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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  Silver Chariot Redux - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By gust334 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Performance is better than expected from a V6 moving this much mass. It feels very responsive around town and also leaps forward when passing on the highway. Fuel economy is surprisingly good for an SUV, but it still drinks vs. sips. Front and rear seating have extraordinary leg room and excellent support, but side bolsters do not grip well in the corners that the chassis encourages so willingly. Excellent field of vision forward and to the sides, rear vision is worrisome. Body styling makes it difficult to judge where the corners of the vehicle are when parking. Controls come immediately to hand and are easy to distinguish and manipulate by touch.

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  This is THE Urban SUV! CVT rocks! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Nikolai@ConejoValley - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I selected Nissan Murano SL AWD after seriously considering other luxury/urban SUVs. I test-drove Mercedes MLs, Lexus RX300, Infinity QX4, Honda Pilot.. Nothing came close to this vehicle. And I got it for only invoice + $500, which was a nice deal. Navigation system is a dream, great Bose sound, fine leather.. It looks great, drives great, and its fun for both driver and passengers..

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  Bang for the Buck - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By JAG - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have owned. Powerful engine, exotic looks, and comfortable interior. Overall the best car of 2003.

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  The 2003 Altima 3.5SE - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By maddysdaddy7 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is my first new car and I love it. I have drove just about every car in its class and I am glad I chose the Altima. I am a Nissan fan and own 2 others, mind you they are older than this. I would recommend this car to anyone who need a four door sedan with lots and lots of room and tons of power to spare. This car also turns heads, at least as many as a BMW or Mercedes.

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  Love It! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Linda - December 19 - 4:03 pm

  I just picked up my new 2005 Murano 3 days ago. After owning 2 Lexus RX 300s, I was hoping I wouldnt be disappointed. I had nothing to worry about! This one is a gem. Not only do I find the car pleasing to the eye, it has a luxurious feel inside and out. As compared to my Lexus, it has even more "toys" and so far I am getting slightly better gas mileage (19mpg...all city driving so far). Id highly encourage anyone shopping for this size SUV to test drive a Murano. Fot the price, I dont think you can beat it.

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  Its a keeper - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By CHRISTINA - December 19 - 12:03 pm

  At first i wanted the altima. This was lower priced, already installed system w/ woofer. Great on gas. Safe

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  Love that SENTRA - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Norma - December 19 - 6:46 am

  The Car is just a cut above. This is my 3rd Nissan. I went on the lot looking at a Versa. The only reason I didt get the Sentra SL by ordering it. My wife said after driving the S model with CVT.The only 2007 Sentra they had. I love this car.

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  Love this car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Brad H - December 18 - 6:33 pm

  Excellent reliability so far. Car has 55K miles. Left front tie rod has worn and required replacement. Otherwise, no other mechanical issues.

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  Great car / Great value - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By jeff - December 18 - 11:46 am

  Cash for clunkers deal I was due a better vehicle. First new car I have ever bought. I looked at everything small to mid sized out there and I mean everything. I was looking for better mileage. Averaging 30 currently. Most cars were uncomfortable, over priced, cheap quality or no room. I am 62" tall and my head hit the roof in half and my legs would have to be held up off of the seat to keep from smashing the gas pedal to the floor in the rest. Not in the Senta. Plenty of leg room, a whole hands with above my head. For you taller people, this one is it. It is very deceiving from the outside. Roomy, comfortable, solid car. Cant say enough good about it.

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  Me and my Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Chuck A - December 18 - 2:20 am

  Ive now had my Altima 2.5S for six months, replacing a Sentra SE. It is a quantum leap up from the Sentra. Ride, comfort, style all a step up. Performance from a 2.0 5 speed manual to a much bigger, heavier car is down some. Do miss ABS. Love the newly styled interior - looks to me like it belongs in a more expensive car. Fit and finish are excellent, with no problems since I picked up the keys from the dealer. Id recomment this car over Camry any day.