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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  WOW, what a difference - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By StevieRayB - April 20 - 8:33 pm

  This truck is simply incredible. The appearance and power is awesome. Where my 2004 GMC had to hard-down shift and tach to 4200 to maintain 70 mph on the interstate, this truck doesnt downshift and the tach isnt above 2000 - it is hardly breathing!! There are a few things that Nissan could do better - offer fold-in mirrors as an option with the tow package, use a different color for the odometer (yellow fades out in the sun), and offer CD slots in the middle console. One last thing - to keep the gas mileage in the reasonable range, go easy on the gas pedal. Ive been getting 17.5 mpg and think thats fine for an engine and power combination of this size.

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  Love My Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Renoguy - April 20 - 9:43 am

  I have had my Rogue for 2 months so far with no problems. I bought a locking gas cap. Some have mentioned the limited vis- ability when backing up, but I like this as it gives me more privacy when driving. When backing up I just raise myself up in the seat to see better. So far all is great including gas mileage. I traded in a Toyota Rav4 for the Rogue and am very happy.

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  love this 15 altima s - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By shannon - April 20 - 7:39 am

  Well i had a 2011 altima sl and liked it alot and did not wanna buy anymore new cars but after my daughter was born i thought we needed more room so i looked at pathfinder and traded for a base model but soon after realized i made mistake . i really did not need the room and the gas and features on base pathfinder was not that good , no bluetooth ,camera, satelite radio,automatic headlights, or intelligent key you had to pay 3000 more to get those features. And i had chose black with beige interior which was not a good choice because both would stay dirty all the time. So iwas able to take it back and the dealership paid it off and i got a 2015 altima s with backup camera and power seat, which i think is the best value and i love the intelligent key and bluetooth, and the text messaging assistant that talks to you and nissans easy fill tire alert you dont have to have a tire gauge it blows the horn when you reach the correct pressure.And the gas mileage is excellent i avg 31.5 but i went out of state last summer and i got up to 41mpg on hwy. And i got a very low .90 interest rate for 60 months less than one percent so this loan i will have it paid off quick

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  New Owner - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By USCbigJake - April 20 - 7:00 am

  The people at Mossey were fabulous. Ive had the car a little oer a week and I love driving it. Previously, I had a Honda Pilot which was excellent. The Pathfinder, although a bit smaller (at least it seems that way) has more horsepower and torque. So far I like it as much as my pilot.

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  Right Choice - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Orangeville Steve - April 19 - 6:10 pm

  Had two Ford Escapes from 2003 - 2008. Both units were well built and very reliable. Gas mileage was 18mpg combined, with our 60/40 city/highway driving style. After 3 weeks the Rogue is returning about 25mpg which is a big improvement. The Rogue SL seating is very comfortable & supportive. The ride is a nice balance between firm and cushion but never floaty. Six speaker audio is excellent. Cargo capacity is as expected for a CUV but adequate for 95% of our needs. Getting used to the CVT is easier than we thought. Very impressed so far. Hope Nissan service is just as good.

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  THIS is my 2nd Pathfinder. AWESOME!!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sciteach27 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 Pathfinder. We just bought our 2nd , a 2003 SE loaded with options. These are the best quality SUvs on the market, U can;t beat it.

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  my maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By knowdogg - April 19 - 2:00 am

  luv it smooth . bought it from hertz nice plesant experience . no hassel

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  DRIVE IT & SEE - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By STEVE,E - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE READ REVIEWS FROM CAR OWNERS & SUV OWNERS & THEY WANT TO CHANGE THIS OR THAT. THEN BUY A CAR OR SUV! THIS IS A CROSSOVER VEHICLE. NISSAN HAS HIT THE MARK. PRICE A PROBLEM ? BUY SOMETHING ELSE. REGUARDLESS OF WHAT REVIEWERS SAY, THIS IS A KNOCKOFF OF THE INFINITY X35 FOR EIGHT GRAND LESS.

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  Love Murano after 1 week - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Ben In Al - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the Murano for my wife and we love it. The drive is great and the interior is spacious. The ride is smooth. I looked seriously at the Lexus RX300, but they were changing the body style and trying to get rid of them. The Lexus did not have the controls on the sterring wheel. I liked the fact that Lexus has a longer warranty.

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  Nissan Murano is best on the road - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Farkel - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Murano in January. Since then Ive found the vehicle absolutely fun to drive. Everyone who sees the car does a double take because of its exceptionally unique design. I took in on two 3 hour trips (about 500 miles each)and checked the gas mileage after each trip and also checked the city mieage. So far Im beating the estimated EPA mileage on the sticker. On trips Im getting 26 MPG highway (verus 24 from EPA) and in city driving Im doing 22 MPG (verus 20 EPA). Nissan has a winner with this vehicle.