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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  Nissan Murano Review - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By easydriver - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven nearly all of the vehicles in this class: Mercedes M Class, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, RX300. Pilot, Envoy, Trailblazer, Grand Cherokee, Rover, etc. and rate the Murano the best overall vehicle in this class regardless of cost. You owe it to yourself to drive this one if you are considering a civilized SUV that is beautiful, functional, gets great fuel mileage. Its a roomy as a Pilot, drives more like a car and sets a new standard for this class of vehicle.

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  Great Buy - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Justin - April 25 - 1:00 am

  Great SUV. It is tremendously smooth and it has a ton of power. It certainly ranks up there with all the other luxury SUVs out there without being priced as high. The interior is roomy and comfy while the exterior is just flat out hot. Love the fact that it has a back up camera without actually purchasing the navigation. Push button start is nice but I dont like the fact that I cant listen to my music after it is off. The traditional turn key allowed me listen to my music even with the car off as I can turn the key about three forth of the way. Also wished the aux input was not located behind the center console. Cant comment on the fuel economy as my Murano still needs to break in.

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  My 2.5 S w/ Conv. Package - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Lynz - April 24 - 4:06 pm

  I purchased my 05 in Jan. of 05 with 60 miles on it - today I have 99500! And it is still going strong, it does have road noise, and i find that it doesnt ride all that smooth. I had a battery problem 3 winters in a Row - Nissan replaced the battery each time - nothing really determined except needed new battery. I agree, tires from Nissan are awful on set # 3 (first 2 from Nissan) and need new brakes/rotors - GREAT gas mileage approx. 425 miles per tank! I do alot of highway driving...Wonder how much longer it will last?

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  Great so far! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Happy Owner - April 24 - 2:43 am

  Love the car, got a 4cyl for my long weekly commutes. Getting 25/30 MPG. Awesome tech features, smooth drivetrain, very comfortable on long drives, great handling. Im pretty particular about my cars, and I am enjoying this one more and more everyday. I actually look forward to getting in and hitting the road!

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  61704 AB Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ab61704 - April 23 - 7:26 pm

  This car is awesome...a looker with power and finesse. It is red with black interior and the sound system is the best...a huge bass pumping speaker behind the driver makes certain you HEAR YOUR MUSIC the way you want to. The electric top is fast and can be lowered at a stoplight while waiting! It is a little light in the backend so you have to slow down on curves on hills is my only complaint. I can say I love this car!

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  Great & enjoyable car - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By B. Murali - April 21 - 11:46 pm

  After a lot of reserach we went in for this car. It has been a wonderful experience driving to various corners of US and in all different terrains. The reliability has been extraordinary and the drive was always a pleasure. Fairly low maintenance and running on regular unleaded have been great helps.

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  Tow, Tow , Tow your boat. - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Alex - April 21 - 5:06 pm

  Sold the 01 Ford F250 diesel (lots of problems). After comparing the others we bought the Armada. Nissan has the best tow and feature package in the market for the money. Towing a 6000 pound boat takes a little horsepower, and oh, does the Armada have the horsepower. I read about poor gas mileage in reviews, the Ford got 12mpg pulling the boat, the Armada gets 13mpg. Highway mileage is 20 at 70-75mph and city is 15, if you keep your foot out of it. Its comfortable, smooth, Lots of convenience features,a lot of bang for the buck. Air suspension and trans gauge is standard with tow package. Nissan has thought of just about everything, my wife LOVES her Armada, its our 5th Nissan product.

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  I love my ZZZZZZ - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Eileen - April 21 - 2:53 am

  I have had nothing but positive driving experiences with this incredible sports car. Its handling and speed capabilities are only for the person who really enjoys driving. Southern California is the perfect place for this wonderful automobile.

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  Awesome Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By M. Gilston - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I just want to say that Nissan has made this soccer mom of 2 boys and 2 dogs very happy! I absolutely love the look, power, size and rumble of the engine as I drive my Armada to preschool field trips and carpool line! I also love the looks I get from people eyeing the car and Im soooo happy to have a car that not only looks great, but also has power and chutzpah!

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  for the money, hard to beat - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By unionjack - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck going on three years. Other than a couple of minor recalls, no problems. Have driven several times across the country and put 60,000 miles on it in three years. It runs like the day i drove it off the lot. I have to say, for the money, you would be hard pressed to find a better deal on the market.