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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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Skeptical in GA - January 3 - 3:03 am

  I loved the Murano when they came out and it was a clear choice when I downsized from my Chevy Tahoe. I wanted a smaller SUV but with a lot of interior space, especially in the back seat, and I loved the sporty style. I purchased an 05 the first week they came out. It rode very smooth and was quiet, had good pickup and much better gas mileage (21 mpg avg) compared to 14mpg in my Tahoe. Everything was great until this 4th year. My power seat has broken ($900), driver door lock is broken ($600), I need to replace my tires for the second time, and now my engine is making a knocking noise. Im told its probably the motor mounts (another $900). This car is getting expensive!

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  2013 Nissan Leaf SV - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By Keith W - January 3 - 12:24 am

  Purchased used in 2017. Car has 36K miles but still has full bars or 84 miles fully charged. My commute is 55 miles daily which fits into Leafs range well. Using Eco mode I usually return with >25 miles left. My commute is through two lane highway at speed limit of 50, which also fits Leaf well. Worst part of the commute is a big uphill about two miles, after which my range will be reduced by 10 miles, then the downhill will recover about 5 miles through regen. In NoCal heater is rarely needed that also helps my decision to buy Leaf. This car has adequate acceleration and good ride, I like the seats (firmer as I need). Im happy driving past gas stations. Charging hasnt been problem and the trickle charger works just fine during night time. Overall very satisfied.

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  Fantastic vehicle!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By deanh2nd - January 1 - 11:23 pm

  So this is probably one of the best cars on the market right now, no joke. Ive had it for about 4 months and the car only gets better each day. The fuel economy has become better than the EPA estmates. Maybe its my driving or perhaps its the area, but the car is great on fuel. The CVT is a dream and so is the handling. If there is anything it could use is a little more engine refinement and a bit less grey inside, but otherwise it is almost the perfect car.

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  Fun & Practical! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By pheonixunc - January 1 - 1:36 am

  The greatest car I ever owned in terms of practicality and fun to drive. This vehicle was purchased under the program of car for clunkers by trading 95 Lexus sc400. Since the adoption of the car, I have been stunned every day by 1.8 liter engines peppy performance on free way. I couldnt figure out how the small engine has the great power, compared to my previous 8 cylinder coupe. Last week, my four family took Cube to LasVegas trip rather than on my wifes mini van. All felt great through overnight round-trip because it has roomy and cushy seats with pretty good speakers. So, Every morning is pleasure itself.

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  My 350Z Dream Car! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Borda - January 1 - 1:16 am

  This is my second 350Z - I had a 2004 and now a 2005 - The acceleration is breath taking - the styling is awesome - this 350Z is my sevens Sport Car - The best in all aspects - love my 350Z

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  Fun Car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By waveman - January 1 - 1:00 am

  Had my 2009 Maxima for week now, fun to drive. Cant wait for next trip. Mileage seems to be good. Bought the 2009SV with Sport Package, mats and splash guards. List $35733 paid $29700 minus my trade.

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  I have owned two 2010 Nissan Rogues! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Athena - December 31 - 10:06 pm

  Back in November Hampton Roads was hit by a nasty Noreaster, and my 08 Nissan Sentra was totaled. Myself and my 2 yr old ended up driving into a flooded street at 4 am, and had to get pulled out by the police. After this incident I decided that my next vehicle had to be some sort of SUV. First time up I purchased a 2010 SL Rogue FWD, then the following winter we received highly unusual amounts of snow, and I noticed that my car didnt handle as well as Id liked. Just yesterday, 6 mos later I took my car in for routine maintenance and left with a 2010 SL Nissan Rogue AWD. I love it! It handles superbly, as did the FWD, but now that we are expecting a little boy in June I am more confident!

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  Edmunds Was Right - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By heYsogoL - December 31 - 9:30 pm

  Incredible power to start with, further increased with Volant air intake and Gibson dual exhaust with corresponding MPG improvement-approx 2-3 MPG. Great handling after changing stock Goodyear Wranglers to Goodrich All Terrains and still with sedan-like ride. Solid- comfy-well appointed interior with wonderful sound system and power back window. Excellent truck bed management layout including tailgate dampers. Overall, very well designed and engineered with tremendous attention to details. Now that Nissan has gotten over the brake shimmy problem and electrical problem, Consumer Report will have to do a follow-up with vastly different result. An Outstanding Truck- Edmunds is Right On!

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  awesome suv - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jill - December 31 - 5:26 pm

  We just bought the car a day ago and we just cant drive it enough :-) My boys just love it and they love the third seat in the back. It is a very smooth ride and it handles great!

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  Show Stopper - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Melissa Littell - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I loved the car while I was able to drive it. Found out I was expecting and had to give the car to my husband and get something else. Hope to get another one for me