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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  3 days and We Love this Murado ! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Bill - December 21 - 10:00 pm

  The first place we went was up Highway 2,in Pasadena, Into the mountains. All Smiles from the wife as she negosiated the winding road at 20 mph above the posted speed. The SE Supension really holds the road and on the freeway or City streets it is very smooth. We are looking forward to the Mexico trip to see how well it handles We expect to be all smiles. The SE Supension is simular to a sports car but not rough. The Power is very good from the 3.5 V6 and the CVT transmission is amasing. The Murado is a Luxury Vehicle with out the Big price Tag The adjustable seating for all 5 seats is great I was susprised by the comfort.the Drivers

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  read this - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Hotel - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Fun to drive.

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  Impressive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By davechoc - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Its exciting to drive. Once you get used to the torque steer you dont mind it much. Some sloppy assembly - a missing nut under the hood. A breather hose that wasnt attached.

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  Satisfied - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Roger Hausinger - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Driveability, controlability plus visibilty were greater than expected. Using regular gas was a surprise. Bought in Phoenix and driven to Milwaukee the next three days at speed with nothing to complain about. Have 3600 miles and am pleased. Navigation unit was and is a puzzlement in spite of the big instruction book. Will find someone to help.

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  1999.5 Nissan Pathfinder LE - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jonathanmw - December 20 - 7:05 pm

  Very happy with the Pathfinder. Currently has 313,000kms and purchased it with about 260,000. Ive had it for about 3 years. Before this I drove a 2010 Subaru Impreza, a good car, but I prefer driving this older Pathfinder more. Its very reliable even the exhaust is original. The struts did need replacing.

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  A Nice Van - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By kulunphan818 - December 19 - 6:30 am

  My SE Quest includes dual DVD screen + navigation system. The main reason for purchasing the Quest because all my family members like the style, interior designs of the van, even though I am not very confident of the long-term reliability of the Quest. However, I was willing to make the bet. It is no question that the Quest has much better exterior and interior designs, comparing with other major vans (Odyssey, Sienna, etc.). The only thing I did not like is the uncomfortable front seats. But the van is much quieter than Sienna or Odyssey.

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  Very, Very Fast - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Timothy - December 18 - 2:23 pm

  The 2007 Z is a joy to drive. The last Z that a drove was an 05. I also owned a 2006 G35 coupe. There is a huge difference from both of those vehicles to the 2007 350Z with the new engine, especially in the the power/road handling performance. I have owned and driven a lot of cars: Infiniti M45 w/ 340hp, AcuraTL TypeS, etc. Nothing even begins to compare in the speed and handling department. I love it!

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  Very Impressive 4x - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By valkama - December 18 - 1:46 pm

  SE 4x4 offroad with premium package I just came back from an off-road trip with my friends and let me say that this SUV is really impressive in demanding 4wheel drive conditions. I dont see the resemblance but my friends nick named it the little hummer. From riverbeds, to steep inclines i had no problems and was able to keep up and on one instance out climb my competition (1999 Jeep Cheroke & a 2002 toyota tacoma) I would like a little more groud clearance but since its my wifes car i dont think she will let me lift it. My only complaint....I was expecting better sound from the bose stereo system. Seems a little flat. Everything else is perfect.

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  2009 Nismo - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Stephen Hare - December 17 - 1:26 pm

  I have had this car on the track and it also is my daily commuter car. I just love it. Everything they say about the car is true - road noise loud, very stiff, kidney shaker, stripped down, etc..... and it is exactly as advertised. If you want a track car that looks great and fun to drive then this car is for you. If you want seat warmers, GPS, BOSE system, all the creature comforts - stick with the regular 370Z with the sports package. Just my 2 cents worth.

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  Disorientingly Fast! - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By Nate - December 16 - 3:50 pm

  I only have 117 miles on the car so far, but what I can say is that it is really an experience. I purchase the car for a daily driver in Wisconsin. The ride is not that harsh, the gear box is a MANUAL for all intense purposes and the shifts feel like a good manual transmission would feel. There is a little too much road noise for my personal taste.