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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  a real car - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By omar - August 1 - 2:22 pm

  I have a 2.5s special edition no issues I put good gas 89 octane lasts me 2 weeks and drive it every day very strong reliable. brakes wasnt too impressive but upgraded them to cross-drilled slotted rotors and its perfect now great car to have

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  Alot of BANG for the BUCK!!! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By tnjyoung - August 1 - 1:50 pm

  My wife and I bought this as a replacement for our 2006 Honda Civic. It has tons (and I mean Tons) of power and it is very fun to drive. The reason for purchase and one of the best features is all the leg room! I am 6 tall and I felt cramped in the civic. This has a great driving position and offers adjustable pedals. Steering wheel audio controls are nice too! The exhaust has a real throaty sound that combines nicely with the rugged design. I would buy another today!

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  Cant get out of it - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Patrick Ferreira - August 1 - 7:33 am

  Comfortable, powerful smooth handling and fun to drive. Eye catching, stands out amongst all others. A quality, sound and well engineered vehicle.

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  Perfect vehicle for my life! - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Jen - August 1 - 6:11 am

  I opted to go with a Nissan because I had an Infiniti for 7 years/155,000 miles which I loved and was incredibly reliable, but I needed to upgrade in size and couldnt afford the same size in an Infiniti. I ended up purchasing a 2016 Murano Platinum with 9600 miles at a great price and with the full extended warranty. I have been so pleased with the car in the month or so that Ive owned it-- I drive all over the state for work, so comfort, reliability, and quiet interior were very important to me, and this car meets all of those expectations. I also needed more cargo space for work, and it fits everything I need to carry with room for even more. The Platinum version has all the bells and whistles, which I wasnt seeking out but enjoy having. The gas mileage is a little less than advertised, but its better than my previous car, which was smaller. The controls are very easy to use, similar to my previous car, and the display is easy to read. Overall, Im thrilled with the car and am I glad I took the plunge to purchase it when I did.

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  maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By burke - August 1 - 5:00 am

  I hate the cost of the low profile tires. The "look" is not so much better, that it is worth the cost! I have owned 3 Maximas; I may not purchase another one for this reason only. $350 a tire is Ridiculous for only 20,000 mile of wear. This is a rip-off for consumers.

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  Terrific car even @ $8k more - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Sbone - August 1 - 1:50 am

  Really like this car, having looked at Honda, Subaru, Volvo, and others. In the end the finalists were the Altima and the Infiniti G37x (really). I actually like to exterior of the Altima better, with the interior nod to the G37. The Altima gives me fold- down rear seats, better fuel economy and oh, by the way was over $10k less. I may miss the AWD on a few days here in CO, but my snow tires will help. I was very surprised at how unwilling the Infiniti dealers were to discount the 2010s even with their lots full and the 2011s arriving in Sept. Oh well, good for us, and Ill pocket the $10k, thank you very much!

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  Frontier 4X4 Crew Cab 2000 - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By sleeksteel - July 31 - 1:58 pm

  Extraordinary performance and quality. The best vehicle I have ever owned. Bought it new and have had this 2000 model since winter of 1999. Have close to 200,000 miles! I will keep this truck forever. Have a couple of rust spots, which I sprayed rust remover, sanded it off, and painted it. My truck still looks like new with some minor dents. I keep up with the maintenance: oil, lubes, tires, tune-ups, etc. I enjoy off-roading out in the country.

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  You get what you pay for - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By mrsacausey - July 31 - 7:41 am

  Had this car a year and has stranded me twice. Up to date on all maintenance and still has problems. Engine turned off while I was driving down the interstate and almost got into an accident because of it. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. You get what you pay for. The air compressor is bad and the electrical system is on the fritz. Local dealership is currently trying to work something out since I am 4k upside down on it.

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  Great Minivan for the Price is the Best - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Mastro Calo - July 31 - 7:30 am

  Great Minivan, ride like an Automovil. Interior is very confortable and lot of Room, seats are great, love the spacious in the back with seat down.Engine very Responsive and Fast. Stereo sounds great with 8 speakers. Use regular Gasoline and getting 19.8 MPG. Price was 23,500.00 plus taxes, etc. Recommed High this new 2005 Quest 3.5S. Give the try.

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  NISMO2NV - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Derek - July 31 - 7:16 am

  If you want a good allround daily driver that doesnt mind rough roads and getting down and digging with it on the weekends you have found the right truck. I have owned my truck for about 6 months now no problems I love the style, its a head turner I had a guy in a newer model vette giving it the look :) Only major problem is the gas milage but what do u expect out of a V6 pushing HP numbers of V8s good vision I am a young driver but I see out well and can maneuver this truck pretty well. Not the same truck as the 04s no comparison they should have changed the name of it, it really exceeded my expectations.