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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  Additional report - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By bo Slendak - January 2 - 9:33 pm

  This is the second time writing on this truck. Still truly awesome. This truck surpasses anything I ever dreamed about. Fun to drive, fast, dependable and looks great. Ill consider another one if I decide to get one, love this one too much, but leasing it and may consider another lease for business.

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  05 Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By flash - January 1 - 3:43 am

  Included all but navigation system.Excellent handling, roomy and very smooth riding even though SE model. Would advise CVT trans in any vehicle as it contributes to smoothness. Did change to 265/60/18 tires to improve from original. Critics complain of throttle response; I dont agree. Previously had supercharged V6 and am used to quick response. Do use premium as recommended. Handles well - was forced half off road at 75 with no handling problem. Would like to see higher highway mileage - best is 23mpg - 20 around town.

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  love this truck - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By e person - January 1 - 3:26 am

  I love everything about this Suv except the mpg. Other than that I have no complaints. Its a well built/equipped vehicle

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  4 Years of Altima 2.5s - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Church - December 31 - 6:33 pm

  This has been a very good family car. It rides well, handles family needs for trips and still looks sharp going down the road. There is more than enough power in the 4cyl. model to get the job done and still provided decent city drive MPG of around 25 - 27 (Standard) depending on driving style. I do not recommend the OEM tires that came with the car as they proved to be junk. With a decent set of all season after-market tires. I had no issues driving around in the snow of VT. granted I live in the city area. I recommend this car as both new and used model. Has potential for tuning if that is your desire.

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  Very reliable - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By matt - December 30 - 10:50 pm

  Very nice ride. I enjoy the sound system and the total perfomance of the SUV! I took my family on a camping trip at Patapsco Valley state park teaching my son to drive and he loved everything about it. The 4wd kicked you know what with no probs, beautiful handling and very user friendly - easy to learn, teach and drive in this beast. I would recomend this vehicle to everyone who wants to turn over to the SUV world, trust me youll never go back to a car! Nissan hit this one on the head! Thanks for a beautiful SUV, keep it up.

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  350 Z IS OUT OF CONTROLL - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By RAYTACOMA - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL BMWS INCLUDING A 2001 M3, AND OVERALL MY 350Z IS THE MOST EXCITING, EYE CATCHING CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. I HIGHLY RECOMEND IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET FOR A SPORTSCAR.

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  withholding judgment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By murdoch - December 30 - 10:00 am

  The power train is great. Smooth, quiet and quick acceleration. The engine is definitely the best feature of this vehicle. But reliability is a question and quality of interior is not on level of Camry or Accord. Still thinking that the wiser choice would have been the Accord; but will withhold judgment so long as the reliability is much better than average.

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  2007 Altima 3.5 SE with Tech Package - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By ssd - December 28 - 6:56 pm

  Love it! I went for the fully loaded SE model with tech package. I was deciding between the Lexus IS, Infiniti G35, Acura TL and the Altima blew them away, and for 10k less! The bluetooth is amazing. Using my cell phone through the car has perfect sound quality. No need to yell. The CVT is also impressive, power will never be a problem. The acceleration is so fast that I havent even come close to flooring the gas pedal. One thing to note is that the CVT does "hold" the car when you let off the gas pedal. Similar feeling to when you have cruise control on and are driving down a hill. Only major gripe are the seats. Very stiff and uncomfortable, even with the lumbar support.

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  Great but popping noise! Help - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By vrjack - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I havens had any major problems since purchasing my Pathfinder in 2007, but this clicking noise it getting to me! Has anyone else had this problem? Was it fixed? I took it to the dealership for oil changes and I was sure to mention it every time. Its noticeable when I am coming to a stop or slowly backing up. The best way to describe it...it sounds like the little toy lawnmower with the balls inside that pops up as the child pushes it! Yeah, that popping sound more so than clicking. They said that Nissan hasnt recognized it as a problem at least the las time I asked about a year ago. I havent had any problems driving it or anything.

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  Great car, but only the LE - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Suraj D - December 28 - 8:06 am

  I am about to buy the LE model. I read other reviews about the slight bouncy quality on the Murano while driving city streets and am happy to say I experienced this myself when driving the SL but not the LE. This is due to the 20inch tires on the LE I believe. The ride on the LE is posh, luxurious and the car handles and drives very nicely and smoothly. I am excited to pick up the car tomorrow. I compared this to the Acura RDX and MDX, the Audi Q5 and the Volkswagen TIguan and Touareg, but found the Murano to the best in terms of ride comfort and lowest road/wind noise. Very happy buyer. I came from a Mercedes ML 350, so its not as luxurious as the ML, but best offers value for money!