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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  towing - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Carl25 - March 19 - 8:36 am

  My wife and I really liked our Titan. When towing our 30 Ft. travel trailer we had an accident from the swaying stability when I was passing a semi. once I got by him all hell broke loose. Totaled my truck and travel trailer. there wasnt any one hurt only minor cuts and bruises. So we were very well protected.

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  Color me an Advocate - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By in2themystyc - March 19 - 3:01 am

  Pretty happy with my Z. I am the happy 2nd owner of a 2006 GT convertible with ~15K miles. Shes like new. I like almost everything about it - good looks, fun to drive, quality fit and finish. The mileage isnt the best, but what do you expect? Its great as a 2nd car, but not sure Id want it as a primary driver. I really enjoy the 3 Fs - fast, fun...oh, and fast. The top is easy up-and-down. In the 06, missing USB and i-connectivity is rough, but I had Sirrius/XM installed and it sounds great on the Bose system. Cant wait for my next Z!

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  Made in America and it shows - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By DL - March 18 - 1:36 pm

  This car has more rattles than Baby Superstore!! Ive had mine in the shop for various noises 6 times in 6 months and Im trying to work in the 7th. Its the worst built car Ive owned in the last 5 years (including a Mercury Sable). Im actually thinking of taking the hit and trading it in for a Honda. Ive owned a Maxima and G35Coupe and both were excellent. The quality of this one is disappointing. The gas mileage is on the low end of the EPA estimates so be prepared to shell out the cash. It is fun to drive, has plenty of storage and comfortable seats 8.

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  A great little car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Peter - March 18 - 1:33 pm

  Probably the best small car I have ever owned - and in my 80+ years I have owned a lot. Its fun to drive, as evidenced by the fact that I have driven it 5000 miles in 4 months. Rides well, handles well, lots of extras for its price. I cant say enough good things about it.

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  Great Vechile - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jenny - March 18 - 11:56 am

  I think that this is a great vechile for the price. It is fun to drive and comfortable. I have have some of the high end auto makers top of the line vechiles and I can almost compare it to that. It is just as comfortable without the high price sticker. Great job Nissan!

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  Getting worse with age - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By RNkaji - March 17 - 11:06 pm

  I have had my Murano for a little over a year and a half. I love it, however...in that time period I have had to replace my battery twice. The problem I am having now is the battery will not hold a charge. I have to charge the battery frequently, but it only lasts a week or so, and I dont drive very much. Also the dealership cant figure out what is wrong with it either. But I am learning that this is a common problem with Nissans. If someone could only figure out how to fix it the car would be perfect!

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  Overall good Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jason - March 17 - 11:36 am

  Well built vehicle, but very cramped in back seat for anyone over 4 1/2 feet tall. MPG has been a constant 20 and 21 since we got. Very Quiet vehicle. slightly shorter than XTERRA, and not as rugged. Hits my head as I am getting in any door.

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  Dont buy a used one - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tdc7367 - March 16 - 1:03 pm

  I bought my Pathfinder brand new. Last week after 245,XXX miles the dreaded transmission radiator problem took her down. Ive replaced the catalytic converters twice, the fuel pump, both O2 sensors, Oil Pressure sensor, Camshaft position sensor, the u -joint. I got 180,000 miles out of her before all of these problems and shes never left me stranded along the road. Brand new these cars are good, but unfortunately this is my 4th and final Nissan. So if you see a used one on the lot with around 150k miles on it. Move on and save yourself some dough.

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  Dont Buy It - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By farmerboyd - March 16 - 10:25 am

  I bought this pickup new in December 2010. I needed a tough truck to work out of on my farm. What could be tougher than a Nissan PRO4X super duper four wheel drive? Now 8 months and 22,000 miles later the front end suspension cratered and the dealership refuses to fix it under warranty. Nissan will not stand behind their product. Also had issues with interior and radiator mounts. I know of three 2011 Titans bought in our small town. One has already traded for Chevy, another hates his pickup, and I will trade as soon as possible. No trade in value makes it hard though. It lost more than $12,000 in value in 8 months. Yikes

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  2 Weeks in - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By aillon - March 16 - 9:03 am

  I leased a 09 Murano two weeks ago. This is the nicest car I have ever driven. The leather is spectacular, the Tech package is really nice. Drives like a sports car, very happy with my purchase. The interior does not feel like a small SUV at all. The cargo space is definitely bigger than the other models. The MPG is not as good as I thought, 70 mph on a flat highway on cruise control it is exactly at 20 mpg. Since it is new, I am not sure if the mpg will go up.