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 Necessary Addition - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Andrew - November 4 - 6:50 pm

  When I was looking for a new car, nothing stood out more than the Nissan Altima Coupe. The look of the car and its uniqueness on the road alone sold me. It is very fun to drive and responsive for me. The seats are perfect and the basic package brought what I needed and not the extras I honestly see as unnecessary. The 4 liters saves gas and since I am a penny pincher with little money, this helps a lot and trust me, it can keep up on the highway. While you may find some gripe with the car, such as small trunk space and no existent back seat, honestly, this car is perfect for me as a teenage driver. Honestly, with 4 liters, I get the power I need and my parents do not have to worry like a V6.

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  The best mid-size SUV/Crossover I drove - 2012 Nissan Murano
  By dhb68 - November 4 - 6:33 pm

  I test drove several mid-size SUV/Crossovers and the Murano was not even on my radar because of its "moon mobile" looks although I had read great reviews on Edmunds and CR. After a very uninspriring test drive of a Highlander Limited I decided to stop at the Nissan dealership next to the Toyota dealer and give the Murano a spin before heading home since I was already there. That changed my impression of the Murano immediately! Get behind the wheel of one after trying out all of the others and youll understand why Murano owners are loyal. The interior is on par with an Infiniti and the driving dynamics are wonderful. The more I drive it the more I appreciate it. Love the smooth CVT!!

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  Very comfortable front seats - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By PaulC - November 4 - 4:43 pm

  In an age where nearly all car makers offer only hard, thinly padded front seat bottoms that induce fatigue and soreness on longer drives the Nissan Sentra impresses with a seat bottom that fells softer and is shaped and padded in a way that doesnt cause pressure points and fatigue. Other characteristics of the car are just ordinary except for road noise which is suppressed better than in most midsize cars. I like cars with comfortable seats, and a bump absorbing and quiet ride and in the midsize category I find the Hyundai Elantra the most desireable overall, the Nissan Sentra second place, Toyota Corolla third place and Chevy Cruze fourth place.

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  Dont waste your money - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By NICK - November 4 - 3:10 pm

  When I bought my 370 I really thought I was buying quality, boy was that wrong. I paid cash and still spent all day waiting why I dont know and I said I wanted a spoiler added my sales guy said no you dont well I was sure I did. The sales part took way to long and the dealers knew nothing about the car. The car itself was fun to drive for about 3 days I could hear every Stone smack and everything else possible, I had water in both tail lights all the little flaps behind the wheels fell off. The paint was horrible it chipped every time I drove the car, when the tags were put on the lot guy ran screws into the bumper why use the bracket? Nissan service was horrible save your money&buy something else.

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  Murano SL AWD - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By bbk - November 4 - 10:30 am

  This crossover is a terrific vehicle and is fun to drive. It has many great features, but you need to get all the packages to achieve that. The ride is smooth with great pick up.

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  Great Suv - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DBoothe - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Pathfinder for just over 2 years now. The only problem I had was an o2 sensor that was replaced at the dealership at no charge. Wish gas milage was better but then again im in a SUV. It dependable and it looks good and not everybody is driving around in one. Would recommend it to anyone.

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  Rides like a piece of junk! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By explorer1 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Horrible compared to the domestic trucks. 4 cyl. is loud rough and couldnt get out of its own way. Interior is extremly cheaply designed and I wonder what the reviewers were on when they drove it. The V6 is only slightly better but still loud and rough and not for anyone who expects a decent riding truck with acceptable drivetrain.

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  Geat fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By zgdlife - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It handles like a true sports car, has huge power and everyone loves the look. We are having great fun with this car.

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  2 months and 5,ooo miles later - 2011 Nissan Quest
  By texas_daddy - November 4 - 4:05 am

  As should be expected my Quest continues to impress and delight my family. We recently took a road trip from Texas to Northern Wisconsin, over 2500 miles. The quietness of the Quest was great during the 40 hours on the road as was the soft yet controlled ride. I also got to test out the Quests ability to make a U-turn many times, no GPS. It is very tight turning radius and handles better than I expected from such a large vehicle.

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  WORST CAR EVER!!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By doobzz617 - November 4 - 3:59 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. I bought the car in 06 brand new. By early 2009 I had to replace the engine. By early 2010 I had to replace the transmission, and a week ago my check engine light went on and the transmission needs to be replaced again! Nothing but problems and money! I hate it!