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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  My Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By feisty3 - October 30 - 3:10 pm

  If this suv were a man, Id leave my current husband and marry it! Only problem I have is that the drivers side mirror takes time to get use to. Even though the seats are adjustable, Il only 411 so the mirror poses an obstruction, trust me, a small price to pay for this GREAT suv. Not a day goes by where my Murano greats mouth opened wide eyed stares. I CONSTANTLY get questioned about it.

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  Murano is a Great Vehicle - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Scuba - October 30 - 7:50 am

  The Nissan Murano is a solid, sylish SUV that has a lot of interior room for a mid-size SUV. All the standard features, the ride, body style and power are what sold me. The engine gives you all the power you need and you dont feel the transmission shifting as you are gaining speed. If you are looking for a great automobile that has style, power and is luxurious, this may be the SUV for you. The other factor that sold me was the dealer. Arron Carter of Bankston Nissan, Irving, Texas, had a low key approach and was very interested in helping us find a vehicle that met our needs. From the top down, I think this is one of the better dealerships in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

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  Highly recommend the Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Kathy - October 29 - 4:53 pm

  Have had my Rogue for 3 weeks, am loving it. The first car I have owned that people are stopping and asking to look at it. Have only seen one other Rogue on the road.

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  Rock Solid - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Ed W - October 29 - 10:00 am

  After reading some of the comments on this web I must add mine. This truck has been fantastic. No problems, just oil changes and tire rotations. Just past 60K and still the original brakes. Not a rattle in the vehicle at all. Rides quiet and solid. Love the Rockford Fosgate stereo

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  20th Anniv. Review - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert - October 28 - 10:33 pm

  The 2001 Nissan Maxima is a very reliable and fun car to drive. In the past six years I have never had to have my car towed. I recommend anyone looking for a new car to test drive the Nissan Maxima.

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  Trouble Free - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Happy Owner - October 28 - 10:06 pm

  Never had any problems with this van. Had Ford, Chevy and Dodge vans and this is by far superior in low maintenance costs. I have only had to do brakes, tires, oil changes and 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 maintenance. Great for family vacations and shopping trips. Several trips to the hardware store and it will hold up to ten foot long boards and lots of bags of concrete, bark and potting soil. Drives and handles great. I also have a Frontier and am very impressed with Nissan reliability and dependability. Even with over 100,000 miles still feel comfortable with taking it on trips.

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  Smooth Riding Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Pat - October 28 - 11:03 am

  I have owned my Nissan Altima for 1 month now. I love it. It has a lot of power for a 4 cyl. It rides very smooth. I love to hear the engine roar on open road. The car is very quiet, you cant hear outside noises. One thing that I do not like is that the arm rest sits back a bit far so you cant rest your arm on it. If the car is not warmed up completely it jerks once you start going. Once warmed up, I have no problems. I only noticed that when I start out first thing. But, besides the cold jerking and the armrest. Its worth it. I bought it for reliability and I have always wanted to own a Altima. Nice Pick up, just as fast as the Malibu. Nice styling.

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  Awesome truck! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Tim - October 28 - 6:20 am

  Loved the truck since the day I bought it. Gas mileage as expected. Calipers were replaced in first 3 months I had it by dealership with no hassles. The 4x4 off road package makes this truck ride like a truck - especially on long distance trips on highway.

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  1995 Maxima GLE PERFECTION!!!!!!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By chrissy35 - October 27 - 8:40 pm

  Runs and drives as if youre on a cloud! VERY smooth and quiet engine and transmission. NO problems, what- so-ever. A pleasure to own. I bought this car with 139,000 on it and youd never know it. Just routine maintenance. Parts (when they do need replacing) are a little more expensive than american, but is well worth it. These car will last forever. I will drive this car until the wheels fall off! Nissans Rock!!

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  Murano owner since 2003 - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By mryptno - October 27 - 5:56 am

  I am a great advocate of the Nissan Murano. Been driving one since 2003 and have no performance or reliability issues with the car. However I was disappointed when I purchased my 2009 SL and I could not get an iPod integration kit installed or a remote start kit installed from Nissan. I would assume these are common accessories today, especially the iPod. Just disappointed in Nissans decision to exclude their mid range Murano owners.