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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  You get less for more money - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By nissanwtf - December 30 - 5:29 pm

  If you have the 2009 SL, then keep it. With the 2011 SL - you lose Xeon lights, truck Cargo hold (for bags) It only has (1) CD with a 2 GB but...800 MB to store songs. How can the Rouge 2011 SL come with Xeon lights for $29,000 and the 2011 SL Murano does not, my sticker price $38,495. Really like the new lights on the back. Seat memory function is good too. Still cant believe Nissan is really trying to force their loyal customers to other car companies. This is my 11th Nissan and I bought it yesterday and I can honestly say it will be my last.

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  Luxury Features Without the Cost or Cachet - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Skip Smith - December 30 - 4:05 pm

  We purchased a 2016 Acura RDX and traded in a 2012 Murano to move up to a luxury SUV with the RDX model. With less than 8000 miles on the Acura in the first several months, we traded the Acura on a 2016 Murano. Despite the higher cost, the Acura did not come up to the features, comfort or performance of the new Murano. We traded the Acura with less than 8000 miles for $1.00 for a 2016 Murano Platinum model. The navigation system on the Murano is easy to use and very intuitive. On the interstate, the rest areas are tracked along with exits. The map shows a 3D view, 2D view with various options for showing the map view. Entering a new destination is quick and easy. The CVT transmission is smooth and puts the operation of some luxury models to shame. Our first trip was a 10 hour drive. The seats in the Murano are the most comfortable of any car we have owned—most of which were luxury brands. The lumbar support is excellent and the seat surrounds the body to keep the driver comfortable throughout a long trip. Acceleration is excellent, layout of the dashboard is easy to read. Mileage on the trip was 28.6 with most driving on interstate highways and using regular gas. Our only complaint: The NissanConnect features do not work well with an IPhone. Presumably, it works well with an android phone. The Nissan support line recommended only using an Apple cord to connect with the phone and the USB port. That seems unnecessary but even with the more expensive Apple cord, the NissanConnect system would not operate most of the programs. This is our second Murano. The technology has improved over the 2012 model we owned, the gas mileage is improved, and the seats are more comfortable. The first Murano went 90,000 without any problems. So far, the 2016 is even better.

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  ALL THE CAR - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By GIS_ - December 30 - 12:03 pm

  Had a 1995 altima before this one, and I just loved it. As soon as I had a chance to buy the maxima I jumped on it and boy did I made a good deal. The car runs much better than I expected, pover and delivery is exceptional. Is an se. Model so the suspension is a little stiffer but you know that going into it.

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  An Awesome value, no diubt about it - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By joaquin48 - December 30 - 7:02 am

  This car is really awesome. Of course is not a porsche or a Jaguar, but is a lot of fun to drive. I have 2 young kids, and they love the space in the back seat. My wife loves the dual climate control, and I love the comfort (i am 6" tall) and the Bose sound, which is pretty awesome. The ipod integration is superb, I get 26 mpg with 90% city driving, is so quiet in the highway, and the trunk is enormous. The CVT transmission feels weird, so make sure it doesnt bother you, but it drives great. There is NOT a lot of power, is is a fuel-efficient 4 cylinder, but still feels great.

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  Love This CAR!!!! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By TaeSean - December 30 - 6:59 am

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  Silver 2015 - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Mansfield Yancy - December 29 - 9:59 am

  I did own the silver 2015 Altima Sv model with 47,000 miles I never did have any problems great car and great service at Nissan of Athens they always took care of my needs I just treaded that car in and got a 2017 Altima great sale people but I alway deal with one D

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  Power & Handling!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Paul B - December 29 - 5:46 am

  Huge power, great handling with the rack and pinion steering, great comfort and plenty of space!!! What more could one want in a full size truck? I have owned Chevys, Fords and a Dodge and they are not even close when all factors are considered. Build quality is first rate and reliability should be far better than the domestics. Anyone that puts down this truck has not driven it. And Nissan ALSO gives their customers a high tech 5 speed auto instead of the ancient 4 sp.ODs on the domestics. The TITAN just flattened Detroit!!!!! The domestics are playing catch-up in EVERY market segment as of now. Great truck, NISSAN!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great First Automatic Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By SunnyInSanDiego - December 29 - 4:20 am

  This car is awesome! It is my first automatic, my first 4 door sedan and my first Nissan. I got it loaded - 3.5 SE V6 + Prem package and nav/XM. IS 250 had too small of a backseat, the 328i was out of my price range and Im just not a Mercedes girl. I love to drive around with the windows down, the sunroof open and the Bose speakers blaring. Perfect for those sunny San Diego days. The CVT engine is great but takes a little time to get used to if you are a manual transmission girl at heart like me. Overall a great ride! Previously owned a Ford and 2 Mitsus. What a difference! My friend has a 2008 G35 and this is basically the same car. All the same features and $10k less. Sold!

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  Freezing in winter - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Sandy - December 29 - 12:46 am

  There are not enough vents for the floor heater. My feet and legs are never warm. Took my Rogue to the dealer. I was told this is a common issue with the Rogue, and there is nothing they can do.

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  Cons - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Christine - December 28 - 10:26 pm

  Ok.. I had this thing for a week. All the Cons everyone is saying I dont find it with the one I purchased. The Engine isnt sluggish it isnt noisy.. I cant hear the dang thing run.. Nissan is one of the better quality cars out there at a re seasonable price. This Car does have a lot of pick up an go!!. This one customer is extremely happy. Ive had Nissans before an Ive never been happier owning them in the past.