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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  Murano Fan 4 Ever - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Frankie Dee - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have not been this excited about a vehicle since I first saw the 1986 1/2 Toyota Supra. This is the perfect blend of SUV and Sudan. It has a unique look which is rare now a days. The ride in the city and on the highway is fun and non-labor intensive. The engine and transmission are a powerful combination, yet they remain smooth and refined. This vehicle will make a SUV lover out of non-believers.

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  Murano: Power, style and so much fun! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LA Lady - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The Murano is so much fun to drive. The CVT really allows the car to fly up hills. Mine is loaded and am having fun figuring out all the bells and whistles.I especially like the positive feedback from other drivers. The design is so unique. Not like every other little boxy SUV. Nissan certainly has a winner with the Murano.

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  Altima Se 3.5 Review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By DprMny - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, love the options, love the style, love the comfort, LOVE MY ALTIMA SE 3.5

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  Great Car - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Steven Smith - September 14 - 7:45 pm

  I test drove the Maxima SR just before the end of 2016 hoping to get a good end of year deal. I didnt get the price I was looking for so I did not buy. Most likely will buy one here in 2017. The SR package looks very sharp IMO and the car drives great. Im 62" and 225lbs and I had plenty of room. Great power and smooth ride and looks like high end luxury sedan.

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  Traded Chevy Suburban, in a heart beat! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Linda - September 14 - 8:26 am

  Fantastic full size SUV, built right here in the good ole USA! Superior safety features, all standard! Fit, finish & quality of materials are very pleasing. Reputation & reliability are outstanding. Easy to use features, placement of instruments & accesories are well thought out & informative. Find myself in this auto more often than my BMW 7 series! Highly recommend!

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  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By TM - September 12 - 9:46 pm

  I love this truck. Ive owned a Toyota and believe me it is a Toy compared to the Frontier.

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  Nissan quality cars and trucks - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By THOMAS MANZO - September 12 - 6:56 am

  Ive owned a couple of Nissans and they are both outstanding vehicles. Reliable quality vehicles. I never had to worry about being let down or stuck somewhere on long trips cross country and I drive them hard. High mileage vehicles and they handle and drive like new. Very happy and satisfied with the vehicle, and I love my 2002 4WD Longbed fully loaded Frontier.

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  Great car, great value - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DavidG - September 12 - 5:30 am

  Purchased this car used with about 8k miles on it. New, it stickered for about $31K, but I picked it up for about $21K, a real bargain. This is a fun car. Ive only had 3 problems with the car: At around 25k miles the Speed Sensitive Volume became erratic. Nissan changed out the Bose unit, it was fine for a few months and then the problem came back. They replaced the unit again and suggested if it happened again they would probably replace the amp. Both times were under warranty; no charge. No problems since. I now have about 68k miles, and a few months ago the front psgr window motor was replaced due to some sticking. Thats it. This car is reliable.

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  2004 SL AWD - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By CK - September 12 - 12:03 am

  Very comfortable cabin. Seats are very comfortable. Auto climate control is one of the best I have used. Dashboard has a couple of rattles, but no other quality issues have come up. Has great midrange power...accelerating from 40 to 60, etc. Off the line acceleration is fine, but average. This car has great ability to haul passengers and cargo. It is very versatile and just plain comfortable. I originally wanted a Dodge Magnum with the big motor. Although I still wish I had the big motor, this car does too many things "right" for me to look back now. I am very happy with my selection. Also looked at the Saturn VUE, but it is really not in the same league as the Murano.

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  Truck Rating - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mikeeads - September 11 - 2:20 pm

  I drive my truck to work and home all week which is about a 55 mile round trip. I have to go up a mountain and through a very curvy two lane country road. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and I have power to spare when I want to pull out and pass going up the mountain. It goes great in the mud and snow and shifting into 4 wheel is a breeze. I enjoy just getting in my truck and driving not only is it comfortable but its fun and I always feel safe in it.