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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  Absolute terrific, underrated truck! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Leo - April 28 - 10:16 am

  What attracted us to this car was that it is the only 1/2 ton pickup with a full size cab and long bed. This configuration is awesome! The cabin is very comfy, seats are soft, rear leg room is limo-like. Power of the big V8 is incredible, the car is quiet, decent sound system and has lots of fun toys like the bluetooth. It behaves very well for a truck, soft over the bumps, but feels very tough at the same time. Definitely underrated as far as the full truck segment goes and its a shame Nissan hasnt done a better job marketing the truck.

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  Happy with our Murano - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By dennyregazzo - April 27 - 7:20 pm

  Bought the SL AWD with Premium, Leather and Moonroof package. We were looking for a crossover for 18 months. Seriously considered Chevy Equinox/GMC Terrain and GMC Acadia. Settled on Murano do to performance (at the cost of fuel efficiency) and styling. We are very glad we waited for 2010 model since it is a cosmetic improvement on 2009. We are extremely happy with decision as car is a joy to drive. We have had no issues although we are still only 3000 miles into ownership.

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  the best truck in my life - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By little nicky - April 27 - 3:13 pm

  This is one of the greatest trucks I have ever driven. The only setback was the brakes needed replacing because the morons who designed the truck put in frontier brakes designed for the smaller pick-up/SUV. However, now I have new special-designed brake rotors and feet for the TITAN and never had a problem since! I highly recommend this truck for both comfort and work. But be warned....the TITAN has such torque that it can rip your head off! The stock horsepower is almighty and has great potential! This is a must!

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  Most comfortable - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By chris - April 26 - 12:30 pm

  My husband and I owned a Frontier prior to the Titan and I am highly impressed with the comfort and performance of our Titan. It powers up hills.

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  dependability on 4 wheels - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By champange - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 02 GXE for 20 months. Other than having the o2 sensor replaced 5 months ago, I had absolutely no other problems and this car is the perfect around town commuter car. Been getting 25 miles city and 35+ highway. Has good torque at low speeds and handles quite well. A good financial investment.

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  I GOT MY SPEC V FULLY LOADED for $18,600 - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By RICKY TAN - April 25 - 10:00 am

  All I have to say is that for 2002, there is certainly not a better car for the money. I am getting 0-60 times of 7 flat and 1/4 mile times of 15.3-5 depending on the day. If someone can please show me a better car that came fully loaded with a cd player, 6 disk changer, 9 speaker system, subwoofer, sunroof, front and side airbags, ABS, spoiler, helical limited slip differential, and 17 in flossin Enkei rims, I would really like to see. There is no doubt in my mind that this car kicks ***. I am a junky for the turn, and if you like to take turns at high speeds, then this is the car for you.

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  Great Restyle - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By greenbrook - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great power,room and design

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  Sweet Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By silver bullet - April 24 - 7:50 am

  This is a very nice car. Bought it 2 weeks ago, and it turns heads all the time. I test drove other cars, but none of them had "it." The Z definitely does. The power is great, the looks are great, and the handling is awesome.

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  WOW - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By OMAC - April 23 - 7:46 pm

  This is my first new car in 10 yrs. I am glad I chose the Nissan Rogue. Very comfortable to drive and good pick up for a 4 cylinder. Exceeded my expectations in regards to handling and safety. Jim Keras Nissan did a great job of recommending this vehicle.

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  Love my Murano! - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By jazzykendra - April 23 - 12:53 pm

  I chose the Murano S. I find my new vehicle fun to drive and easy to navigate. Its reliable and I love the design of the vehicle, both the interior and the exterior.