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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  Very Happy with this car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Jon123 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new in 97 now has 110k miles with virtually no problems, a/c compressor had to be replaced @30k miles (under warranty though)just replaced both cv joints, other than that has been a very reliable, fun car, thanks to the 5spd. Leather interior has held up very well, exterior paint is average. Great car for the money.

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  A Truly Great Car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By TigerGuy - August 26 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive. I looked hard at the Murano for almost a year before I purchased it. The honda Pilot and toyota Highlander were close competition but I just couldnt say no to the better styling, handling, and performance of the Murano.

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  My 2004 Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Hottoddyo - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive ever had with a car. Everything about it is pure enjoyment.

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By GB - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Well balanced car. If you want a smoother ride get the SL. Performance is second to none. Look out GT Mustang. It is a classy and sporty car. I researched quite abit before buying one.

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MW - August 25 - 3:26 pm

  Bought the 2.5S after driving the new Accord and Camry. I have had the car for about 2 months and 2000 miles now and can say I have no regrets. Gas mileage is pretty solid, with 30-32 mpg highway and ~25 in city driving. CVT takes some getting used to, but it delivers the right gear and gets the most out of that engine.

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Murano - August 25 - 9:50 am

  Car has been wonderful. Love the intelligent key system and smooth transmission. Gas mileage on regular gas has been very good.

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  New Maxima - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Bill - August 22 - 9:33 pm

  I currently own a 2004 and now a 2008. Love both cars, the new CVT took a little time getting used to, very smooth much different than the 2004. Fuel mileage is about the same in both 22-25 mpg highway.

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  Aramada - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Lee Neill - August 22 - 4:59 am

  Great suv

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  A Nice Surprise - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Simon - August 22 - 1:50 am

  This is an impressive car overall. Nicely styled, comfortable to drive, good performance and economy. Handling is secure and the front wheel drive performance in snow is good. Im getting around 32 mpg in the city (very hilly here in Pittsburgh) and 35-40 mpg on the highway. The car is very quiet and smooth highway cruiser. When pushed it understeers somewhat, but the VDC works well at the limit and is quite unobtrusive. I find myself driving differently in this car, working to maximize the amount of time I can get it to run in electric vehicle mode only -- it turns out to be fun. Between all the safety features, roomyness of the car, looks and overall driving experience Im very pleased

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  A Connecticut Leaf Owner Speaks - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By ctleafowner - August 22 - 1:16 am

  I am not your prototypical Leaf owner. For one, I live in Connecticut...one of two Leaf owners in the state...I have a long commute (45 miles one way) and, at the moment, I dont have a Level 2 charger where I work (Im working on that, but the Chevy Volt has made convincing my company to get one very difficult). After a few rookie mistakes (driving 70 mph to work in the cold w/o a full charge), one of which found me driving into my garage with 4 miles of charge left, I have learned to drive back and forth to work with no range issues. The Leaf definitely makes you think about the way you drive and makes you think about your trips before you go anywhere. That being said, I love my Leaf.