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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  So Far, So Good! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Jodie - October 5 - 1:16 am

  I bought the Nissan Murano after a whole lot of debating and reviewing other vehicles. It came down to either the Murano or the Infiniti FX35. I ultimately chose the Murano, not only because of the cost factor, but because of the better fuel economy, plus its just a fun car to drive and looks great. So far I love it. I was used to driving a Camry for the past 11 years, so Im trying to get used to the difference in fuel economy. I have never owned an SUV, but other than the fuel factor, it is a wonderful car!

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  "Old Reliable" - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By dustnh - October 4 - 10:16 pm

  I got this car when I was 17 after my car was totaled an accident. I always thought it was a good car as a teenager but after my husband & I slowly got new cars, the Sentra ended up just sitting for about a year. My newer car bit the dust after 7 months of a 100 mile round trip commute every day. My husband & I got the Sentra tuned up & it is as good as new (with 167,000 mi)! We did have to do some regular repairs while we drove it in the early 2000s, with one repair costing approx. $600. However, the car is a gem that is well worth doing a few minor repairs to in order to avoid a car payment while we save up for a new one. I would definitely buy another Nissan, no doubt about it.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Tiggerspiglet - October 4 - 10:20 am

  I LOVE my car. It hauls and is fun to race around in. However, my keyless entry went out 30000 miles ago. Now my car feels like I have a flat. Before that my window creaked in the up position. Pros: She can go 50000+ miles without a tune up, she stops on a dime, I like the cupholder position, the brakes are still brand new and it has 60000 miles on it with the original brakes. Overall, I would NEVER trade my car for the world. I love her. (My car is a she.)

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  I should have bought an Accord.... - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Alison in CT - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall, VERY fun car to drive when its working. Bought it slightly used a year and a half ago (now 4 years old) and Ive had a ton of problems with it-- everything from oxygen sensors going to traction control system errors to needing to replace all 6 ignition coils. When all is said and done, I should have saved $2,000 on the price and another $2-3,000 on repairs and bought the slightly less powerful Accord!

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  4X2 aweful in the snow - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By terrx - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Truck is great if you live in an area of the country that doesnt get snow, otherwise by a 4X4. I bought the 4X2 because it was cheaper, wish I ought the 4X4, the truck kicks out and has poor traction in snowy weather conditions. Also truck has poor MPG. Other than that the truck runs smooth and handles bmps better than any vehicle I have driven.

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  Bang for the bucks - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TC91801 - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Good price for a full size. Gas mileage is comparable to a mid-size truck with smaller V6 engine.

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  Best in class! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By buxxxx - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The improvements made tothe interior of the 05 model corrected the shortcomings of previous years. this car is heads and shoulders above the competition in this class.

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  My second Nissan Pickup - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Off road package - October 4 - 4:40 am

  I owned a 1995 Nissan, 4 wheel drive for over 10 years, so there was no question what my new truck was going to be. The quality, dependability, and comfort couldnt have been better. Being 5 foot 2 inches, the step sides are a great help. The visibility and control of the vehicle is the best I have driven. From experience, I know that they work hard and have been able to handle anything I have asked. The 4 wheel drive is a must where I live, and having no more hubs to lock is an added bonus. This truck has just about everything that anyone could want as a work horse, plus comfort and style! The only difficulty is adjusting to the interior differences from my truck of 10 years.

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  Dependability - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Don - October 3 - 11:06 pm

  We needed a replacement for our ageing `81 Toyota pickup. We liked the garagability and featured laden Nissan Crew Cab SE. We honestly enjoy driving the SE more than our `03 Honda CR-V, which we thought would never happen. The CR-V had set a safety president in our minds which our new Nissan has surpassed. The Nissans head rests are leveraged in the event of a rear-end collision and low air pressure sensors are included in each tire. Side air bag curtains and posi-traction are options on our truck. We also like the fact that power windows remain working after the ignition key is removed. Now we have lots of confidence inspiring horsepower with which to merge our California freeways.

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  The Best - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By The Mad Yaker - October 3 - 4:30 pm

  I own a 2000 Nissan Xterra. I have 160,000 miles on it . Those are over the road, hill and dale and back. I do understand this is for later Xterras, but my plan is to take it to 250,000 then I ll write another rev iew. We have towed with it, camped with it, we have slept in it. We came up with another reason to have flashing lights and horns to lock the doors, bear repellent, it works. We are planning to buy another one when we hit 250,000 miles. My kayaks also love the roof, they spend alot of time up there traveling. For the money you cant go wrong, it rides smooth, handles like a go kart. We have totally enjoyed it. Like the new step in the bumpers also.