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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  best overall pickup - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By kenneth dominy - August 31 - 3:06 am

  Awesome power, good comfort, great features, most bang for the buck. The Titan has the most usable power of any full size pickup and rivals Toyota for best quality. Gets about two miles more per gallon than Ford or Dodge. Much more power than Toyota, and just a better truck in design than Chevy. Ive been amazed at some of the simple things in its design, like the oil filter area. Had vehicles in the past disigned for oil drainage here, this is the only one that works. Great storage and obviously the most interior room of all.

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  So Far So Good but visibility - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Bert - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Love everything so far about this mode of transportation EXCEPT - seeing out the back. The backseat headrests & the narrow view make it real interesting. Hopefully designed have been better in the last year or so.

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  Xterra-Xtreme - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By zippy - August 29 - 10:30 am

  I have taken my Xterra from where the waves crash on the shore to the top of snowy mountains. I have yet to get stuck and I have had no maintenance issues. It tows it hauls and is nice to just ride in. My favorite places is to take it out on the beach at the Outer Banks of NC and to the drive, drop down the back seats, lay out some blankets and enjoy a good show.

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  I luv my altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Jennifer Partlow - August 29 - 1:40 am

  Simply the best car I have ever owned. I rented one on a trip to Vegas and fell head over heels in love with it.

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By sitoy - August 28 - 2:40 am

  Sat in every car made... For a large person the Murano is the roomiest hands down!

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  love my quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By dawn - August 28 - 2:36 am

  drives like a sedan and is gorgeous to boot makes having a big family easy to transport with style. easy to drive while being pregnant. Being a nissan ,i know as long as i take care of it, it will take care of me a great investment love all the safety features that my dealership included in the price

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  Great vehicle so far - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bob2468 - August 27 - 7:51 pm

  I compared Frontier & Tacoma - other than interior design the Frontier is way ahead... exterior, ride, driver comfort, performance, road noise, value. My past vehicles were 4 cylinder compact cars, so this was a big change. Love it so far! Getting about 21mpg in mostly city driving using a/c - better than I expected (easy on the gas, manual transmission). Back seats are just fine for the kids. Cant speak to reliability yet. Black/Beige, SV package OEM step rails, extender, fogs Truxedo bed cover

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  Grows on you very quickly - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By pwk2000 - August 27 - 5:33 pm

  After 2 months this Murano keeps getting better. I suggest an extended test drive (over the weekend if possible) as this car just grows on you. Interior is a 10. I have black leather, it is very sharp looking and very comfortable for a big guy. Plenty of space. The ride and handling are extremely smooth! Very little bodyroll (as compared to other midsize SUVs). The transmission is perfect, easy power when you need to pass. Brakes are also very good. Driving on snow was a breeze. Exterior styling is ok nothing great, you will get plenty of looks and questions. I recommend this SUV to everyone.

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  BAD TO THE BONE! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By HANKSTER - August 27 - 2:26 pm

  THE NEW UPGRADED INTERIOR IS AWESOME!!!

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  I Luv My Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By nissanlover - August 26 - 2:46 am

  I have owned this car for 2.5 years and I am now at 135k and have no major problems. The power in this maxima is awesome and always performs like a champ. I also have a 2004 Maxima but I like the 2002 alot better