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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  2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave/Robin - February 7 - 10:00 am

  We searched around for 2 years looking for the right vehicle for a family who has children that participate in traveling sports (softball, bowling, volleyball, etc). This vehicle fits like a glove for us in roominess, comfort and overall comfort. We had a great test drive and had a good experience with the Nissan dealer in Salem. We liked the styling and color (light blue) of the vehicle. Very good vehicle for the traveling family :)

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  Home Run for Nissan - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ahuntb - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle ! We had our first child last year and wanted something with stlye, room, fuel economy, and AWD. We didnt want to spend over $40,000 to do it (or get a mini van). We spent far less than that and couldnt be happier on all points.

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  I love the new Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bbob - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I took the Murano for a test drive and was so impressed by it that i went and got my wife to drive it. My wife didnt want another car yet because she like her car so well, but after she drove the Murano it was all she talked about. We got the car and we both have been so pleased with it that everybody that drives it wants one. Bob R.

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  dissatisifed - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dissatisified - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Handles great, a blast to drive. Plagued with problems. This car has burned oil from the day I got it. Two service managers and the GM agree it should have a long block. I have had this problem tracked by driving to the dealer every 500 miles for documentation. Nissan wont stand behind their car. I shouldve stayed with Toyota!

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  The best Z ever - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By cmatt23930 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Had the 6 speed manual coupe for 3 months then got roadster automatic. Both incredible in their own right. Hold the road like glue. Smooth powerful pick up from any speed. Awesome stereo sound even with top down. Great wind protection in roadster. Fun factor for both cars: 10+++

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  getting a lot of looks - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mandameyer - February 7 - 10:00 am

  My first Nissan, and I am very pleased. Everyone that gets in raves about what a gorgeos car it is. I got the rear bucket seats, and LOVE them! (As do the kids!) Everywhere we go, people are asking us about it, weve been approache sitting in traffic, in parking lots just about everywhere. All I can say is just take it for a test drive!

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  Rogue - Good Choice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By D C - February 7 - 1:33 am

  Traded in 2001 Mazda Tribute V6 gas hog & purchased a new Rogue, loaded. To date, its been really good (2,800 mi). CVT is smooth & responsive. Interior is quiet, comfortable and a great layout. Leather seats are extremely comfortable. Engine is responsive & plenty quick for highway access. We tested many vehicles & for us, found the Rogue to be the best all around choice. A lot more room for people but a little less storage space, which is perfect cause 85% of the time we carry people... but still had no problem loading a boxed 46 in. TV!

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  Wow - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Mega1gator - February 6 - 9:43 am

  The glove box is huge, stores all books and lots of other stuff. Drives like a dream. Turned in my MDX for better gas mileage and regular unleaded v. premuim for the MDX, a good trade up, the Rogue is the real deal!

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  Super Car performance for less - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By GTRGODZLA - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several Porsches,BMW M3,Dodge Viper and others. This is the best performing car I have ever had! You can drive it every day and not be worried!If you want a nice cushy ride by a 3 series BMW. IF you want mind blowing performance buy this car! IT looks so much better in person. Do not trust the pictures! See one in person! I did not plan on buying this car until I drove it! Then I had to have it!

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  Looks and feels much more expensive - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Gib - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a hybrid and the Altima had the best combination of good looks and performance. With the incentives they were offering and the tax deduction they still qualify for it was too good to pass up. It has very nice exterior styling and the interior looks more expensive then it is, especially in the charcoal leather. The fuel economy is very good as long as you dont try to test the strong acceleration at every chance. It really drives and handles very well. Usually the transition to/from the ICE is smooth but sometimes there is some vibration. I do wish it would stay in EV mode more easily. You really need a light touch to keep it there.