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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  Absolutely the best vehicle ever! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ed - May 12 - 5:56 pm

  I bought this Pathy in Oct. of 05, mainly to use as a tow vehicle for my trailer. Was not looking for 4wd, but it was an awesome deal. Quickly learned why it is so popular off road, and on road. It handles like a dream in both enviroments; will corner with the best on the street, and will climb a tree in 4wd low. It is only an occasional use vehicle (only 7k miles in the 2.5 years I have owned it), but have had 0 problems. I have taken this truck into places I wouldnt take a mule, tore off the stock plastic skidplate and scarred both side steps severely (earning a loud groan from the ATV riders following me). It is an absolute beast, and looks fantastic to boot!

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  Impressed - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Peter - May 12 - 3:43 pm

  Purchased the new Murano the first of May. We traded in an 06 3 series BMW. We test drove several vehicles that we were considering, Lexus RX330 and BMW X3. After many weeks of reading reviews and test driving all the cars we decided on the 09 Murano. We purchased an SL with premium pkg. and leather. The wife loves it, her decision to go with this vehicle. We got Black on black, highly recommend this cross over suv.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Jane - May 12 - 2:13 pm

  This is my second Maxima. I cant say enough good about this car. It has been reliable and fun to drive. The interior and trunk are roomy, and the little conveniences like sunglass holder, spacious console box for CDs,extra backseat drink cup holder and power plug make a real difference on trips. The cars power is a big plus when merging in traffic or handling congested but fast-moving freeway driving. I have been pleasantly surprised by gas mileage.

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  Great lil car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By victor - May 12 - 10:23 am

  This car is great! Looks small on the outside but very roomy on the inside! I traded in a ford taurus for this car and feel i got the better deal. Gas per week is $60-$80 less and I drive a lot. I live in NYC where parking is hard to get... this car fits everywhere!

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  Not half bad - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Taylor - May 12 - 3:03 am

  Style is great, creature comforts not bad, premium package OK. Averaging 18.7 city and 30.2 on highway.

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  Very pleased, minor complaints - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By SgtJoe - May 11 - 4:30 pm

  I love my Xterra, it was very affordable and meets all of my needs. The only complaints are the seats are kinda cheap. Material for seats get worn fast. The other complaint is that the X model did not come with crossbars for the roof rack! Why have a roof rack without cross members and they cost almost $250. All and all I love my Xterra and the six speed makes it very fun to drive.

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  Great All-Around Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - May 11 - 1:40 pm

  This car offers a great driving experience and provides excellent practicality. The brakes hall it down from speed very quickly and have proven to be fade free on multiple trips through mountain roads. Steering is quick and neutral, and the suspension controls body motions without being overly harsh. The engine has a broad powerband, and the automatic transmission almost always shifts at the correct times while holding gears when appropriate. There is a lot of room in the car, even for tall people, and the seating position is very nice. The car has had a bad engine mount, loose rear window, and broken moonroof visor (my fault), all covered under warranty.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By DaveCh - May 11 - 10:00 am

  In seven years and 99,000 miles I never had any problems. I bought the car new and would have drove it into the ground if it hadnt been destroyed in a flood. This car had much better quality than any of the Big Three American cars Ive owned. At 99,000 it still didnt need a brake job. The engine is a ten best engine and always had plenty of power especially with the manual which never required any work. Would highly recommmend to someone for the quality and performance and Im looking for a another 97 Maxima. My wife drives a 2003 Maxima.

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  Excellent! Holds Value Well - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By ds - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a dream! It handles very well, the Bose steroe system is wonderful. very roomy.

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  Best car i ever owned - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Rus - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I had more fun with this car than any other car i ever owned. Moved up to a Nissan Quest.