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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  Fun & Comfort - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By daveton - July 17 - 11:06 am

  The car drives very smooth, the CVT is amazing. Surprising acceleration for a 4 cyl. The SL package, though expensive, comes with everything one could ask for. The controls are well placed and easy to use. Tons of storage space in trunk and lots of small hidden storage places inside the car. Excellent car!

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  Great Truck! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Bill - July 17 - 9:43 am

  This truck is great, Ive shopped the competition and found this to be the best deal. Im getting 18.9 mpg average in summer and 17.8 average in winter. Ive upgraded to 89 octane this winter for a 1-2 mpg boost. you may get 16 mpg in the cold on 87 octane. Im gonna try 93 and see if it is overall cheaper or not. Ive got 6,000 miles on the truck and have had no problems at all. the 4wd works great, snow and hills are nothing. Great truck!

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  Not my Car/Hubbys - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Carola - July 16 - 3:53 pm

  Traded in a 99 Avalon Toyota. Car is low to ground like Avalon 99. Engine noise is too loud, sluggish take off. Just not a car for me. I never drive his car, no desire to. Exterior is pretty, but Id rather have a Camry. It is higher of ground and seats need to be automatic. I havent found a comfortable position in front seat yet, driver or passenger. I refuse to take a trip in car.

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  Great SUV, Poor on Gas!!!! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By UNVME - July 16 - 10:00 am

  First foreign vehicle purchased and unfortunately so far its been the most satisfying. Iam in debt to a 2001 SE 2wheel dr.X-terra. Love the Stadium seating in the back seat. Quality of the X-Terra interior is very poor. Exterior black molding yet attractive the first two months now age my Vehicle, because they fade out. I purchased the extended warranty because my electric windows as a total have been replaced 5 times (motors).

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  The Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Jim Johnston - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Contrary to historical experience I like this car more now than when I bought it. This car is a blast. It begs for high speed turns and it stops on a dime. The transmission loves to wind and the torque ratio is great in any gear. The body style is cool. The interior is more than adequate and is designed for sports car performance. The rev light, tire temp monitor, extensive gauges and best of all SEATS that conform to my body that prevent lateral movement during high speed turns etc. All for under $32000-WOW

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  lots of performace for the money - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By BobZ - July 16 - 10:00 am

  My wife just got one these 350Zs and is almost as fast as my used 1991 Porsche 928GT 5speed purchased for half the price.

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  Most car for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mclarenM5 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best cars you can buy for under 30K. The GLE comes with everything you would ever need. Add cold weather package and traction control and you have the ultimate car. There is nothing more you could want. Traction control works great on ice. Torque steer is noticeable when you step hard on the gas. The brakes stop on a dime. Much smoother than an Acura TL Type S(which costs more) Nissan has re inveneted itself. You cant get into a comparable BMW,Audi,Acura,Lexus for this amount of luxury and performance. Infiniti G35 is great...but RWD in the NE isnt the best.

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  Baterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By BatmanYZFr1 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I didnt shop thinking about the xterra. All I knew is that I wanted a SUV. The saleman said, "what about this?" All I knew about it is that it that integrated first aid kit-cool. I bought it, they threw in a trailer hitch and I was out of there. I now absolutely love this machine. I aim for bumps and dirt whenever the chance arises. My mountain bike accents the xterra so well.I thought about the jeep liberty afterwards, but that thing is just a little too "cute" for me. just need more power. When I want it to move, which it does, I feel that the engine is working too hard and I think I can see my gas needle falling. everything else is great.

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  Mixed Bag -- Ya Love It Or Ya Hate It - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By SacMuranoDvr - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Well, its a great substitute for a station wagon. The CVT takes some getting use to. Its a lot peppier in Ds mode. Although, Id rather have a regular automatic and more road feel. Fits in parking spaces, carries people, has so-so styling and the dealers are a mixed bag. I dont know, I get the feeling they could have done better.

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  Great Design - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By alopez - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful design, fun to driving, good performance in city or freeway; excellent performance driving in heavy rain conditions. Interesting interior and exterior design, great features. Poor left back and back visibility, Interior seats does not provide with an arm rest.