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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  AWESOME MURANO - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Frank Duve - October 9 - 4:20 pm

  Ive had this crossover about 4 months, & I love driving it. Its my first Nissan. This baby will move. I get good performance with regular, but even better with premium. The back-up camera, xm radio, auto rear lift-gate, leather seats, HID lights, driving position, & did I mention build-quality certainly makes this a luxury crossover. I bought it primarily for its unique style, & black on black color.

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  Very Happy with the car - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By nsentra - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I only bought this car as this was the only dealer that would give me credit.. but I am very happy with it. Starts well, the driver seat is so comftable I dont need a cushion like I do on many other cars I have driven, it looks good and its FAST - Iv done over 100 in it, very nippy with controlls well laid out altogether a pleasure to drive. The back seats look a little crapmed but I have actually never sat in it as a passenger and none of my passengers have really complained, so it cant be that bad.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Margo - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for its looks, dependability, and the V6. I have taken several long trips in my new Altima and find the drive very comfortable and enjoyable. When passing slower vehicles on the highway, this car can move! There is plenty of leg room in both the front and back seats. The trunk is also very spacious.

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  2004 Nissan Murano Review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By M W Ppool - October 9 - 10:00 am

  After looking at Lexus and BMW (crossover SUVs and sedans) to replace my old SUV, I became intrigued by the new Nissan Maxima. I was close to buying one when I mentioned to the salesperson that I was still debating going with an SUV, but really wanted more comfort and power. They steered me to the Murano and I have been in love ever since. The styling, interior design and comfort are exceptional, while the handling and acceleration make driving a pleasure. Even my two college age sons (one has a 4WD Ford F150 and the other a Honda Accord coupe) are very much enamored of my new Murano and are constantly "borrowing" it.

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  Altima 2003 S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By A to the J - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have absolutely no complaints. This is my second Altima. The first was a 2000 SE. My 2003 S is twice as comfortable, stylish, and fun to drive than my first for about the same price. My first Altima only needed the basic maintainance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.) while driving it for over 75,000 miles. I expect this one will be the same.

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  2005 Altima SL over Accord EX - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By xNewYorka - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has won me over. Having owned a 95 Acura Legend, a 2001 Accord, and a 2003 Oddessy, I was a loyal honda customer - the key word is was. I test drove both cars, and felt the Altima was a better car in the top of the line trim vs the accord ex v6. The redesigned Altima interior for 2005 is a nice improvement, although some of the compartment doors still feel a little cheap. What sold me was the performance of the Nissan v6. It is smooth, throaty, and has gobs of power at the will of your right foot.

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  Maxima gives maximum bang for your buck - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Jackie Shroff - October 9 - 9:50 am

  We bought this Maxima brand new. Now after 14 years and 150,000 miles, it is still running well. We did oil changes at every 3000 and tire rotations at 6000 and other scheduled maintenance. Replaced a few parts- radiator, front & rear struts, valve cover gasket, front & rear CV axle and O2 canisters. But this is the best built Japanese car. I remember a 20 year old commercial by Datsun (Nissans previous name) "Creating Harmony by Design". Maxima is a living testimony of it. This car has been with us like a family member through college, first job, new home and all other life changes. I think it will easily go till 200K, but eventually a day will come to replace it. Great job Nissan.

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  This Pathfinder Is Outstanding! - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sam01 - October 8 - 1:23 pm

  My 1998 Pathfinder has been a true pleasure to own. It has only had a few minor problems...Mostly while under warranty! It has been extremely reliable. I take my truck off roading in the mountains and it never fails to impress me at how well it handles off road trails. My only complaint is the lack of power. It actually isnt horrible as Ive lived with the motor for about 4 years now! You cant go wrong with this SUV and Boulder Nissan is a great store!

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  1st year - Love that truck!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Peter Black - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had a great time with this truck. It handles well, and has power when you need it. Great truck! Great look! Highly recomend.

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  Altima 2005 2.5S 4cyl w continental 16 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By peter gartner - October 6 - 3:10 pm

  I have had my altima for about 9 months and every thing is great except the tires. The continental 16 tires developed a vibration problem and I had to replace them at 13,000 miles. No alignment or balance problem, just severe cupping. My advise is to have the dealer replace these tires at the time of purchase with some other brand.