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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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By starrleight - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I did extensive research before I purchased this vehicle, but it sure paid off! I just love driving my pathfinder! I took a trip a trip in the winter from California to Arizona (1000 miles) just after I purchased it. I was comfortable for the entire ride. But most of all, I felt safe! Especially when cruising in the snow through the pass near Flagstaff, Arizona. During that portion of the trip, I saw 4 overturned SUVs in a 1 mile stretch. I just kept plugging along in 4WD with no problems. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone! I love it as much, if not more, than my Toyota 4x4.

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  The Best Care for The Price Range - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave Zeitlin - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Powerful, economical, and reliable. I looked at the Camry, Accord, and Maxima. The first two are very good cars but a little underpowered in my opinion. They also cost more. I feel that the Maxima is the best choice when considering performance and reliability v.s. price.

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  leave em smokin - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By smokin - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan product. I am thrilled with the roomier interior (5 10" and very comfortable).We bought the 4 cylinder because it was plenty of power for our needs. The dealership was very helpful...dont understand why THEY dont offer a better service package for new car buyers.(Brenner Nissan, Camp Hill, PA) This car is "Smokin".

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By BV2U - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a luxury SUV and havent missed it one bit. I love my Murano! Havent had a single issue with it in these first several months. Am continually pleasantly surprised with its performance.

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  Toyota owner impressed by Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Tina from Texas - September 2 - 2:00 am

  As the owner of two Toyotas during the past 13 years I was pretty sure Id end up with the 04 Sienna when it was time to get a minivan. I tested the Honda, Toyota, and the Nissan minivans all on the same day under the same driving conditions. The Honda was okay on performance, but seriously lacking in style and comfort. The Toyota had nice styling and was very comfortable, but didnt have great acceleration or power. The Nissan has all of the above! I decided on the Quest and have been very pleased. (Other minivan drivers have been checking out my stylin new ride!)

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  Murano Fan - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By katsfan - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Looking for SUV with comfort and convenience, and found it. Overall the best buy for the money. Explorer, Trailblazer, and Jeep doesnt compare to the smooth ride of the murano. About 20 miles per gallon also helps.

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  Made the right choice - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By tn driver - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Spent 4 months researching SUVs. Read customer complaints from major car related web-sites. Kept coming back to the Murano. Best choice I could have made. Since my favorite cars had been my 280Z,kept 10 yrs; Infiniti J30,kept 9 yrs,I wasnt sure if I would be giving up too much of the fun by purchasing an SUV. Wrong. The car flys and stays on the ground. Not one regret. Put the car to an early test during a recent snow/ice storm. Maneuvered up a winding mountain road without the slightest problem. The AWD paid for itself right there. Have been getting 22 to 23 hwy mpg and 18-19 city.

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  wow a frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By dwhatl30 - September 1 - 1:43 am

  plenty of power handles great and look wonderful is great for hauling light and medium loads with ease

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  SAFE SUV THANKS NISSAN - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By sal - August 31 - 7:43 pm

  1/7/10 purchased a 2010 sl loaded smooth riding,nice sound system,very comfortable good mileage a very safe vehicle my family and i were making a left turn in brooklyn another vehicle hit the quarter panel at 50 mph pinned us against a steel light post. my beautiful car was totaled but we made it alive. thank you nissan for building such a safe car. well we are in process of getting another,and at a lower price wow thanks to nissan were all still here

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  My Juke - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By lpw333 - August 31 - 7:01 pm

  I love this car so much! I dont have anything negative to say about my Juke. It is fun to drive, looks amazing, and catches everyones eye. Ive had several people stop me in parking lots and ask to look at my car. The Juke is definitely a hit with me!