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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  Best SUV for the Money! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Russ K - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Nissan Xterra for three years now and have loved every minute of it! I have owned two Toyotas before and probably will not go back anytime soon.

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  good car... - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dave86 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  best car on the market

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  Driving Pleasure - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dan 123 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Well thought out! Impressive!!!!

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  The Z experience. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mercs999 - July 5 - 12:03 am

  The Car drives great.. looks great and its amazingly fun to drive.. the only thing that goes against it is definitely the visibility and the luggage space.. but then again IT IS a sports car.. you didnt buy it to transport supplies.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Ryepow - July 4 - 9:56 pm

  I got the Gotham Gray with the premium package, splash guards, bumper protector, roof rails upgraded floor mats. I find myself finding excuses to go out for a ride. It has all the features I was looking for and the price I could afford. You dont think you are driving a SUV until you look in the rearview mirror. I am extremely happy with my decision.

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  Incredible Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By titanluvr - July 4 - 7:44 pm

  Its now 2015, and I have 150K miles on my Titan LE Crew Cab Offroad 4x4. My truck was finally killed this weekend by a rogue tow hitch that my wife struck while driving on the freeway. The thing went under the car and bounced up into the transmission. Busted a hole and destroyed the whole thing. May it rest in peace. However, until that rogue tow hitch, that truck did everything I ever asked of it with ease. Drove from So. Cal. to Montana more times than I can remember and it was an easy 20 hour drive in that Titan. I towed trailers, drove through snowstorms, up icy roads, loaded the bed up with wood and more. I never babied that truck, it never needed to be babied.

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  Stunning - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By catlady - July 4 - 3:00 pm

  This is my 2nd Z. Had a 2003 350Z Touring and there is no comparison. The improvements that theyve made were right on target. Engine is stronger, interior is more comfortable and better looking. Loved my old car, absolutely ecstatic about the new one. If Nissan keeps making them, Ill keep buying them.

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  Its an experience worth having - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By D Page - July 4 - 8:06 am

  Ive owned 2 Mark VII Lincolns and 4 Eddie Bauer Expeditions but the Armada has them all beat. Tried GM, Toyota- bought the Nissan. Quality and fit of materials, comfort for us- were big people-, quality of the ride, acceleration and the comfort of our passengers all adds up to an experience worth owning. There is no finer automobile of this type or in this price range that comes close. Backing up is easier with the rear camera. Never get lost again with the GPS system that talks you through the streets right to the doorstep of your destination. Even a gated 5 speed shifter and tow mode. Satisfied? Yes! Try the Sirius on-board radio! Forget Range Rover and Cadillacs... Go Nissan!

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  Nissan Quest 2007 - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Mark - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I looked at both the Nissan Quest and the Honda Odyssey. Pricing was about the same as I purchased the top end vehicle. I drive a lot and wanted comfort. The interiors of both the Quest and the Odyssey are well done, good looking and functional. Exterior wise, the Quest makes the Odyssey look like a cardboard box. Honda does stick it to you though, every bit of trim is high priced and extra. Drivability, is the Quests side. The Honda has loose steering and hesitates on acceleration. I could say a lot more, but between the two, buy the Quest. It is the hands down choice. And you do not have to deal with the Honda Arrogance and high interest rates for financing.

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  Nissan hits the nail on the head - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By dennis - July 4 - 12:00 am

  My Murano rides like a sports car and gets 19-20 mpg. Besides gawking drivers when I first bought it, now fellow Murano drivers give a heads up signal. Former Infinity and future Infinity owner-but love this car!