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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  The best car Ive ever had - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By xxxamorexxx - October 14 - 11:26 pm

  The 1.8S is by far the best car I have ever had. My car has not broken down once so far, and it now has 104,000 miles on it. The CAM sensor went bad at about 85,000, but my car still never broke down in the process. The gas mileage I get is approx 34 on the HWY, and about 27 in town. My car is BRIGHT yellow, so with the spoiler, and black bra I put on the front, very sporty. The bucket seats could have a bit more padding. If you treat this car well, it will treat you well. I have taken many road trips in this car, NEVER worried about if my car will break down or not. The heat blasts me out of the car!!!!

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  Good car - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Dobs - October 14 - 8:40 am

  We love our Murano, because of its reliability and strong engine. We would buy another one if they would change the seat design. After long drives, it becomes very uncomfortable. Other than that, it is a great car for a family, couple or single.

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  The most car fun Ive had in years - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By dml - October 13 - 11:13 pm

  Not since my first Maxima years ago have I experienced so much pleasure in driving a vehcile. There is nothing about the Murano that I dont like - its comfortable, well-appointed and well-designed, and an absolute delight to drive. The CVT is addictive - once you get used to it, youll never want to go back. I actually dont mind my hour commute each day to and from work, now. Always a Nissan fan, but now Im reminded why!

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  Best for the money - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By royboy41 - October 13 - 5:26 pm

  I have had my vehicle for 1000 miles now and I am very happy with it. I looked at a variety of cars: used Acura TL, new Acura TSX, Mazda 3 (2010) and a Ford Edge. The Altima SL CVT with Bose is very comparable to the TSX but has a better body style and was thousands cheaper. The voice activation blue-tooth phone is very very cool! Wish the 2.5 had a few more horses for when the car has 4 passengers, but it is sufficient. You can always step up to the 3.5 if needed for a couple grand. It also fits 5 passengers very comfortably.

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  comparing with mid class cars - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JP - October 13 - 4:03 am

  accord, camry and altima, i think they represent for mid class sedans. for smoothness i figured camry and accord are the one for it. but altima aint that bad. i like its style especially tail light, 15 more horses than others and sound system. i am enjoying it

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  Great car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By jltucker - October 13 - 2:00 am

  a great car! Really fun to drive, handles wonderfully, the 3.5L V6 really gets out of the gate quick, loads of interior room and trunk space. Loaded with lots of features including outstanding Bose sound system.

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  Practical, Comfort and Elegance in One! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Akuyek - October 13 - 12:56 am

  I have this car for almost 3 years yet it still takes my breath away. Surefooted in slippery snow, at sharp corners or blasting through a hazard situation - in luxurious comfort. Its like commanding a magical creature morphed and have the agility of a unicorn, the elegance of a swan and the stability of a bullfrog.

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  Scene Stealer - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Dean&deLuca - October 12 - 7:50 pm

  Ive been driving it for almost a month now and my love for this beauty grows deeper and deeper everyday. Not to mention the fast acceleration, the high seat (yeah, i can see the rooftops of the most common suvs), but what made me love this car more is the attention that im getting from the other drivers/pedestrians. Just cant figure out what they think though but the fact that their heads turned in my direction is enough for me.

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  2010 Nissan GTR - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By gtringa - October 12 - 11:52 am

  What an absolute dream car. Super car performance at a fantastically low price (relatively speaking) Despite the massive horsepower and torque the AWD system keeps it planted firmly on the road. They hold their money too Its a dream come true.

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  Lots of car for the money - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Swerver - October 12 - 11:10 am

  Weve had our Versa for about 7 months and we LOVE it.We looked at all the others, and it was no contest.Classier and more substantial looking than the Fit or Yaris, almost identical in dimensions and capacities to the Vibe/Matrix but costing thousands less, the Versa is great bang for the buck. The fact that it drives and feels nothing like an economy car is icing on the cake.The interior is amazingly roomy and comfortable for a small car and a lot quieter than I expected, almost a Mausoleum compared to my old Neon. Incredible room in the back seat and more than enough cargo space. The Versas space efficiency is truly amazing.