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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  I think critics are crazy - 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By strotherdc01 - June 10 - 1:21 pm

  I was intrigued to find a family mans convertible but I was discouraged by the critics reviews. I decided to go look at it and drive it for myself. I loved it! It was responsive, roomy (for a convertible) and completely loaded. So I bought it! My MPGs have been about 22. I love the tan leather and the seats are extremely comfortable.

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  Wise First Car Investment - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Very Satisfied - June 10 - 12:26 pm

  The 2006 Honda Sentra 1.8S is my very first car purchase and I have found that is was a great investment for a recent graduate just embarking on my careers course. For the money spent it is a wonderful combination of standard features and dependability. I love the keyless entry because many times after leaving work or leaving the grocery store, I do not have a hand free to unlock the door so being able to do so at the touch of a button is wonderful! The gas mileage is incredible and the handling is more sturdy than I anticipated. My friends, family, and co-workers all agree that I made a wise investment.

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  Too fat for a fun Z!!! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Mike - June 10 - 9:56 am

  Just traded my F250 for a Z. What a car. Im actually looking for excuses to drive around. Never owned a standard transmission before, but it sure is fun!!! I cant imagine driving a car that could make the experience any more fun. Only problem is my rear is too wide for the little sporty seats. Hurts like the dickens after a little while. Guess I need to do more driving and less eating!!!

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  Best car I have owned - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Augie - June 10 - 9:46 am

  I have always loved the Murano and the wife and I finally decided to take the plunge. We thought we would go for a new 2007 since the 09s had just come out and we could get a great deal on what was left on the dealers lot. However once we saw and drove the 09 we could not resist. What a nice change in body design and platform. The interior especially the console is much improved. THe engine has plenty of power and the CVT is pretty sweet. Always power when you need it an no transitions felt. The 9 speaker Bose with the center channel will blow you away!!!

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  little truck with a big heart - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By rossp - June 10 - 9:40 am

  Acceleration and towing are a breeze with this truck. This one will definitely be in my garage for a few hundred thousand miles. If you want a little truck with big truck power this is the one!

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  Repeat Murano Loves & Hates 2009 Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By ChristyPgh - June 10 - 9:10 am

  This is my third Murano so I obviously like the vehicle and I drive for a living. I have 2 major complaints. 1.When driving between 1000 & 1500 RPM and going approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle makes a sound that sounds like whistling brakes but it is not the brakes. Upon review by the dealership we were able to duplicate in every model of the 2009 Murano. This was being turned into the engineers at Nissan to design a fix. This was discovered in July 2008 and yet to hear resolution. 2.Is the 20" tires and the fact there is only 1 tire for this model. Tires have been rotated and maintained and need replaced at 15000 miles. Horrible in rain/snow & I drive for a living. Not fair.

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  WOW What A BEAST and the rest will drool - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By travjones27 - June 9 - 8:53 pm

  Let me tell you after owning a chevy impala SS for 3 years and taking it on multiple trips, this truck is much more comfortable and feels safer and more reliable. A lot of people think this is a foreign vehicle but guess again. American MADE IN THE GOOD OLD USA> factory in Tennessee builds them. Just like Chevy, Dodge, and ford, all built will imported parts, this truck rips them apart with flying colors. i Dont even care about the fuel management system going down to 4 cylinders cause i live in the hills. Our chevy impala had it and it was only in 4 cylinder on the highway or coasting down a hill in which the Nissan gets a hundred miles a gallon going down hill also. Fuel Management is done!

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  What a great car! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By fredg6 - June 9 - 11:35 am

  I have been driving my 2013 2.5 SL Altima for a couple of months now. I have absolutely no regrets. The car is flawless in both build and performance. Dont believe any bad hype about the CVT you may read on the Internet. Its smooth and responsive. I actually prefer it now to a traditional automatic. The 2.5L in-line 4 cyl engine is powerful enough for 90% of drivers including me. On a recent trip I got 40.9 mpg which is more than Nissan claims! Around town I get the advertised 28 mpg. I love the blind spot warning system, too. Its so good I think ALL cars should have it! Why cant GM build a car like this???????? (The Altima is built in Tennessee.)

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  Never Again - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Never buy a Nissan - June 9 - 4:30 am

  I am having the same difficulties starting my 2002 Nissan Altimas engine this winter as last which was supposedly fixed by two recalls and numerous trips to the dealership. My dealer blames this problem on too much fuel in the cylinder if the car is not fully warmed up in cold weather before turning off engine. I have never experienced this problem with the American made, Honda, or Toyota vehicles that I have owned. I had to take my car in for five recalls, everything from the headlight assembly to the tail pipe hanger. This car is terrible in the snow or on wet roads. It pulls to the right when accelerating on a wet surface. Its power window regulator malfunctioned. The quality of workmanship in this vehicle and dealer worst I have ever experienced. I am unloading this dog before the warranty runs out.

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  This is the one to buy! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By hudsonw80 - June 8 - 10:40 pm

  I love this vehicle! It drives great, the technology is equal to that in products twice as expensive, and it is great looking in and out. I dont see why anyone would pay the premium for an FX35. The only things I might nitpick on are that all four windows should be one-touch, the steering wheel on a loaded SL should be power, and with all the great stereo technology there should be an iPod connector. Also, the dual moonroof for its size should slide open further. Nevertheless, this is the one to put on the top of your list.