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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  Rogue... what took you so long! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By King - December 13 - 8:26 pm

  This a fun, delightful, amazing crossover SUV. What an impression Nissan made with this innovative vehicle. It is great on mileage, style, and ride. We got out of a Mazda 6s and the ride feels better, the mileage is just as good, and the style is truly astonishing. We are getting compliments everywhere we go with the Rogue. The only qualm I have is the power, I would like to have more horses, but I am very happy with what I have now. If you are trying to look for a great crossover with plenty to offer at a great price, look no further. We truly looked at all other crossovers, both foreign and domestic, and the Rogue is by far the best!

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  Best minivan of all. - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By danny - December 13 - 7:50 am

  At price of $21000, Quest is the best minivan available. Beside the stylish, the 2nd row can fold down. Unlike any other minivan. It also have power on both side sliding and rear. Great Minivan.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Dwayne - December 13 - 12:30 am

  This truck is by far the best I have owned, I researched and test drove Chevy, Ford and Toyota prior to this purchase and for base items I got more for the money 5.6 V8, 18In rims, 33" tires etc. In all other trucks these were options that cost way more. Everyday I drive the truck I love it more. I just placed a true Dual Exhaust Flowmaster on it and it sounds and runs great.

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  2010 Rogue S AWD CVT - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By JK - December 12 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this Rogue in January during a snow storm. I traded a Titan that had electrical problems and wanted a small SUV. I am 6ft 1 250 pounds and was not sure about feeling comfortable in a small SUV. Well, I was wrong. I can put my seat in a comfortable position and my wife who is also six foot fits comfortable in the back along with a child seat. Plenty of room in the back for a stroller and luggage (groceries). Have not had this long enough to test gas mileage. Make sure you test drive this on a rainy day.. Because its a hatchback there is ALOT of road noise. If this bothers you dont buy it, Nissan cant fix it. Awd worked great in the storm, my wifes altima would not even get out.

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  Very Happy! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bostonaltima - December 12 - 10:00 am

  We got a 2002 2.5 SL with ABS/side airbags, seat warmers, sunroof for $290 a month with $4000 down--a pretty good deal. We leased the car at Quirk, but also spent a lot of time at Frost. Frost was great, but they werent able to match the price at Quirk. So far (it has been almost a month), we are very pleased with the car. As the other reviews have mentioned, it really does turn heads. Its a peppy drive, and a great buy for the money.

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  Oh My Goodness!! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Becky - December 12 - 7:46 am

  Own Mercury Mountaineer but wanted something to drive to work that got better mileage. Didnt count on this! Awesome interior - hubby is 601" and needs lots of leg and head room - hes got it. Comfortable, roomy seats. Excellent turning radius. Great back seat leg room also and plenty room for luggage. Exceptional head room! Quiet - almost no road noise! Smoother ride than our nephews Honda CRV. We are both thrilled with purchase. Couldnt be happier! Enough to make this ol grandma feel like shes really "styling". Best of both worlds - SUV style combined with fuel economy, comfort and grace!!

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  very happy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By designbo - December 12 - 4:50 am

  Was looking at the Toyota Tundra when I thought I would look at the Titan. Was extremely imperssed with the overall feel and size compared to the Tundra. Not that Toyota did not make a good truck, the Titian blew it away. Bigger, Nicer styling and impressive response was the key. Looks impressive and rides great. Was a Ford man, but not anymore.. good job Nissan

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  A "Useful" Truck - Does it all! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By BearsFan34 - December 11 - 7:00 pm

  OK like Thomas the tank engine, its useful for most needs of the average household! I bought this truck after repairing a customers SE in the Body Shop and was blown away with the 4cly performance. It handles a yard and a half of mulch with no strain, is well as several trips of 12 bags of leaves to the dump with the bed extender used, commuting 50 miles a day for work getting 22.7 mpg! Savings on the same range traveled with my prior 06 F150 is 6 gallons a fill, thats over $600.a year saved based on 2.75 a gallon-WOW! Mine came with the "old man"(grin-see other post!)options: A/Trans, power windows, door locks, sliding back glass, bedliner, bedextender, CD player-Great Truck!

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  Owning a Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By D. Herron - December 11 - 1:10 pm

  The look threw me off at first. But I drove it and fell in love. It rides quite comfortably and is such great fun to drive. Ive owned it for just over a year and never had any problems at all. It travels well. We have gone on several trips and been VERY comfortable. It has a V6 engine with a heart. When you need extra power...its there. I tell everyone who asks that I love my car and they should test drive one.

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  07 Murano SL AWD (Touring Package) - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Jim - December 11 - 10:46 am

  Silent motor...no road noise. A bit hesitant when flooring it, but it moves!