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:

• 

  nissan murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By dixie - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Rear visiblilty is the only problem that I have. You learn to adjust and know how to see around the problems.

• 

  350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By CURT CURTIS - September 20 - 2:00 am

  BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK KICK IN THE PANTS EVERYTIME YOU START IT UP

• 

  owner - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By luv thacar - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles anyone could want to purchase.It has speed, looks and oh the style of it. Great all around vehicle to own and of course drive.

• 

  VERY Happy. - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Luis - September 19 - 8:06 am

  Went to Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda and Audi. But fell in love with the Murano. Sure it is a bit expensive to run (at least compared to my previous Nissan X-Trail), but it really pays back. Im just so happy with the quality and performance. If you dont really need a hardcore offroader, then this is an excellent pick.

• 

  Cant Afford To Sell It - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Art Nor - September 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Maxima SE w/auto transmission after considering the V-6 versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Avalon. Felt the Maxima gave us the best bang for the buck and the "Max" has not disappointed us. Engine gives excellent performance, uses no oil, and gets 28 mpg on road trips. We have concluded well be keeping her for at least 3 more years.

• 

  Turning radius! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By steve - September 18 - 9:00 am

  I have owned other trucks before but by far my frontier is the best. It is very comfortable to drive on long trips, and the gas usage is not bad on the highway.

• 

  Truthful - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Kent Higgins - September 17 - 11:16 pm

  No problems at all accept the Sirrus Satelite Radio has been a constant problem of failures. The vehicle has been a wonderful experience otherwise. Gas milage and performance is beyond expectations. The handling is above par and I would buy again. Took me months to purchase as I tried them all. Many over and over. Tried this vehicle one time and my choice was made.

• 

  Get in and GO... - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By BANDIT SEVEN - September 15 - 11:26 pm

  The Nissan Murrano is a unique vehicle. This vehicle not only stands out in a croud, but its performance is truly unequalled. I have found that the CTV definantly makes the difference both in fuel economy and performance. In addition, I constantly have to check the speedometer. With no shifting "kicks" this vehicle will just get up and go, this is alot of weight to move, and it does it superbly. This is not a 300 or 350Z, but I tell you, once it is going it is gone.... The controls and instruments are set just right for the reach. I enjoy the steering wheel controls, they are awesome. Im sure the designers will have a heck of a time trying to replace it with future models.

• 

  Proud Owner - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By alex - September 15 - 7:06 pm

  I sold my 2001 BMW 325i and bought a 2005 Maxima SE, and am very happy with the choice. The car has great looks, comfort and ride. Finally enough room to accomodate car seats or co-workers.

• 

  What a fun truck! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Nancy Ellis - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted a truck, but had never driven one and knew nothing about them. I test drove them all, and settled on the Frontier for reasons of price, 4 doors, and appearance. I was lucky to find a 2003 used, low-mileage SE Crew Cab in solar yellow with all the options I wanted. It is SOOOO fun and I enjoy the attention it generates, (although I am a middle- aged lady with a kid in college!) I am sure glad I traded in that "soccer mom" beige minivan!