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:

• 

  Great Ride - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Virginia DiMaria - September 17 - 2:50 pm

  I have had my Murano for months now and do a lot of road trips. Most road trips are about a thousand miles. I could not be happpier. This vehicle is a very smooth, comfortable and good car for my long road trips. My last 3 cars were Lexus 350s. I was a little reluctant changing to Nissan, but heard a lot about how great they were and decided to check it out. It has surpassed the Lexus in comfort, style, wheel turn, gas mileage and other features. All the family members in my family are tall and the leg room511 to 64" is just perfect. I read some reviews about car seat comfort. So all you tall people should take notice. I love the car and would lease another.

• 

  I Am Extremely Satisfied - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Big Busa - September 17 - 9:56 am

  This car is a beast! Love the power and the prowess. I love how she moves when I tell her to. My previous just thought about it. Guess you really cannot compare a Dodge Nitro and a Nissan Maxima but I must say, I LOVE THIS CAR. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a luxury car without the luxury price.

• 

  Ill buy another - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Ron L - September 17 - 5:33 am

  Purchased new. Serviced as needed. Now at 96,000 plus miles and run like a top.

• 

  Black Beauty - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Tom - September 17 - 4:36 am

  I traded in a 2004 Mazda3, a car that I loved and have not looked back since. The Altima has it all and more! The look is so sleek and classy and the performance is awesome. I have the 3.5 SE and love the power, with the CVT its the best ride I have ever experienced.

• 

  My sleek machine - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Gini Foreman - September 16 - 7:46 pm

  I absolutely love my Z! Besides being fun to drive, it is one of the finest cars on the road today. A pleasant surprise that contradicted my original opinion was how much the back would hold in luggage, groceries - stuff in general. I drive it 5 minutes to work, but I have also taken it on a couple of long trips and it handles great. I also love the great use of space. Whether I am driving to work, around the city of Houston, or on a trip, it is a great car to have.

• 

  Nice - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Menzies - September 15 - 10:36 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Stylish, fuel efficient, roomy, drives like a much bigger car. Highly recommended for anyone.

• 

  2nd-Timer - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By pvd47 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second GLE, and Ive had nothing but great luck and top-end performance from both of them. Im especially keen on the GLEs V-6 engine, which I tested against both the Camry V-6 and the Accord V-6 when I was first looking at the Nissan back in 1998. Honda and Toyota may have ugraded their engine performance in the intervening years, but Id be surprised if either could match the GLE for either power or pickup. A great car, albeit a little pricey and not overly stylish.

• 

  Satisified Used Truck Owner - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By ahrivnak - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan meet all of my expectations and exceeded most. Most of my praise goes to the comfort of the vehicle. The seats are Large enough for a person my size, but my ten year old son has no problem falling asleep in the passenger seet. The controls are easy to reach, understand, and use. If I had to make one complain, it would be about the power of the engine. I expected a bit more power from a V6. Still, there was plenty of power for most tasks. I also think the stlying is superior to any comparable truck (Toyota, Mazda, Chevy, Ford etc) and far superior than the current Nissan frontiers. You will enjoy!!

• 

  Incredible! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CarEnthusiast - September 15 - 2:00 am

  With 29,100 miles and 2.5 years, my Nissan Pathfinder has been just wonderful. Its handling is outstanding, great power, simply a joy to ride. Has handled "blizzard of 2003" in Washington D.C. with no problems. The only problem I have had was with the CD-changer (had to be replaced)

• 

  its a beautiful thing - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By alvaroernestof - September 15 - 2:00 am

  im in love with my new xterra. i wouldnt trade it for anything. its the best car ive had so far, it only needs to have a better gas milage and alitle more h/p.