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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  Smooth and Powerful with CVT - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By nissanfamily - July 9 - 8:43 am

  This car is excellent and is a very comfortable family sedan overall. It handles extremely well in rain storms and any inclement weather. Heavy water on the roadway does not affect its traction nor does it pull on the steering wheel, as it did on my 2005 Altima. The 6 cylinder is definitely not necessary as the 4 cyl acceleration is smooth and powerful. Though it is not as sporty to drive as the 2005, the turning circle radius is much better.

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  So so - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By mahammad - July 9 - 7:50 am

  Vehicle is cheaply made with a high price tag body exterior is too thin I closed the hood and pressed down with my elbow which resulted with a dent in the hood just hoping it will make up on the mechanical

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  MISTAKE, TERRIBLE.. DO NO BUY - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jagger2 - July 9 - 6:50 am

  Ive been a devoted Nissan customer for almost 20 yrs & upon seeing the 2013 Altima, I immediately fell in love & decided to purchase it. Well, a few days later, I started hearing this whistling noise supposedly coming from the steering pump according to a nissan technician and was told is a normal sound. OK?? Theres also another rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. To make long story short, I have been to the dealership at least 4 times with no luck as to how to fix this. I have filed a case with Nissan to get this resolved. Do not buy this vehicle.. There are a few people with the same complaints & are not getting any help soon enough & Im one of those people.

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  Sporty Luxury - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Erik - July 9 - 5:30 am

  This car is pretty luxurious for not being a "luxury car." The 245hp is quite nice, especially compared to my last car -- a 150hp Honda. I never thought that an SUV could be fun to drive, but thanks to the power, its sure fun to stomp on the accelerator! The CVT helps provide an amazingly smooth ride without lurching for gear changes. The exterior styling turns heads, and the HID lamps really light up the road ahead. The height of the cabin is perfect for an effortless entrance and egress, while the leather heated seats are soft to the touch, but firm in support. The interior is quite spacious and with real aluminum trim gives the feel of sporty luxury.

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  Nissan Titanic - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Earths Champ - July 8 - 5:36 pm

  Bought this truck 2 months later while driving to Missouri hit luggage off someones truck.RIPPED OUT THE DRIVE TRAIN,$2400 damage! Then while driving in FL got stuck in mud a FORD RANGER pulled me out. How EMBARRASSING is that? Plus horrible resale value 5 month old truck paid 27 now worth 18??? Dont get me wrong it tows great and is a great truck when not in the shop with parts on back order.

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  "This is the One" - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Margarita Gutierrez - July 8 - 2:20 pm

  Prior to purchasing this great car, all cars previously owned gave me so much trouble, were so unreliable, and had to spend a lot of time and money at the dealer or somewhere else getting them fixed. After so much frustration and having heard all great things about the Maxima, specially since my brother had previously owned one (for about four months when it was stolen), I decided to buy one. In the short period of time my brother had his Maxima, he loved it, and encouraged me to get one. From the beginning I knew my Maxima was finally the one and that I had made the right choice among the other cars I looked at time of purchase.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Andrey - July 8 - 7:46 am

  I am 63, my wife is 53 and we both feel very comfortable behind the Muranos wheel. Performance is great, great brakes, flat cornering. Although suspention is tight, ride is smooth. Bunch of space for rear-seet passengers. My Murano is still breaking-in, so MPG is not 20, but is improving with every tank (from 14.6 to 17.6, city driving)

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  My best car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By unclewimp - July 8 - 7:30 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Forget any negative reports about this car. These people probably did not heed to the owner instructions. I am a mechanic who works for a Toyota dealership. I bought this vehicle because of the technical achievements. It is fun, it is good on gas, it is a pleasure to drive. As for the CVT, have no fear, it is great! The CVT has been used in off road and heavy duty equipment for years. The limitations of this car are negligible and in some cases non-existent. There is some room for improvement, but it is insignificant compared to the overall splendor of this exceptional vehicle.

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  AZ First 2009 Maxima Buyer! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Srini - July 7 - 9:43 pm

  Luckily I happen to be the owner of the Arizonas first 2009 Nissan Maxima :) I have had it only couple of days, but gentlemen, this car is a treat. The ride is so much better than any earlier Maxima. Especially at turns, this cars gives a damn good feel. With 290HP, this cars is giving me 21MPG in city so far, which is only 2 days. Interior is much richer and I would rate it as better than Infinity G35. 3.5S comes standard with 8-way power seats (with manual lumber support), moon roof and 8 speaker audio system, steering wheel mounted audio controls, all of which are upgrades in other cars like Altima or Accord. Will come back with more reviews after I get to drive it for couple of weeks

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By haus1984 - July 7 - 8:01 pm

  Bought this a year ago at 67K miles. In that time Ive put about 20K on it. This thing is a lot of fun to drive. It will get up and go! Turns on a dime for an SUV. Seats 5 comfortably. The rear and passenger seats fold down easily and allow for a lot of cargo. It rides nicely and is very comfortable both on and off road. By off road I mean actual trails. Mine has VDC and it works great in snow & mud. Great visibility in all directions. The interior is cheap plastic. Things slide around in the “trunk.” Tire Pressure siren goes off a lot. I’m not going to overinflate the tires so I live with it. I check the trans fluid for murkiness often just to be on the safe side. Haven’t had an issue yet.