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:

• 

  Nissan Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By GREG - April 4 - 10:56 am

  On balance love the vehicle. Very comfortable. Would like a little better gas mileage. Bose stereo is fantastic. Environmental control a little weak

• 

  Sporty family car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By familyof4 - April 4 - 8:06 am

  So far after putting almost 500 miles on the car, I am satisfied. The power and capability of the 4 cylinder is amazing. So much that you almost forget it is a 4 cylinder. Plenty of room for a family of 4 that includes 2 bulky car seats. Love the push button start and intelligent key on the handles! It is great to not have to dig through your purse to find your keys. So far so good, and I look forward to many more miles out of it.

• 

  Replacement - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By T - April 4 - 4:23 am

  I bought my 2006 Nissan for Xmas 2006. My car has broke down on me twice brand new car first owner. I have services the car at the dealership I purchase from the car has a loud noise when you turn the vechile on brakes very noisy. I had a 1998 Camry with no problems before I purchase this car. I wish I still had my 1998 Camry. This Altima is no good.

• 

  Nssan Maxisauras - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By eddie - April 3 - 10:30 pm

  I prchased a 2000 Nissan Maxima when it was brand new. I owned it for 16 months and sold it. I did not always use recommended premium fuel and it caused the engine to exhibit gurgling sounds especially in between gears or going up hill slowly. The turning radius was terrible as was the economy. 40% of epa. Cheap leather and interior materials. Like most maximas it burns headlights

• 

  2012 Rogue worth the money - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By Heather Speert - April 3 - 3:23 pm

  It is an SUV that drives like a sedan.

• 

  2012 Rogue worth the money - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By Heather Speert - April 3 - 3:03 pm

  It is an SUV that drives like a sedan.

• 

  Totally Unexpected - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By John Lechuga - April 3 - 1:46 pm

  As a previous Ford owner, I expected something to be of that caliber; sleek in design and intimidating. Instead I purchased a seldom heard of vehicle with tight easy handling, beautiful to look at, comfortable on long distance drives (1,000 miles or more twice), and built with Nissan reliability.

• 

  Curiosity - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By anasity - April 3 - 9:23 am

  I have just purchased this vehicle within the last week. It hasnt quite been a week yet. Ive only driven it around the city and have yet to test it out on the road. So far I like the way it feels when driving. The ride is smooth. I love the exterior design and the quality seems to be good. As far as the reliability, I will have reserve comments on that for now. I am satisfied with the interior design as well.

• 

  great suv - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bk - April 2 - 10:53 pm

  I have owned 3 pathfinders along the way. First was a 1996 se, then went to a 2001 with the 3.5l and now I am back in a 1997. They all have been absolutely great vehicles! Never left me stranded anywhere, go through snow up to the bumpers, repairs are rare and they hold their value. The only complaint I had was going from my 1996 with 150,000 miles to the 2001 with 80,000 miles, I expected the same fuel mileage and was disappointed. A year later and I was back in the 1997 and regained some of the fuel mileage back again. This is a cant miss suv. Why pay thousands more for a 4 runner?

• 

  Family Hot Rod - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By glenn - April 2 - 12:06 pm

  This car is not your boring family car.Plenty of room for everyone and fun to drive. The power is unbelievable. Get compliments on the looks all the time. We have had it for a year and no mechanical problems. No steering or suspension problems as in other reviews.The eagle rsa are cracking on the sidewall with 34,000 mi.Only downsides are torque steer and turning radius.