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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  Perfection in a car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Perfection - September 28 - 9:20 am

  This car is so perfect. Its beautiful, fast and not everyone drives one! The only thing I was unhappy about is no spoiler and no vent visors. The coupe is amazing and everything I could ask for in a car. The system is great too!

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  Love My Murano. - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By John Parker - September 27 - 2:56 pm

  Love my Murano so far. Only bought it 2 weeks ago. Love the smooth acceleration. I live in Texas hill country and the Murano glides over the hills. Love the quiet & smooth ride and the comfortable leather seats. First tank of fuel was 20.5, which is not the greatest, but I didnt expect much more. So far am using mid-grade gas, although premium is recommended. I had a 2003 Infiniti G-35 a few years ago and regular fuel worked in it OK, & basically its the same engine. I traded in two Hondas (CR-V & Civic Hybrid) for the 1 Murano. This of course, head & shoulders above either of those vehicles.

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  A few Improvements I would make - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By heidismom - September 27 - 1:16 pm

  I have had my Murano almost 3 years now. I have loved this car. CVT I love, I drive my car in town for a living and I average almost 21 mpg. Seats are comfortable. I find the maintenance display troubling regarding the low tire pressure. I am suddenly having drivetrain issues that the dealer cant seem to fix, and the brakes are the most squeaky brakes I have ever had. The paint seems to chip and scratch very easily.

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  The BEST Full Size SUV - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By SacMada - September 27 - 1:06 pm

  Researched full size SUVs for 2 yrs and the hands down winner is the Armada. Great engine power & drivetrain that is silky smooth. Plenty of towing power with 317hp & AWD function. Very nice cabin touches with up to date technology & styling. The ride is stable and feels safe to haul family & friends. This SUV just looks so right coming down the road. Armada - Just what a full size SUV should be!

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  The Winner - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By W. Smith - September 26 - 5:26 pm

  I have driven my 08 Titan 2500 miles so far and this is a great truck. I test drove the chev, ford, and toyota and the Titan won by a landslide. Better comfort and interior than the new Tundra, better performance, comfort and fit and finish than the F-150 and the Chevy. I am getting 15.9 MPG city driving, 17.1 hwy. In addition it has a smaller exterior and a roomier interior than all the competition, very well thought through.

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  Love My Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By riptor - September 26 - 8:54 am

  I have owned 3 Altima, my latest is a 2013 SL trim. Great gas mileage....970kms on the highway, 670km/city. Sounds system awesome and the car is comfortable and peppy to drive. The only things I have found wrong is the remote start does not start from more then about 100 feet away and the bluetooth recognition doesnt always pick up the proper names. I feel this car should be rated higher then then the Honda Accord for appearance and reliability. The interior space e is quite roomy and all other features are great. I will be buying another Nissan product when the time comes.

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  A Wise Consumer Choice For Me - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Michael Kimber - September 24 - 11:53 pm

  The Murano wasnt on my radar screen for a new SUV. I had planned on buying a Honda CR-V. But my wife test drove one and I loved. At her request, I also drove it and loved. It was in my driveway within 24 hours.

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  Best SUV for your money - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Trevor - September 24 - 9:23 pm

  The model I own is a SE 4x2 with comfort, leather and premium packages. Ive only had it for a few weeks, but so far there is no problem. I spent several weeks test- driving and checking out other mid- size SUVs, i.e. 4Runner, Envoy, Explorer, before deciding on the Pathfinder. It is definitely the best SUV out there for the money, and yet there are exceptional features that other SUVs dont have. I have owned several Nissan cars, but this is my first SUV. Im very satisfied.

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  silver ghost - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By alfie - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had car since dec 99. Original TOYO tires lasted 41000 miles. No squeeks or unwanted sounds/noises. Road noise a little high but the wind deflector on sunroof helps a lot. Beautiful machine. Great road ride. Will keep this baby for another 50.000 miles.

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  Blue skies - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Travis Trevathan - September 24 - 10:00 am

  With a little over 3k miles, my biggest problemhas been keeping the car clean. It gets 400 miles between refills using ~17.5 gallons. It drives a great on the freeways as the canyons. The gearing on the 6spd MT is good and I never lug in any gear or wind out in any gear. Full use of engine and tranny from 1k - 6k rpm. A little bouncy on the 5 freeway where the concrete is choppy for all cars, I expect to improve the cornering with better shocks & sway bars after a few years. I look forward to changing the brakes because they get dirty quickly and tires because they have short tread life designation.