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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  Love this car!!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By dallasgirl - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I have about this vehicle is the gas mileage... but I knew that going in. This SUV is great... I would recommend it to anyone looking for this size SUV.

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  I love this car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Jimv - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a lot of used up-scale cars including a few BMWs and Audis. They were nice cars, but the Maxima just does everything right. Its quick, comfortable, and excellent on gas. One of the best used car purchases Ive ever made.

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  FABULOUS - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MattB_Esq - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is by far the best Ive ever owned... and Ive owned about 15 cars so far. The interior is very plush and luxurious and the amenities are free flowing. The vehicle handles marvelously for an S.U.V. The ONLY complaint is gas mileage. But then again, it is an S.U.V.

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  Love The MO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By the canuck - August 18 - 2:00 am

  An admitted Nissan devotee, the Murano has exceeded my expectations in all regards. As can be seen at freshalloy.com and nissanmurano.org, most new owners are extremely pleased and excited about the MO. The CVT coupled with the hp make for an outstanding level of performance for a vehicle of this type. With only a couple of minor exceptions (eg. sun visors), both the build quality and quality of materials appear to be typically Nissan -- excellent. If youre unsure about whether or not the exterior styling is "in" or not, just check out the photos of the new BMW X3. If that isnt a copy of the MO, I dont know what is.

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  Do Consider When Comparing Compact Sedan - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Mike S. - August 17 - 5:36 am

  Very fun to drive, great handling, and surprisingly roomy! The new styling is very sharp. Controls are easy to reach because of the Sentras cockpit layout. I got the convenience plus pkg with bluetooth and audio controls on the steering wheel which keeps my hands on the steering wheel. I commute to work via the interstate with speeds around 75. My Sentra has 3500 miles now and I am getting 33 mpg so far with the CVT. Very happy with the Sentra. Make sure to consider the Sentra when you do your comparisons.

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  sentra fun - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By rad - August 16 - 4:06 am

  all i can say is hit the gas during your corners

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  Love my Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By golfer4000 - August 15 - 12:18 pm

  Traded an07 camry hybrid for the Rogue SV with premium package and I coulnt be happier,Paid as much for the camry as the Rogue but got Xenon lights leather int. moon roof navi,backup camera and more with the Rogue it is also quieter better handling has better visibility and more fun to drive.I would recommend it to anyone looking for an SUV,its well worth a look,I,m glad I did .I especially like the backup cam.,the looks and fit and finish.I would sugest the addition of an interior hatch release

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  Great Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin - August 14 - 11:06 pm

  This car is great to drive, and is very comfortable. It performs great, you will not be disappointed.

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  No Cargo Light - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By DriverDaddy_dot_Com - August 14 - 4:10 pm

  I believe I made a good choice getting it. Fun to drive. Dont know how can a new car can come without cargo light.

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  nissan 05 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By s-somarriba - August 14 - 2:26 pm

  I got my Nissan with zero miles so far in the past five years I somehow put 184 thousand miles. Have been everywhere in California, very good on gas. At 140 thousand miles four sensors went out do to factory defect after Nissan preformed the recall I have had no problem other than a speeding ticket. Overall an awesome car probably can still get another 200 thousand miles before I get another car.