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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  CANT SAY ENOUGH! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By graysith - June 24 - 7:54 pm

  After major disappointment with my previous 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I turned to Nissans Xterra, and will never turn back. In the 5-1/2 years that Ive owned mine Ive had no trouble other than a cracked in-tire air pressure sensor, but thats it. Drives great, super in snow and weather, dependable, trustworthy and comfortable. I needed something able to get through IA blizzard conditions; this baby does it! Have 113K miles on her (80% highway), and plan on keeping "Bear" for at least double that! No regrets whatsoever; I highly recommend Nissan for quality, performance, strength and durability. Leaves Jeep floundering in the dust, let me tell you that!

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  Nice Car with Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Disillusioned - June 24 - 6:50 pm

  Traded in a WRX because wanted a better highway cruiser. Nice car inside and out, but had a couple of issues. Windows roll down by themselves, once overnight during freezing rain. Nissan mechanics could not fix that problem. The other issue was the CVT. On wet pavement with a fast takeoff the transmission would stay at around 4000 RPM unless you backed off completely from the gas and waited a few seconds. Really liked the looks, couldnt live with the two problems. Traded Altima in on a VW.

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  Nissan Maxima Ownership - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By betty sturgeon - June 24 - 5:36 pm

  Complete confidence is what I feel each time I crawl under the steering wheel of my Maxima. I have 92,000.+ miles on it, and it is still in superb running condition. The only repairs Ive needed to make have been routine, i.e., tires, brakes & battery - thats all. I would always recommend Nissan.

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  It s a 10 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FINKS Z - June 24 - 5:20 pm

  The Z has everything that a sports car should have. Looks, performance, and reliability at a reasonable price. The intown fuel economy is not bad but the road mileage is excellent. At 57, my wife said i was having a midlife crisis but now she drives the z more than i do !!!!!!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gassy - June 24 - 8:43 am

  This is a great vehicle that is hampered by some annoying flaws. Its powerful engine and rugged off road capability make it fun to drive. Highway driving is decent and the gas mileage is about as good as one would expect. The exterior styling of this model is perfect and its a shame that the newer models changed this. The interior is spacious and relatively comfortable. My two main complaints are the stock tires and the in-dash stereo. The tires offer terrible traction particularly in poor weather conditions and need to be replaced. The CD player is useless and was obviously made with a cheap laser which constantly skips.

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  Sweet Ride - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Paddler - June 24 - 4:03 am

  I previously owned a 94 nissan pathfinder that went to 308 thousand. So, I decided to try my hand with a 98 model and I love it. From the 94 to the 98 the ride is so much better. The 98 does really well off-road. Its an easy truck to accessorize with brush guard and racks. I use mine alot for kayaking which leads me all over the southeast and on some back wood trails where it performs both excellent on and off road. The mpg could be better though. I average around 15-16 mpg.

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  Bought used, drives like new - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Tom in SW Va - June 23 - 6:46 pm

  I did a great deal of research before buying my 2011 Murano LE. It had almost 40k miles on it, but it was in showroom condition, and after 14 months, still is. It is the most comfortable SUV Ive driven, by far, and the interior is that of a much more expensive brand. The CVT transmission is terrific, with no jerks or pauses at all, and the power is exactly what I wanted with the 6 cyl engine. I know the 4s are better than in the past, but still not enough power for me on the highway. The cargo area is quite roomy, particularly with the 2nd row seats folded down, and the rear leg room is much better than similar sized vehicles. I cannot say enough about the comfort of the front seats. I would recommend purchase of either the LE or Platinum version of the Murano, because it truly is a luxury car at a reasonable price. My only regret is that this otherwise perfect Murano was not equipped with the Navigation feature. Other than that, it was exactly the vehicle I was looking for, down to the exterior and interior colors. If I ever purchase another SUV, it will likely be a Murano, as additional features have been added in years subsequent to the 2011.

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  Was a little unsure - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By shaunsully - June 23 - 3:46 pm

  Was a little unsure about such a small car and some reviews! to sum it up! Great car! economical! practical! Fun to Drive. recommend the SL with the CVT. And it comes with center armrest! and Ipod hookup! also Sl has few great features that take away most complaints I have seen! If people were not so cheap they would get a much better value for some pocket change! really peppy car actually went from a Pontiac G6 gt to this and his would probably keep up with it! lol handles nice and very very comfy! also more lighting and mirrors in the SL! great buy for the price. Must drive it

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  Very fun car to Drive - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Sheldun - June 23 - 9:40 am

  This car blew my mind, if you think Im lying take a test drive. Very smooth driving and to think that I use to own an Audi.

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  Better than I thought it could be - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Djtallmo - June 23 - 9:10 am

  I purchased a used Armada last month and have been impressed by the solidness of the vehicle thus far. In my 8500 miles of driving the vehicle, there have been no problems except for a wear mark on the drivers armrest. Navigation, homelink, DVD, transmission and engine have functioned seamlessly. The blindspots are not as large as I thought with the help of the side mirrors possioned properly. I am 6-10" and fit quite well comparred to the Toyota and Ford equalls. No regrets in purchasing the Armada and I would do it again in a heartbeat.