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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  IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VEHICLE ALL MY LIFE - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Howard Kornblum - November 22 - 2:36 am

  HAVE OWNED HONDAS FOR 30 YEARS. I have driven Nissans such as the Altima and Maxima and was always very impressed with the pickup, the way the cars handled, the interiors, the finishes and the beauty of the cars. Well, It was time to by a new vehicle after owning my last Honda for 18 years (and will NEVER buy a Honda again when the perfectly maintained car blew its engine at 92K miles and Honda would do nothing, except loose a customer FOREVER) and then I saw the resigned Murano. This car sent be right over the top. I am not a car nut but then I saw this and it was instant love. The test drive was perfect. great on the street, terrific pickup with no lag, smooth as silk cornering ability plus the sexiest of both interiors AND exteriors. People have been stopping my and asking what car is that. I scream Its the new Nissan Murano and you have to buy one." It is so luxurious on the inside pickups like a dream and corners on rails, so you can make it whatever you want, a Sport SUV or one that fits your driving style. Personally pickup without lag is extremely important to me as are making smooth turns with a hard turn of the steering wheel. This vehicle delivers on both and so much more. Hey this LA where you are driving next to cars out there for 100K to 2M and this car with its 20 inch rims and flashy new design still have people looking so the redesign is also beautiful. The one criticism I dont understand it cargo space. Mine has a ton when my rear seats are down. I recently put in enough planning material for a 40 hedge so I am not sure what the critics are talking about. When the seat are up, there is still plenty of room for all the sporting gear, groceries, etc. This car is a winner. It is a 5/5 and worth every penny. It is the best car I have ever owned and one of the best cars I have ever driven in.

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  The best Yet!! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By The "Z"Man - November 21 - 11:36 pm

  I have only had my 370z for 2 days now and it is the best one yet. I have owned a 1978 280z, 1984 300z, 1991 twin turbo z, 2003 350z, and now the 370 and all where great but none compare to 370! If Nissan keeps getting this car right at this kind of price I will still be driving a z when Im 80 yrs old.

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  2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By NISSAN - November 21 - 5:00 pm

  driving the car is fun, but i made the mistake of putting on Goodyear Gts on. In IL. it does not handle in snow very well and by the reviews it said good things about handling the snow and rain.Other than that its a blast to drive.

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  Transmission - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By dnierode - November 21 - 2:00 pm

  Just leased my 2013 Nissan Sentra Monday with about 10 miles on it...took it to work got home went for another drive...Tranny took a puke...about 62 miles, shot...WTF... they are being pretty good at the dealership, but I do not want that car back...

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  Tacoma or Frontier - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Thom Phillips - November 21 - 7:15 am

  I set out to buy a Tacoma, but several factors set my decision on the Frontier. First The Dealer "Sparks" was as useless as a three legged horse. No help on the trade of my 2013 Prius that had hail damage. and the cost of the Tacoma was going to cost me more that 5K than the better equipped Frontier. SV Package included Tow PKG, Extend a bed Dual control Heat/AC, Heated Seats, Auto Dim Mirror with thermometer and compass built in fabric seats etc. The ride is much better than my Prius noisewise and comfort wise, The acceleration is excellent and the steering seems nice and tight. The Dealer "Grand Strand Nissan" and the sales and management were excellent. They offered more than 5k on my trade than the Toyota was willing to give. I noticed a superficial scratch on the tail gate spoiler and mentioned it to my sales agent and the shop manager came out looked and said well replace it without a problem. I could have lived with it but being a new truck I was happy they offered. Great overall experience

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  A GREAT Car...stylish and FUN! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Kat Kramer - November 21 - 3:33 am

  I had been in love with the Murano since it was first introduced, but was looking at the Lexus when I ran across this pre-owned one. Its my first Nissan (Ive always had Hondas, Mazdas, & Toyotas), and Im thoroughly impressed. With all the SUVs on the market, the Murano still stands out. My parents have the Lexus RX330, and the Murano actually is roomier. Even the back seats are comfortable for passengers, and Nissan included features I thought were frivolous and silly, like the "proximity key", that Ive really come to rely on and love. Like buying an Apple computer...the company gave me more than I needed, and made the driving experience much more than I expected. Im delighted.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Kitchy Guy - November 21 - 12:06 am

  Its a fun little car to drive. There are other cars out there with better performance, but at a much bigger price tag. Ive had the car for almost 3 years now, I love the performance. No matter how fast Im going, if I hit the gas, it still has plenty of pick-up. Due to the size of the engine, the fuel economy isnt the best (maybe its how I drive). The torque also makes driving in the snow a challenge. The front seats are very comfortable, the back seat is small for 2 adults, 3 adults is just uncomfortable.

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  Fun commuter - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Jimmy Polk - November 20 - 9:23 am

  My base 6M 350Z is a great car. I bought it to replace my 2007 GMC Sierra Denali and 1991 Corvette coupe and Ive done well. Ive gotten a lot of compliments and nods of approval since owning this car. The Nagaro Red just "pops" in the sunlight. The performance, styling and fuel economy are excellent and Im sure the reliability will be the same. Although I didnt buy from my local dealer (due to them not having the exact car I wanted (base 6M w/out splash guards), they are eager to service it. You get great mileage when you drive conservatively. Was able to get a great deal due to 370 coming. Overall Im very, very happy with my decision to purchase a Nissan 350Z.

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  Love My New Truck! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By chuck - November 20 - 9:06 am

  I totalled my Toyota Tacoma into a deer running across the road, limped into Nissan, and bought this truck on the spot. After a 130 mile trip back home, I fell in love with it. I recommend this truck over the Toyota, which I had put on nearly 200,000 miles. 2000 Tacoma by the way. The 4.0 runs very well, effortless, even at altitude here in Wyoming!

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  Love this car - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By bubbalouie1 - November 20 - 8:27 am

  Owned 1992 SE, bought new, drove it 120k miles-no trouble great car. Next came 1999 528i, bought new in 2000, drove 135k miles...spent way too much in repairs and maintenance-tired of getting robbed by the dealers. Love the new body style of 2009 Max...bought new in Jan 09. Tested A4, ES350,G35x, Acura TL. Nothing close. This car will crush the 528 anyday. I have almost 80k miles now-only investment has been gas, oil changes, one set of tires all around and front brake pads only-everything else still original and looks great (yes garaged). The cost of ownership has been incredible. Yes I will get another Max.