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 Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Lois Sutton - April 1 - 12:46 am

  I bought a Honda CRV in July 2007 and was very disappointed in the gas mileage (17 mpg). So in December 2007 I decided to try the Nissan Altima (2008). I was very surprised at the pickup that this car had for a 4 cyl. (the Honda had a 4 cyl. too but was not as peppy). So after spending a couple hours at the dealership working out the details, I drove out being the proud owner of a 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. Right off the bat my mileage around town is 25 mpg. There arent any sedans in this class that really come close to 25 mpg. I really love this car. It handles like a dream and is very sporty. I had owned 3 Maximas before buying the Honda and from now on, Ill only buy a Nissan.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Mark - March 31 - 2:06 am

  After being convinced for years that I would buy a Tahoe, I ventured over to Nissan to test drive the Armada and I was very pleasantly surprised. The Armada was the only SUV to offer it all including fold-flat seats, relative comfort in the 3rd row, and dual-climate controls. It will become the ultimate road trip vehicle!

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  Great Little SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Geemurf - March 30 - 12:33 am

  In the commuting world of Metro New York the Rogue is fantastic. Great gas mileage 26 MPG in AWD, not just FWD like the CRV. Handles the parkways, highways, and yes even the Tapanzee Bridge with steel plates and all remarkably. No hydroplaning on the Saw Mill in a downpour. Almost astonishing power for a 4 cylinder engine, great ride. Roomy even for a 64" person. Not to mention nice styling, nice looks. Buy this car.

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  Still love this vehicle - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 2nd Time Around - March 29 - 7:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Pathfinder (1st was an 02 model.) Had to trade in due to vehicle having 97,000 miles after 2 years. But, had no problems at all, just traded in due to mileage! I love how open this vehicle is and how easy it is to see around me. It drives like a car, not like a truck as so many SUVs do. My only complaints are the size of the back seat & doors (very difficult to hoist a 30 lb child into his car seat) and head room (my 66" & 67" brothers do not like to ride in my vehicle.) Otherwise, awesome SUV. There is a reason I got another one!!!

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  nissan customer service bites - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By patscircus - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Maxima SE new. So far I had one coil replaced in warranty. Then the trans went (auto).Then problems with the coils out of warranty. Nissan would do nothing for me. They said I had to replace all the coils this time ! Over $600.00 !!!! Nissan would do nothing for me.I will never buy another Nissan again for this headache. But I still love my car.

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  Aweosme - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By shortbutcute111 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ever

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Carlos C - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this van!!! I had 4 vans in the past but this one beats them. Quest have a very sexy and cool style over all the vans in the market right now. The driving is so Nice. I am very happy with my purchase. Carlos.

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  very very good - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Dana Galemore - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is as all the nissans that i have ever owned one of the best for the money!

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  First Murano on my block! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Barry Janov - March 29 - 10:00 am

  We have been very happy with our Murano thus far. It was quite comfortable on a recent road trip,but did not make the gas mileage that the manufacturer claims. We have had a few minor problems that the dealer took care of quite promptly.For a vehicle of its size it has excellent storage space. I would recommend it highly.

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  Murano - What a car! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Singing Praise - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my 2004 FWD SL in silver. It was also equiped with a Prem. Package. I love my Murano! In the past I have been a Honda loyalist (Civic and CRV), but just one test drive in the Murano and I was sold. The ride is oh so smooth and it handles like a dream. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who is looking for quality, style, speed and versitility! Murano has it all! Great Job Nissan.