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 car Ive ever driven - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By bigmclargehuge - April 3 - 9:10 am

  Its the complete package. Performance, handling, and comfort. No car I have driven is a better combination. Interior is high quality and seats are comfortable. Comfort mode does help the harsh ride, though I like the solid stance in R-mode around corners. Shifts when you want it to, unlike many auto/manuals. Always ready to follow your instruction. An excellent long-distance cruiser or boulevard blaster!

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  Love my Pathfinder! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Arnold - April 3 - 1:26 am

  Its gas mileage is better than we expected (avg 18 city) and I get up to 23 sometimes! Wish it didnt take premium, but thats okay. We love all the room in the back and the 3rd row seat is perfect for packing in extra family members. All around very happy with it!

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  the frontier and me. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By mahoot - April 2 - 1:03 pm

  very easy to get in and out of. cloth seating area seems to stay clean. left foot rest and steering wheel surface feels comfortable when behind wheel.

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  Best car Ive owned so far - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ranman2000 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Extremely comfortable, good performance, unique looks, lots of creature comforts, decent gas mileage (20 MPG average)... what more could you want?

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  WHAT A ROCKET !! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mbony - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the quickest trucks I have ever drove also the motor is unbelievably smooth,Interior room is imense and I am 6 and weigh 275 lbs gas mileage is more than acceptable for the performance you get from this silky smooth V8.the price for this truck when compared to Toyota or one of the big 3 trucks equipped the same is about 3000.00 dollars less making this truck a true bargain.I LOVE IT !!

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  Wow! What a car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Just Marsha - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Very surprising car. I previously had a Toyota Celica (2001) & was unsure of the performance this "family" car would deliver. What a pleasant surprise it has turned out to be. I have had the opportunity to test the handling on some of the curviest roads in WV & it has risen to the challenge. It also offers a very comfortable ride. I have taken it on several long trips this summer & have been very comfortable through out the trip. Gas mileage is just starting to come into its own, currently only 6000 miles, but getting over 30 mpg on long trips, should continue to improve.

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  My 3rd Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By NickoleB2 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Altimas a 93, 02, and 05 and I love these cars. When I got my 02 it was pretty basic but I fell in love with the performance, stupidly I got rid of it for a truck which I later regreted. Which is why I decided to get my 05 and I am so glad I did. Unlike my 02 my 05 is loaded and its beautiful. I am very pleased with it

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  Nukenight Nissan Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nukenight - April 2 - 7:36 am

  Probably the best vehicle in the full size luxury class. We considered BMW 5 Series and Toyota Avalon, before deciding on the Maxima SL. It has been excellent riding, luxurious, gets good mileage (on regular, no less)! The extras are well thought out and well placed. Did not get Nav System or Power Moonroof, but love the Skyview roof. Average 23 mpg in combined city/hwy driving and almost 30 on hwy only. Only thing missing is the DRL system which would be a nice touch. Wife was even more enthusiastic that I about the styling. She was impressed with BMW, but cost too much. Said the Avalon was a hoo-hum vanilla vehicle. "This is a real car!"

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  Change for the better - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By coolchange - April 1 - 10:13 pm

  Just purchased the Murano last month, and I cant stop using it. It was for my wife as a replacement of the crv that we had, but, looks like I am the one spending more time behind the wheel. The interior is so well crafted and looks very luxurious. Very quiet inside compared to the crv, and oh boy! What a great sound system! If you are getting the Murano, upgrade it to the Bose system and your ears would surely love it.

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  Nice...But. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By R. Perez - April 1 - 4:53 pm

  I waited Several months to get this vehicle. Overall it was worth the wait. I am 511" and the comfort of the interior seating is ok... but the steering wheel is small and skinny. My hands and arms get tired. Pull out power is sluggish. No pep. Car is a little jerky feeling. Slightest movements on the wheel will move your body in the car. Engine is somewhat noisy, especially when you turn the OD off. I keep changing channels on my raido when I make turns...Bumping the switch on the steering wheel. I drive the car everyday. I love the exterior look, but not all that happy with the vehicle itself.