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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  My New Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By tsawife - March 3 - 6:26 am

  We love our new Armada!! We have only had it a few days but so far it is the most smooth, comfortable ride. I traded my Isuzu Ascender (which I loved by the way) and was a bit unsure that the Armada could live up to the expectations that I had. Once my husband and I, who are both very tall, sat in the middle and back seats, we were sold. It is so roomy and comfortable to ride in and to drive. It doesnt have the best gas mileage but luckily I work very close to home and all the room makes up for it. My 2 sons love that feature also, as they can each have their own row of seats with lots of room and they feel very safe riding in it. I hope we love it as much in 5 years as we do today!!

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  SE-R Spec V - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By tyo789 - March 2 - 8:43 pm

  I just bought my Spec V two months ago. It was a good choice. I was actually looking at the eclipse or tiburon as my other choices. The Spec V just stood out to me. The car runs pretty good except for I need to get new brake rotors because the front ones are bent. I guess the last owner was driving the car recklessly. Other than that the car is in perfect shape.

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  The MAX! by D.B. - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By D.B - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is a rocket! Very fun to drive. After driving 2001 4cyl accord its no wonder. Had to get the 2003. Have you seen the size of the butt on the 2004?? Cloth seating is very comfortable. Even base Stereo is impressive. Didnt like Nissans option packages. You cant choose single options like traction control & side Air bags without the whole shooting match. Cannot beat this car for the price!

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  Impressive - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Donn - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Best in class, great power, sturdy, not too big, not too small (will actually fit with another car in a two car garage).

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  Good car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By vivi - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I have bought this car on a moments decision because I liked the styling when Ive first saw it on the street. Then I test drove it and I really enjoyed the transmission. I previously had only 5 spd manual cars and I never thought of buying an automatic. But this transmission is better even than a manual. I have now 2000km on it and loved every minute driving it.

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  Luvin the Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By OGzMurano - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I was not a big fan of SUVs until I test drove the Murano. I still dont consider this an SUV because it feels to sporty and car-like. :) One of the biggest sellers, for the wife and I, was the rear passenger room, the 3.5L engine and the smoooooth CVT (trans). One word describes this vehicle: AWESOME!!!!

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  Fun Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Laxcamel - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my Altima a week ago and I love it! A fun, fast car, however, at 670 miles it almost broke down. I stopped to get gas and it wouldnt start up again for five minutes. Im hoping this is a fluke, and otherwise than that, I am extremely happy.

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  Love my 2013 Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By 2kats2 - March 2 - 6:47 am

  Bought the 2013 Altima 2.5 SL 4cy CVT automatic middle Sept 2012. I love the car. The finishes in the interior are top notch. The controls for radio, heat/AC, cruise, and such are easy to use and figure out. I activated the blue tooth for my smart phone in seconds. The mileage has been spot on. I drive a mixture of city and highway and average 33.5 MPH. The readout on the car shows 33.2mph. I am very happy with my purchase. The reviews I read mention the noise from the CVT. While I have heard this, I dont consider the noise intrusive. I like hearing the low growl when accerlerating on the interstate. Bose sound system is awesome. The seats are so comfortable.

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  Not Dissapointed - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Primadonna - February 28 - 11:10 pm

  I have wanted a Murano ever since I it came out in 2003. I was just a college student with dreams of owning this car. On Halloween, I finally decided to lease a 2009 Sl with 360 value package; glacier pearl/beige. I love it. The ride is smooth, the seats are comfortable, the stereo is rich, and it looks great. I cant wait to get an ipod and try out the intergration kit.

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  Regretting not getting the SL - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By sewdiverse - February 28 - 8:10 am

  Have just had the S Hatchback for a week and just filled up yesterday. 250 city miles on initial tank. Now, I am OCDing about not getting the SL because I am regretting not having the CVT for the many hills on my daily commute. I drove Hondas for 22 years, lastly a 1995 Odyssey until 180,000 miles. I guess I miss the heaviness of that van and the fact that it seemed to downshift on hills requiring less braking. This Versa S if fine except when going down winding hills until I get used to the difference. Any suggestions? I am trying to shift into 2nd gear upon descent and that helps decrease the need to brake as much. Will I get over not having the CVT? Everyone loves the roominess.