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:

• 

  Having Lots of Fun - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Jeff C. - October 23 - 6:14 am

  So far its been pretty perfect. Our other vehicle is feeling lonesome as we tend to drive the Murano for most non-cargo trips. Vehicle takes a little time to get used too - especially when parking, but that may be because we are used to a larger, higher-standing SUV; once you figure out when/where how to maneuver everything is good. Safety features - included blind-spot detection, all-around camera views are great, but our favorite so far is the distance-sensing cruise control as it lets us pay more attention to the crazy vehicles than to the speedometer. Cargo area is pretty good for most standard things - shopping for groceries for example, and rear seats can be easily lowered (and stood up) when necessary. No that it really matters, but this car has the largest glove compartment we have ever seen and we sometimes have to really look to find an object we have placed in their.

• 

  2005 Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By 2005 Frontier - October 23 - 5:56 am

  Love the durability and handling of this truck. Tows my trailer without any problems or lack of horse-power. Bed is more like a full size pickup and the interior feels like a full size truck. A big improvement over the previous generation of mini pickups.

• 

  Nothing like a Maxima. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By twelveboy - October 23 - 3:30 am

  I bought this car at 56k miles and have been very pleased. I have taken very good care of the car, all recommended maintenance. I have replaced the alternator at 70K, had a small problem with the front right tire making noise, turns out it was only a slightly uneven wheel, simply put it on the back and it has never maid a noise since. Wish I could have found a 5-speed for the same price/miles. I average 22mpg in town; about 26mpg at 80mph. The ride is a little rough in town, but nothing but comfort at high speeds. Overall a very impressive car.

• 

  Great Car! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By AMX - October 22 - 4:16 pm

  Flawless performance and reliability packaged in what has to be one of the best looking cars on the road at any price. Ive always been a "bang for the buck" kind of buyer and I would recommend this car to anyone. The six speed is the way to go in a roadster.

• 

  Great Car, Great Value! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jim - October 21 - 9:00 pm

  Bought the 2.5SL package and love the leather seats and wood trim. This car balanced all my needs well: style, comfort, performance, economy and fun. My clients have felt comfortable in it. Seat was hard at first but either I or the seat adjusted (now at 5k miles). Standard radio sounds great but doesnt display artist. ABS grabby - feels like they are about to launch me through the windshield at every stop. I like all the room in the trunk, glove box, consoles and cabin. The wipers throw water back into their own way. CVT and spry engine makes it fun to drive, although it seems a little light in the front end under fast acceleration or hard braking. Feels pushed around by the wind, too.

• 

  Best Urban SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Mike - October 21 - 8:20 pm

  We purchased our silver SL in January 03. The model had only been available since December 02. Weve never regretted a minute. Its got power, performance and comfort. Love the Bose sound system. Our hauling capacity is larger and has better access than our daughters 05 Lexus RX 330. My only complain is that the gas mileage is no where near what they originally claimed (22 city and 28 hwy). Our overall average has been 18 mpg.

• 

  2004 Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By marksman13 - October 21 - 2:56 pm

  This truck has been awesome to own. The only complaint I have is the horrible fuel economy, but I didnt buy this truck to save gas. Power is awesome. Very agile truck for its size.

• 

  My V6 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Bev Vesoy - October 20 - 8:20 pm

  This is, in its class, the best of the best. It has extraordinary detailing and is beautiful to look at. The dash is user friendly and not cluttered. The pick-up and go is exciting and a feeling of security to know that if I need that power,its there. I would not trade it for anything shy of a Mercedes.

• 

  One seemingly unsolvable problem - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Pedro Salas - October 20 - 4:06 pm

  This is my third Maxima. I have been very pleased with them over the years. I love the design and performance of the car. However, I cannot get the dealer/Nissan to solve one problem: the bluetooth volume drops to suddenly and returns at random. The dealer has not been able to fis it to date. They have replaced the radio but the problem persists. Additionally, the front two right speakers stoped working all of the sudden this weekend. Also, when I discovered one week after I got the car that the lsft retractable side mirror was not working. Too many problems for a new car. They seem like assembly/production problems.

• 

  Best Car Weve Owned - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By 3rdNissan - October 20 - 11:20 am

  Great interstate cruising car. After 199,000 miles, Im still getting 24 mpg in mixed driving to and from work, and 29+ mpg on trips. Handling is predictable but not sporty. When I bought four new Michelins at 165,000 miles, the ride became so smooth I decided to keep the car until at least 200,000 miles. This car is worth buying good tires.