why cant Nissan?

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  I Love my 1999 Nissan Pathfinder - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nissan_lover1 - May 23 - 7:19 am

  My 1999 Path Finder is the second SUV I owned I had a 1995 Jeep Cherokee and the transmission died on me after 6 months of owning that Jeep with only 80,000 miles on it. I absolutely love my Pathfinder I purchased it with 157,000 miles on it already and it still runs strong and starts up realiably every morning and has not failed me yet like that Jeep has.

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  Excellent Crossover - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By as6004me - May 22 - 10:00 pm

  I went from an Acura TSX to the Rogue, so that could have diminished my vote a little bit. I think the features are great and are conveniently laid out. Versitility is amazing, The seats could have just a little more support for the lower back and the SL 2wd premium package could have included the HID lights, bluetooth and it would be great to have turn signals in the mirrors. But overall it is a great car with just the right attitude and good gas mileage (about 25)