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:

• 

  I settled for a Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ALLAN - March 11 - 10:00 am

  When my 1997 Chrysler Town and country Van went into self destruct cycle I searched for a new car. I wanted something smaller, with awd and comfortable. I ended up settling for a 2004 Nissan Murano. I am extremely pleased with every aspect of the car except the poor fuel milage. The car is very comfortable, handles well, is a pleasure to drive but only gets around 12 mpg in local driving. On a long trip I can get up to 23 mpg but most of my driving is local.

• 

  NEW OWNER - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By RAMSEY - March 11 - 10:00 am

  VERY GOOD TRUCK. I LIKE IT.

• 

  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By ShastaMcNasty - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Thats right. This is a TRUCK. Anyone looking for a soft ride and fuel economy should go with a Honda CR-V or Ford Escape. Got a great deal...about $3500 below invoice including rebate. If youre thinking about an Xterra, nows the time. There are great deals to be had out there!

• 

  great car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By micara - March 11 - 10:00 am

  great car. nothing really competes for the money

• 

  350Z- 1 year later - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By brucewood - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our "play car" and it has been fun to drive.Performance is outstanding- strong acceleration and smooth shifting. The body style has brought many compliments from people in parking lots. It is a FUN car.

• 

  Easy to break into - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Vasf - March 10 - 8:26 pm

  I have owned my Max for 2 years. On June 27 2006 my car was broken into. Doors were locked,windows were up,and alarm was working. When I came outside to my car the 2 front windows were down and the door lock was messed up. Apparently, someone used an object, such as a screw driver, jammed it in the drivers side door turned it to make the windows come down and doors to unlock which is why the alarm never went off. This happen right in front of my house around 5:00 am no noise was made. Fortunately, the only thing they stole was a cell phone adapter. I am nervous about how easy it is to get into this car and searching for a car that does not have this feature. The repair bill was $794

• 

  2007 Nissan Titan SE 4dr King Cab SB - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By nismo - March 10 - 7:33 am

  Best truck Ive ever owned. Good power, roomy, good on gas (kinda) and it will out run the new tundra great truck.

• 

  What A Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Trouthunter - March 10 - 1:50 am

  Having been a Ford man most of my life, I cant believe that the Titan is my favorite of all of the 15 trucks that I have owned in my lifetime. The ride is amazing, the power phenomenal and in 4x4 mode, its almost impossible to get stuck. In town, on the highway, pulling a boat to the bay or in the brush country of South Texas it is at home. The only beef that I have with it is that Id like a little more width on the front captain chairs as Ive got a little "junk in my trunk" and the seatbelt connector can jab me at times. Other than that, no complaints at all about this truck. Give it a try; you wont be sorry.

• 

  Murano Rocks! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Judy Dalton - March 9 - 5:20 pm

  Without a doubt, the best car Ive ever owned! Stylish looks, comfortable interior, killer Bose sound, sharp handling, rock solid construction and responsive pickup are a few of the many features I enjoy. Im not sure what all the fuss is about the CVT as Ive noticed no lack of power at any time, but then Im not a speed demon. The ride in the back is roomy and comfortable and I get tons of compliments wherever I go. Closely styled like the Lexus RX 350 but a lot less $$.

• 

  Pass on this one - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Vinny3030 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Not a well built truck. Gas miliage poor for a 4cyl. Many repairs needed to this truck under normal use. Very slow pickup. Does not handel well.