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:

• 

  Loving It - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By blackmuranochick - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Im loving my new Murano. Its Black and Black. Ive never liked a "thing" so much. Its still new to me, only 500 total miles, mostly city. My gas mileage isnt so good but Im hoping it gets better. Does one have to use Premium for best mileage? Still learning about all the extras... I bought this car over the Highlander and Pilot because I love its power and STYLE. I couldnt be happier. I almost feel guilty. Love the Car the Dealership (Sterling McCall - Stafford (Houston)) and my Salesman, Jerimiah, and the service.

• 

  Best Maxima to date - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank G Villescas - January 26 - 10:00 am

  i am so satisfied with everthing that this car came with and offers that you can only wish that there was no other person out there on the roads because it runs and flows like a fast russhing river whith total silence

• 

  I am sorry that I bought this car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By CFF - January 26 - 7:13 am

  I bought this car new because it had been recommended to me as a reliable car. Well, those who told me that were wrong. I hate this car. It has had problems from the moment I bought it. The catalytic converter has been replaced 5 times! They have replaced the belts over and over because there is a squeaking sound that cant be figured out. Yesterday it completely died and a costly repair is needed. I wish I could throw this car away!! There is no room in the backseat or the trunk. I can barely fit a car seat in it. I did not like getting stranded on the side of the road with my 7 month old on a 100 degree day. I will never buy a Nissan again.

• 

  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Jennings12 - January 26 - 6:06 am

  We got the S Model with the power pack option, including cruise control, power windows, power locks, keyless remote entry. This is a really well-designed car. The interior is extraordinarily roomy and comfortable and looks and feels great; there is lots of cargo capacity; the sound system is great; the mileage is good; the air conditioning seems very efficient and has lots of different adjustment options; the ride is decent for a smallish car; the exterior (I got the sapphire blue) is snappy; lots of safety features. I actually look forward to driving to and from work.

• 

  Not for cold climes or if you plan on ever moving - 2014 Nissan Leaf
  By Richard Newcomer - January 25 - 10:24 pm

  It is tough admitting to a mistake, but the Leaf in IL may have been one. I say "may" because the lease payment vs. my Avalanche is so much less, that it will still probably pay off my solar panels with the difference, but I probably should have held out for a Volt to be available locally. What dont I like about the Leaf? Its COLD. I call it my carcicle The stereo is not good enough for music (does fine with audio books) The battery life in the winter stinks, and no one told me it would be this bad...real world: ~75 miles/charge in warm weather; ~45 miles/charge in the winter...and its freezing in the car! I cant move farther than 75 miles from where I live now without towing

• 

  Simple but great - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By xterra canada - January 25 - 8:03 pm

  You get exactly what you pay for with the Xterra. Its hardy, functional, cool looking and reliable. Servicing really started at 125,000 kms at which time most bits started to come apart. Keyless entry, shocks, clutch, muffler, power windows, a/c all needed either partial or full replacement. I did miss some of the luxuries of upscale models. Overall a great buy.

• 

  The Best Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By uabaseball5 - January 24 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the 2005 Nissan Frontier right when it came out after I saw the new design. With all the horsepower and new features and design, I LOVE THIS TRUCK! it is so smooth on the freeway and hauling capability with the tie-down straps, its unbelieveable. Ive driven all the trucks before i drove the nissan frontier like the Ford Ranger which was way too whimpy and i drove the mazda truck which didnt have the comfort and then i drove the chevy colorado and it just never had the options and then I finally drove the Frontier. It was all I wanted and more! SO MANY OPTIONS YOU CAN PUT INTO IT ALSO! This is a great truck and I would take it over any other mid-size truck on the market.

• 

  Mini Max - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Tiffany - January 24 - 7:50 am

  I purchased this car in Nov. 2006. The handling is excellent. The engine is quick and for a 4-cylinder it has great pick-up. The CVT engine I think is a load of garbage though -- I can feel almost every shift. Also, the car does not handle well at all with bumps, which is very annoying. My paint could be defective, but if a leaf touches the car there is a small scratch left behind. The car is roomy and very comfortable. The body style is comparable to the Maxima, which was a huge selling point for me since I came out of a 93 Max -it does not come close to its power though. I fill up at least three times per month, so it is not that bad on gas. This car is great in the snow! It is a tank!

• 

  2009 LE fully loaded - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By Gabriel - January 24 - 7:16 am

  We love our new truck, after looking at other SUVs we liked all the options,looks and comfort that the Armada offered, The LE technology package with keyless entry, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel,Nav., DVD player is NICE!!! The cargo area is a nice size with the third row seats folding down flat, plus you can actually have adults seating comfortably on the third row seats compared to some SUVs that only kids can seat, Overall highly satisfied with the Armada, lets hope the fuel price stays low.

• 

  Murano Fun Car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Bgreenb - January 23 - 11:36 pm

  I enjoy driving this car and find that Passengers feel comfortable and safe. I looked at Lexus and paid about $8000 less for I feel an equal ride. I will keep this one a while !