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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  My Sweeeet Baby! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By davekog - March 20 - 2:00 am

  A true dream to drive...almost drives itself-->responsive, sure handling, gobbles up bumps on the road. Never a problem..easily the best automobile Ive ever owned!

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  2002 Nissan Maxima GXE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SteveR - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value. One of the best engines Ive seen, very powerful, yet quiet and refined. I like the ext. styling and the interior is comfortable. It was between this and the Toyota Camry V6-I felt the Camry was more comfy inside, yet I like the Maximas performance and ext. styling. I would also consider the 2003 Accord. The only complaints are wind noise at highway speeds (sounds like the rear passenger window is slightly rolled down), having to turn on the cruise control every time the car is started, and the beep of the horn when locking the vehicle. I highly recommend this car.

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  Murano - Takes over Highlanders Position - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By my350z - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Comparison of the Toyota Highlander Limited vs. Nissan Murano SL with Premium and Leather Package. Muranos benefits: Styling and ride, CVT transmission is awesome, 245 HP vs 220, 18 inch vs 16 inch wheels, Xenon headlights with adjustment switch, Dual climate control for driver and passenger, as well as backseat vents, Bose sound system was superior to the JBL, Memory settings with adjustable seats, mirrors, and pedals for Driver 1 and 2 (great for weekend driver vs. daily driver use), Autodimming mirror, compass, and Homelink vs. Homelink only

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  2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Tbag81 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Nissan really did a great job redesigning this model. I love the new look of it and overall I love the car. This car has many options that a 40k sport luxury car would have. Even though the 175hp 4-banger is quick. If I had the chance to do it all over....go with the 240 V6. Worth the money!

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  towing - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Carl25 - March 19 - 8:36 am

  My wife and I really liked our Titan. When towing our 30 Ft. travel trailer we had an accident from the swaying stability when I was passing a semi. once I got by him all hell broke loose. Totaled my truck and travel trailer. there wasnt any one hurt only minor cuts and bruises. So we were very well protected.

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  A great little car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Peter - March 18 - 1:33 pm

  Probably the best small car I have ever owned - and in my 80+ years I have owned a lot. Its fun to drive, as evidenced by the fact that I have driven it 5000 miles in 4 months. Rides well, handles well, lots of extras for its price. I cant say enough good things about it.

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  Great Vechile - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jenny - March 18 - 11:56 am

  I think that this is a great vechile for the price. It is fun to drive and comfortable. I have have some of the high end auto makers top of the line vechiles and I can almost compare it to that. It is just as comfortable without the high price sticker. Great job Nissan!

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  Overall good Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jason - March 17 - 11:36 am

  Well built vehicle, but very cramped in back seat for anyone over 4 1/2 feet tall. MPG has been a constant 20 and 21 since we got. Very Quiet vehicle. slightly shorter than XTERRA, and not as rugged. Hits my head as I am getting in any door.

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  2 Weeks in - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By aillon - March 16 - 9:03 am

  I leased a 09 Murano two weeks ago. This is the nicest car I have ever driven. The leather is spectacular, the Tech package is really nice. Drives like a sports car, very happy with my purchase. The interior does not feel like a small SUV at all. The cargo space is definitely bigger than the other models. The MPG is not as good as I thought, 70 mph on a flat highway on cruise control it is exactly at 20 mpg. Since it is new, I am not sure if the mpg will go up.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By azmurano - March 16 - 8:03 am

  When I decided I wanted to buy an SUV I was stuck beween the Pilot and Murano. I decided to buy the murano because of both the gas milage and the standard features. The murano has tons of standard features that most other SUV do not offer in their base model. Such as alloy wheels and the computer system, dual air, wrapped steering wheel and over sized 18" tires. I love the way it drives, I feel like I am back in my old Altima. Its a SUV with class! I feel like I am driving a very expensive vehicle not a base model Nissan. The CVT transmission drives great, just wish it gave a little more power!