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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  So Far So Good - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By TITAN - January 5 - 7:10 am

  Handles nimbly, almost like a car, no drifting. Very quiet and very smooth transmission. Excellent pick-up. I have owned 4 Toyotas and this is my first Nissan. Well see what happens in 200K miles, though others say 300K with Nissans is no problem. Much better looking than the 08 Tundra and more affordable for me. My advice would be to drive both over the weekend and corner them hard and over the tracks. I think youll like the handling of the Titan. I love mine.

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  This truck ROCKS - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rob in MD - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine since January. I love it and it drives like a sports car. I only have 3 minor and 1 major complaints. Ive had 50W stereos that sound better than the 500W Bose. There just doesnt seem like there is that much "elbow room" for the driver. The back cupholder needs to be moved forward (if you put a tall cup in there it will not sit straight due to the elbow rest). But the worst is the cheesy lettering on the luggage rack. These plastic letters started coming off immediately after I bought it.

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  Great, fun, and cheap - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By bscully - January 4 - 2:00 am

  After my Ford Ranger died, I wanted something that got more than 20 mpg and had cruise and air. The Sentra has this and more. Lots of fun to drive, GXE has lots of extras, and did I mention lots of fun to drive.

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  One Bad Box - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By SERookie - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The first time my friend showed me a photo of the SE-R I was so turned off by the fact that it looked like every other Sentra. Then I drove one. This car is absolutely the best thing out there for under $18k. The ride is silky smooth once you get past 2nd (a little bit of torque steer in 1st and 2nd due to power). I feel in love once the dealer told me the monthly payment, and the driving just gets better and better.0

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  Mr Bud Green - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Bud Green - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Looked at the Toyota Echo, Honda Civic, Ford Focus. I think the Nissan Sentra was the best I drove of the 3 Cars. Nice to handle and a little more plush then the other 3 and very comfortable. Nice job Nissan!

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  Love this truck! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By WilliamB - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I just got my v6 Desert Runner from a dealer. It was used, but this truck runs great! The v6 isnt as strong as its competition, Toyota Tacoma Prerunner v6, but it still packs a pretty good punch. For its size, the acceleration is pretty good. The ride is smoother than I thought. Overall, this is a very good vehicle. I recomend looking into one if you are searching for midsize trucks.

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  After 8 Months - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Esteban Salceda III - January 3 - 8:26 pm

  My Quest is Awesome. It gets great gas mileage that ranges between 27-30 MPG on the highway. Tons of space. Phenomenal acceleration. Maximum performance is obtained by using 5W-30 Valvoline SynPower Oil or Castrol Edge (Synthetic Oil). Have not had any problems with it at all. Absolutely the best Mini-Van option on the Market. I got a great deal, that Ford, Toyota, nor Honda could match. The fold down rear seating options come in handy for moving days or hauling delicate items. Would buy again it opportunity arises. Great amount of features for base model. This van gots it all.

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  Brief thoughts on my Murano - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Jim Seaberg - January 3 - 10:49 am

  This Murano replaced a 2006 Honda Odyssey, and while I thought the Odyssey was comfortable and an OK ride, even in the rear, this Murano beats it hands-down. The gas mileage, combined with the size of the gas tank, gives about 425 mile endurance/tank, and the seats and driver position make that distance almost effortless. The interior quality and trim, along with the options and tech, make this vehicle close to a luxury vehicle. We now have about 3,000 miles on it, and are still discovering things (primarily tech related) that the vehicle does. Initially, it took me some time to get used to the somewhat reduced visibility caused by the high seat backs and the rear pillars, but have discovered that its a non-issue. I have not experienced the emergency braking assistance, but the blind spot alerts and the cross-traffic warning system are a great addition to the vehicle. My wife loves the intelligent cruise control; I havent decided on that feature yet. I wish there was an audible indication when it activates and slows down the vehicles speed; it is so subtle that I have looked down to realize that we are traveling 10 mph below the limit. :D All in all, I love the Murano and think its a great value!

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  I love my Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Scott - January 3 - 3:20 am

  I have had my Murano just over a year now. I truly love this car. It is very comfortable inside and easy to drive. The CVT makes it drive like it is on Skis. Everyone that rides in my car comments on how comfortable the seats are and how refined the interior is.

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  93 Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By BluAngel719 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Doesnt ride like a truck!