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:

• 

  MUCH Better than 05MY and competition! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By mimurano - May 5 - 5:03 pm

  We traded in our 05MY Murano for an 09 SL loaded with navi and glass panel roof. What an upgrade! This truck should be sold as a luxury model. We shopped around for an Edge or Enclave and wanted to wait to see the 09 Murano. The interior is what sold us on this one and put the competition to shame. Well worth the wait! The interior is very soft and pleasant. Seats are much improved and more comfortable. The built in hard drive music server works great.

• 

  Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By XterraS - May 4 - 8:26 pm

  An excellent SUV. Very responsive engine. Sits higher than a car giving a better view of the road. Great room for easier movement inside. The Utility Package includes the step rails and more compartments. All around great vehicle.

• 

  Hidden Transmission warranty - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By My2006 - May 3 - 2:26 pm

  OK, need some Karma so thought Id take the time to post. My wifes 2006 Murano with ~115K on it had the transmission die. IIRC, Nissan has a free Extended Warranty added to all 2003 (?) - 2009 or 2010 Muranos transmissions. My $4000 Dealer price replacement ended up being free. Did have a minor problem as my wifes Murano was a Japanese Manf. vehicle, and the VIN had aged out of their system. Took a day or so for the Dealer (Napa Ca ended up being the most helpfuly and did the work) to get it pulled back from HQ database. This isnt exactly advertised as far as I know, or at least not widely. This covers only the transmission, and is valid for Muranos with 10 years/120K or less. Here is the notice actually: http://www.nissanassist.com/ProgramDetails.php?menu=2 Was initially POd as wife had given me her car as weve moved from NorCal to WNY and the AWD was a prime feature. Very nice that Nissan recognized the problem with early CVT introduction to their line, and didnt screw over their customers.

• 

  I love my Sentra ! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Rosa - May 3 - 11:33 am

  I love my sentra from the inside out. It is very roomy and comfortable. I have 2 children that fell in love with the car just as much as i have. I havent had any problems with the car at all. My family is very happy with our Nissan Sentra.

• 

  No one builds them like Japan - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By E-Man77 - May 2 - 4:16 pm

  I purchased this baby last month. I paid $2,000 and has spent about $1,500 on repairs. Ive replaced the radiator, drive belts, valve cover gaskets, one fuel injector, two ignition coils, and all six spark plugs. All failed parts were originals. Avoid the dealership for repairs because its extremely expensive. The car drives and handles like a charm. The body is solid and paint still shines. It has power and acceleration that throws you back in your seat. The volume control on radio doesnt work, so it gradually gets louder. A cassette tape is also stuck inside. Its a 5-speed. The original clutch was replaced two years ago. Car has 158,000 miles. Good for at least 150,000 more.

• 

  Driving - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By TheZgirl - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been an Audi fan for a long time, until I drove the 350Z. It has completly changed my mind about the preformance of Nissan. Big ups to the Z and Nissan.

• 

  I love this car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By David Berent - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the best bang for your buck in a 4 door sedan. Fun to drive, great performance. I had no problems until I hit 160K, could go to 200K, but need to move on.

• 

  New Love Affair - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jerryztoyz - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Pathfinder on EBAY!!! I have absolutely NO regrets! I love this vehicle! It truly is FUN to drive, and is very responsive to any and all road conditions. This baby ia a great performer. It loves to run, and that will cost you at the gas pump, but if you drive conservatively, which is quite hard to do in this rabbit, the mileage is very respectable.. I got 21mpg driving the PA turnpike on Cruise Control. This is a wonderfully smooth riding SUV that is so tightthat most people who ride in it think it is brand new. The handling and suspension are excellent and the POWER is AWESOME!

• 

  Nice SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Mal - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Murano roughly 2 months ago. So far Ive been very happy with my purchase. Performance for an SUV is outstanding. Ride quility is top notch. Over all design of the vehicle is great, they put a lot of thought into this SUV.

• 

  Great Ride - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MEM - May 2 - 10:00 am

  A great vehicle to drive in the city and take camping