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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  Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Frances Jeffords - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I rode 5,000 miles in the back seat this past summer and that was not a comfortable ride AT ALL! Other than that I have no "major" complaint - it is so much fun to drive - especially around town.

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  What a car! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By tidefan1957 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Shopped in the mid-size sedan market for about two years. Bought the Maxima and couldnt be happier with the car. It is as advertised and then some. A stylish car with a fantastic ride and lots of power from the 265 horse v-6. You cannot go wrong with this car.

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  GREAT / POWERFULL - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By LUCKY - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE ENJOYED MY XTERRA THIS PAST EIGHT MO. MY WIFE LIKES IT BETTER THAN ME ,WELL SHE DRIVES IT MORE TO WORK AND GROCERY STORE ETC. BUT IT HANDELS GOOD ANDHASA WRAP AROUND FEEL WHEN YOUR DRIVING ALSO HAS A SPACEIOUS BACKFOR HAULING PLUS CAN LAY BACK DOWN FOR MORE ROOM IF NEEDED!

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  Nice Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Ken - January 9 - 8:20 am

  I was looking for a car with a little glitz and spunk. Very roomy, very comfortable and can get out of the way when needed. Saved $5k over the G37. It may not be a G37, but its close enough.

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  Still worth the price - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By sickegg2000 - January 9 - 1:43 am

  I’ve always like Nissan cars, and this is my 4th Nissan. I have owned 240sx, 2 X 300zx because Nissan to me is safer and better quality for the same bucks…. I have to say for less than 20K, I got a fully loaded Versa Hatchback SL with power roof and somewhat economic, I am satisfied with my purchase. I am just hopping the mileage can be better, but there is always a balance comparing mileage and power. Versa is the fastest in it’s class comparing Toyota Yaris, Scion xD, and Honda FIT, and so it makes sense that it’s not the most economics car within this group. I have test drove all the cars listed above, I personally think Nissan handles the best when it comes to corners and balance.

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  4th Frontier 2005 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Larry - January 8 - 7:40 pm

  Just took delivery of a 2005 Frontier L.E. This is my 4th Nissan truck in the last 14 years.The previous ones were all 4 cyl versions. This one is the v6 and what a difference that makes.The new v6 is great.Loads of power and the 5 speed trans. shifts smoothly.Only have 500 miles at this point but every thing is working as planned. About 19 mpg so that falls short of the older 4 cyl models but the extra power is worth it I think.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By waytogo - January 8 - 7:20 am

  Unbelievable value and more comfortable than my Lexus RX. Also, theres no shift shock so you pick up speed very quickly. The rear seats recline and have alot of leg room. The illumated gauges and the chrome interior finish have a sports car feel. Go with the front wheel drive version instead of AWD and save money.

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  What a surprise!! - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By peggr - January 8 - 3:17 am

  I had my head set on the Ford Edge, being a Ford customer for nearly 20 years. We drove the Lincoln equivalent, finding it disappointingly noisy. We were introduced to the Nissan LE and it was love before we even got out of the parking lot. Test drive just sealed the deal. We bought used, so color availability was a compromise, but Im getting used to it and love the tan interier and all of the "toys". Cant wait to use the Music box - fortunately last owner must have been in our age group as her downloaded music suits us fine and gives us some enjoyment while learning all about our new vehicle.

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  Almost a luxury car, and for a great price - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By tsumeone - January 7 - 7:49 pm

  The 2014 rogue rides very smooth and I personally find it fun to drive. The car comes with a lot of amenities such as signals on the mirrors, push button start and access, single action fold down seats, LED daytime running lights, etc. The SV trim also comes standard with dual auto climate control and color radio screen. I got the premium package which has a nav system that works well enough. The interface can be a little quirky, however. The interior of the car has a very upscale feel to it especially considering the price point. It feels like you are in a much nicer car. I have not had the car long enough to really give an accurate review on reliability or gas mileage.

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  Nissan made a Monster - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jay - January 7 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned many trucks and the Titan is the best thing going. The 08 Tundra and 04 and up F150 have a better towing weight but thats where it ends. The titan has a roomier back seat then the F150 and Crewmax, (Chevy is even close). I have the Deep Ocean Blue and get comments on the color continously. There were some recalls on the brakes and seatbelts on the back seat but fully covered by the dealorship so no big deal. The interior is basic, lots of plastic, but I have found an aftermarket dash kit that brings it up to date. I can not rave about the power this truck has to offer and the Dana 450 rear end is awsome. (replace the steel cover on the diffential) Nissan has created a monster