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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  Nissan/Altima V6SL - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By BVersoy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is quiet - smooth and steady. The acceleration is instant (& fun) and the breaking is extraordinary. It just is so effortless. An extreme pleasure to drive this BEAUTIFUL car.

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  SUV with acceptable consumption - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Manoj - December 22 - 4:23 pm

  I like this car bought just 2 months back at first I used to have doubts about its gas consumption but I have to say I am pretty happy with it. getting 20 MPG in city and 22 MPG on highway.

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  Lots of Bang for the Buck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By slayrdave - December 22 - 10:00 am

  A very sexy truck with matching fiberglass cap.Only two problems:A electrical short behind the dash disabled the power windows when the cruise control was used.Always occured with the windows down.Two visits to the dealer before it was corrected.Truck body has the SHAKES,Dealer balanced and re balanced tires,installed new Driveshaft prop.Concluded I had a tire out of round,suggested that I buy new tires.Dealer needs to work on Customer Service.I think its stupid to make an appointment for an oil change.I would like to add that Ford,Chevy,and Toyota couldnt match my Frontier in price!! Value will sale trucks.

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  I HAVE A P-FINDER - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tony soprano - December 22 - 10:00 am

  im from canada montreal just got a p- finder 2003 full equiped the LE sivlver and i love it litle expensive but worthed 45,000$ plus taxes this is canadian money. if ure looking 4 one trust me get it you wont go wrong at all .

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  Patience is a virtue - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By a25ret - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I looked for two months for the right car. I narrowed it down to the Altima 2.5S, Camry LE and the Sonata LE (fully loaded).Each car has advantages.I finally made the decision to buy the Altima and I am extemely happy. I got it for a few hundred under invoice. The Camry was to plain and I just could not flush my money on the Hyundai. The Altima is large, powerful, roomy, plenty of power features, and lots of storage space. The 175hp 4cyl is responsive and the gas mileage is good. I have never been happier with a new car purchase. The color is polished pewter. I highly recommend the Nissan Altime for looks, power and quality.

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  Made A Good Choice - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By G.B. - December 22 - 4:36 am

  I looked at alot of options from the 300, A6, Altima, and Acura. All had nice style and ride, but as price went up I didnt see much of an increase in luxary. My dealer gave me a flat out price of $29500 for the Maxima SL w/ Navi and all the perks. I feel like Im riding in a really well styled car with great power and smooth handling. Could not be happier.

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  Power-sapping? No way! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By LinnyJ - December 22 - 1:26 am

  No way does the CVT get in the way! I drive on crowded highways in terrible traffic and more than once I have been able to avoid erratic drivers by quickly stepping on the gas and getting out of the way. The pick up is incredible and has saved me more than once! The ride is smooth and if we wanted 3 rows of seats, there were other options out there. Maybe Edmunds should think about all the empty nesters buying this car that dont want that third row. We enjoy the roominess of only 2 rows!

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  Better Gas Mileage Than Expected! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By billybronc - December 22 - 12:43 am

  Im a courier and drive this car about 180 miles/day. I had an 07 Camry and averaged about 23 mpg, Ive been getting about 26.5 average in the Altima only change I notice is the low rpm at high speed. Very smooth ride and acceleration. No hesitation when you hit the gas to pass another car. Should have XM radio standard. Much more fun to drive than my Camry, tires are MUCH cheaper to replace. Performance+ pkg is a great deal for what you get. The push button start is GREAT! The CVT (continuous variable transmission) is VERY nice and I wasnt expecting to notice such a difference.Youll notice it within a minute of your test drive.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave N. - December 21 - 9:20 pm

  This is my first vehicle I have purchased and Im glad I did. I have had nothing wrong with it. This has the best body style out of all the SUVs out there.

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  Great truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jirvine - December 21 - 12:30 pm

  I have had my titan for five years. I have 163k miles and it still runs like the day i bought. Could not ask for a better truck