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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  A GREAT Car...stylish and FUN! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Kat Kramer - November 21 - 3:33 am

  I had been in love with the Murano since it was first introduced, but was looking at the Lexus when I ran across this pre-owned one. Its my first Nissan (Ive always had Hondas, Mazdas, & Toyotas), and Im thoroughly impressed. With all the SUVs on the market, the Murano still stands out. My parents have the Lexus RX330, and the Murano actually is roomier. Even the back seats are comfortable for passengers, and Nissan included features I thought were frivolous and silly, like the "proximity key", that Ive really come to rely on and love. Like buying an Apple computer...the company gave me more than I needed, and made the driving experience much more than I expected. Im delighted.

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  Fun commuter - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Jimmy Polk - November 20 - 9:23 am

  My base 6M 350Z is a great car. I bought it to replace my 2007 GMC Sierra Denali and 1991 Corvette coupe and Ive done well. Ive gotten a lot of compliments and nods of approval since owning this car. The Nagaro Red just "pops" in the sunlight. The performance, styling and fuel economy are excellent and Im sure the reliability will be the same. Although I didnt buy from my local dealer (due to them not having the exact car I wanted (base 6M w/out splash guards), they are eager to service it. You get great mileage when you drive conservatively. Was able to get a great deal due to 370 coming. Overall Im very, very happy with my decision to purchase a Nissan 350Z.

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  Love My New Truck! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By chuck - November 20 - 9:06 am

  I totalled my Toyota Tacoma into a deer running across the road, limped into Nissan, and bought this truck on the spot. After a 130 mile trip back home, I fell in love with it. I recommend this truck over the Toyota, which I had put on nearly 200,000 miles. 2000 Tacoma by the way. The 4.0 runs very well, effortless, even at altitude here in Wyoming!

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  Excellent Japanese Sedan - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Mamba - November 19 - 10:00 am

  My first Nissan, this car is of exceptional quality. I often go over the scheduled oil change mileage and I have not spent 1 cent on the car other than gas and oil changes. Nothing is coming apart, and I am impressed with the strength of that big 4cyl. I would recommend this car to any one who wanta quality and an extremely good value when buying used. With this car fully loaded my friends often think they are in a BMW. Anyways, you cant go wrong with this car unless you value true handling and nimble performance which it lack, due to a feeling of unconnectedness with the road.

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  2 thumbs up! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By TP - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I was intent to get a 03 alty, but the interior material still fail to par. SOOO Happy with the purchase! more luxury, great performance, classy look. Never thought that I need so much power out of a car, but once you need it, you know its there! The rear seat is smaller than Alty(Max is higher), but the only thing at the back is the baby car seat. Climite control, 6 CDchager, Bose, leather seat, steering wheel control, trip computer, HID, all standard for less than 30k! CANT BEAT IT!! Best bang for the buck in the category!! I had rear window TSB fixed but the wind/road noise still coming from door seal and roof, should have better insulation on this car.

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  Number 1 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By L - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Number 1, Thats all I have to say. It is the best sedan out there, no question

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  Automotive engineering at its best - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By John - November 18 - 11:16 am

  Since 1970, have driven or owned almost every Nissan-Datsun product ever built. The 09 Murano is a first for me and tho experience is yet short, this is probably about as good as any driving experience is ever going to get for present industry standards, period. Relentless comparisons and long time experience keeps me coming back to Nissan. Note some who complain about body roll -- those should realize that Nissan could provide perfectly flat cornering, but then a lot of weak or inexperienced drivers would find out (upside down in the ditch), that tires do not stay permanently glued to the pavement. Some body roll lets you know that you are approaching the adhesion limits of your tires.

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  Love - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Musician - November 17 - 6:33 pm

  Ive had this car just a few days and a few hundred miles but its awesome and I have no regrets in purchasing it. Package pyramid - you have to pay for certain packages you may not want in order to get the features you do want. When driving at night there is a weird streak/glare on the windshield that comes from the street lights I am passing. I guess its the angle of the windshield? Love the push- button start. Love the looks the most, much like the Infiniti Coupe but way less expensive. Hate the panic button. Ive accidentally set it off at least once each day. Be sure to adjust your side mirrors correctly. Coupes are not known for good visibility. Love this car!

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  Just Purchased -- Great So Far - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By traffic_doc - November 17 - 5:36 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle a week ago using the clunker incentive. I purchased the Altima 2.5S with all the options except for the Navi. So far I have driven it ~900 miles. Ride, handling, acceleration, etc are all excellent. I couldnt be happier.

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  Stu Nissan Xterra 05 - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Stuart - November 17 - 2:56 pm

  My first SUV. Test drove a Jeep Liberty but wanted a little more size for min. cost. Cant beat the quality, reliability, design and cost of the 2005 Xterra. For the younger crowd, you cant beat this SUV!