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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  Trailblazer to Murano - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By JLH - October 19 - 5:40 am

  Just traded 03 Trailblazer getting 14/18 mpg for the 07 Murano. Getting 18.3/23 mpg. Very happy with the mileage. Drove it in the snow this week and didnt miss the 4wd. The Murano feels very "planted" in the snow for only being Fwd. I do wish the headlights were brighter on Hi- beam considering how good they are on low.

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  Amazing car for the price.. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By cloud9ine - October 19 - 3:23 am

  The Nissan Versa is an amazing car for the price. Awesome handling, great interior and lots of space. Totally great car.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By tom bottom - October 18 - 1:40 pm

  Reliable, great in bad conditions, and just fun to drive. Bose system with controls on the wheel are a plus. Extra features...with rear folding seats activated from the back are a plus. Retracting rear seats are roomy even with a full cargo load.

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  Love it! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By newride75 - October 18 - 11:43 am

  Traded my 04 Envoy XL for PF SE V8 and absolutely love it! Didnt want to leave GMC, but their replacement (Acadia) is way overpriced and not appealing. The PF looks better, is a better ride, and has plenty of room for 3 toddler seats and 1 infant car seat. The V8 is very powerful and accelerates quickly. Standard features are great, and the option packages (Premium and Side Airbags) were all we needed. I havent had any transmission or shifting concerns with 4,500 miles on this PF.

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  A Classy Sedan - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sarah - October 18 - 10:50 am

  I have over 4000 miles on mine and still love to drive it. The Bose stereo in it is awesome. I got mine w/ the premium pkg. I looked at the Accord but after lots of research and test drives I went with the Altima and Im happy I did. I wanted something sporty w/ 4 doors and I feel I got that with the Altima. If you are in the market for a midsize sedan I would suggest to take the Altima for a test drive. You wont be sorry.

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  Awesome Ride, Great Vehicle!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Lauraleeee - October 18 - 8:13 am

  This truck feels like a car, smooth luxury and comfortable ride. I love this truck.

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  110% Satisfied - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Kim - October 18 - 5:53 am

  Ive had SUVs, sports cars, sedans, coupes, and my Maxima is the best combination of all of my favorite things in each style of vehicle Ive owned. It has the heavy-feeling ride of the SUV, the handling of the sports car (alot of ZIP!), the interior comfort of a sedan, and the cool feel of a coupe. If I had to replace my car tomorrow, I would go buy one just like I have. My brother has a Mercedes (big whoop) and I like my car tremendously better than his. For $33K, I couldnt ask for anything that meets my needs any better. Besides, it looks awesome on the road!

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  License to Thrill - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By nashleaf - October 17 - 5:14 pm

  I bought my Leaf in the shadow of Nissans North American HQ - at the Franklin,TN Nissan Dealer. Well just down the street from this dealer (who did a good job) is the Nissan HQ, which has a quick charger (20min). I live pretty close to that charger, so this purchase is a no-brainer for me. I dont have to worry about range ever while Im driving my normal route. As a result, the people who I pass get to see this Leaf go flying by at whatever speed. Its a quick, fun car, so its a shame everyone doesnt live this close to a quick, free drink. I only ask that there is an Infiniti version soon that looks a little more sophisticated.

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  LOVE my Tech loaded 3.5 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By magal118 - October 17 - 3:14 pm

  Traded my much loved loaded 2008 Maxima 3.5 for a fully loaded 2013 Altima 3.5. I am not disappointed. The first day we got it we took it on an out of state trip 32.2 mpg at 70 mph. The seats are very comfortable, the drive is great, do not have to buy premium gas any longer. The 3.5 has tons of power. We put 800 miles on it the first weekend and loved every mile of it! Can not wait for more trips in the Altima. The only problem I am having is getting texts to the car, but the Bill Rapp Nissan dealership is working very hard with me to solve this problem. (and this is not that important to me, I dont text and drive anyway.)

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  Shell Be Missed - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Long-time driver - October 16 - 5:20 pm

  After 12 years and 208,000 miles, the old girl finally gave up the ghost (timing chain and more - would have cost almost three times the cars worth to fix). But over that time, I only had two major repairs - one involving the oxygen sensor right after the warranty expired (of course) and another a few years ago. And I drove this car everywhere. The visors fell off, the headliner was drooping, the bumper was dinged and a tail light had electrical issues - and still she drove like a dream. No get-up-and go, but thats not what this cars about. If you find one in good cosmetic shape, buy it for your kid - great starter car, even 12 years later.