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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  Bobs Murano review - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By phillylion - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Drives very car- like with great handling and performance. The features include things that most other similar vehicles dont offer such as stability and traction control. The gas mileage seems better than most SUVs with around 20 combined highway/city. No problems, noises, or rattles, as some have reported.

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  Love the Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Down South - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought the new Murano SL with the premium package and sun roof. Incredible styling, comfort, loads of power. The Bose audio system is awesome. Really like the 18 inch wheels.

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  Altima - 2002 Gold - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By TucNav - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Nissans for years including a 96 Altima. This one is great! Very roomy, more than my Maxima, especially in the back seat. A little under powered with the 4 cyl, but am getting 25 - 27 in town commute (surface streets, not freeway). If you looking for a great, comfortable car at a great price, this is it.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By rc - January 1 - 12:06 am

  This is my second pathfinder from Nissan. I have it with dvd and navigation. The 2005 is just amazing. The power is great and the 4wd capabilities are excellent. The third row is mainly for kids but is great to have. If you dont need it, you can fold it down for alot of trunk space with ease. The fuel economy is a little low but what do you expect from a big truck like this. The bose and navigation system are just beautiful. Overall I am truely enjoyed this pathfinder.

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  Love my Nissan - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By kelly wares - December 31 - 12:12 am

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  Little BIG truck! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By rd - December 30 - 11:46 pm

  AWESOME ! This is without a doubt the best truck for the buck Ive owned since I bought my first Toyota in 1982. What those trucks did for Toyota this truck should do for Nissan. I read that the output of this 6-cyl was near the F-150 and I had towed with the F-150 (22 ft Boston Whaler Dauntless), so I bought it. It pulls her out of the ramp in the snow and ice we get here in Montana, 4-wheels the mountains and gets over 20 MPG if I dont go over 70 MPH. It does a whole lot better on premium and lousy if you put in alcohol contaminated gasoline. I know that because I took this truck across country towing a smaller boat. Geared right for whatever you want a truck to do.

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  The coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By thegooddr - December 30 - 12:46 pm

  I got 2.5 with CVT and convenience pkg. Great power, excellent ride, handles well, and gorgeous. The car is better than I expected. I got it for style, but it is also a great ride. Economy, according to the computer is 23 around the city, and will go over 400 miles on a tank. Only an economy car will do that.

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  Better than honda and toyota - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By billy frazier - December 30 - 8:43 am

  I bought my altima with 88000 miles on it after owning a Toyota and 2 hondas, have to say both are way overrated,my Altima has been the most dependable car Ive ever had, and let me say "some rockin a/c", blows 38 degrees in Florida-ice cold, and the car is so easy to maintain for the do it yourselfer, have not had a single problem yet, now 140,000 miles and going strong

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  Great All Around Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Eric - December 29 - 7:46 pm

  Narrowed down search to Titan vs Tundra. The Nissan dealer had an 05 Tundra on the lot (trade in for Titan), so I was able to compare side-by-side. Clear winner was Titan. With a seemingly endless supply of power/torque and cavernous interior, plus a silky smooth transmission and nice ride - this truck meets all my needs plus more. The LE with big tow package = truck that feels at home whether going out on date night or sloshing in the dirt and mud. Believe it or not, I went from my BMW roadster to this truck without losing the "fun factor" either. Ive been camping with my family of 5 and the next week hauling 1/2 ton of dirt and this Titan doesnt skip a beat.

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  Wonderful car for the Money!!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By WB9696 - December 29 - 12:00 pm

  This is one of the best cars on the road for the money. Great handling, power, and one fun car to drive.