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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  As many comps as my old bathtub Porsche - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ivan Gignac - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Just a wonderful car. My wife and I were very surprised at the number of compliments we get about the car. It is really amazing to see the number of people who appreciate the great lines of this car. It is really a study in form follows function. It is GREATTTTTTTTTTT

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  You get what you pay for! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By elle - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is so quite that you wont even know its running when it is. I hate to go foreign in these difficult economic times, but you also have to in these times, get the best from your hard earned dollar. I want something reliable, and something that really fit my style. It was worth the money. I know if I ever go to resell this car, I will get a good turn over value too. That is always something to think about, should you be in the market of buying a new car.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By thisnthat3 - December 1 - 9:17 pm

  Ive had a number of different SUV brands over the years, this by far is the best. It is a "true" SUV not a crossover, lots of space & just generally a great fun car to drive. Very reliable, have driven back & forth down South a few times w/o any problems whatsoever. It was a year old when purchased.

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  182,000 miles and still rolling :-) - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Chris Long - December 1 - 3:41 pm

  People always seem to ask "How long will my truck last?". And I see people put things on here like Im at 40K and 60K with no issues.. and thats cute but.. :-) I am really impressed with how my 2007 has held up. It could die tomorrow and I would be happy with its performance and durability. Nothing but regular maintenance for me i.e. Oil Changes, Brakes, changing the fluids.. seriously thats all.. I am thinking about getting a new pioneer radio for the dash to update the electronics since its 2016 and all, but wont be replacing my Rockford Fosgate speakers.. that truck has amazing sound, especially with the sub-woofer under my drivers seat.. Seriously, great truck. Just wanted to let some of you guys know as I remember wondering that myself when I brought her home. Good luck to you all in your vehicle endeavors. [contact information removed]

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  Best Deal On the Market!!!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By ED - November 30 - 9:53 pm

  I have about 2000 miles on this car and it has never given me a single problem, the Nissan seal of approval really means something, it means youre getting a quality car! Love the CVT, love downshifting! People think I have a sound system when its just the stock system that came with the car! A/C is really great! I get about 32 MPG highway and about 26 MPG city! Love the keyless entry, has a huge trunk I can fit anything in it. Love the new design and the new taillights.

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  BeepBeep - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By 2 Peas in a Pod - November 30 - 9:06 am

  Smooth ride... We enjoy our new Murano and love the stylish features. Every person who sees our new ride cant say enough about the roomy interior or the HUGE tires.

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  Excellent decision - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Faye - November 29 - 11:20 am

  I have had nothing but a postive experience with my 2005 Quest. It came with all the bells and whitles for less than lesser equipped Siennas and Odysseys. It has the style of a SUV with the convenice of a minivan.

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  Awesome car - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Lena - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Just got Juke today, trade my Murano 2009,really love this car, didnt want to get out. I know this is only first day, after month drive will write review again

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  Love, Love, Love this car - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By DW - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Rogue for a month; just turned 1000 miles. I truly love this car. I did a lot of research and this SUV came out on top. Its beat all my expectations. Drive is smooth, quiet, fun. The technology (bluetooth, nav, rear camera, and more) is over the top. Superb deal. Ive had toyotas and mazda-great cars, but I think Im a Nissan owner from now on.

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  I love my Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By sage51406 - November 28 - 5:40 pm

  Exceptional car!! Drives nice, good gas mileage, and roomy for dogs both big and small.