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:

• 

  Very Impressive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By physcodiver - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my Pathfinder for a Murano. I have 400 miles and counting, great vehicle. In the Blizzard of 03, it handled very good, but, the pathfinder was better in that type of weather. gas mileage running about 19.5 so far on engine breakin.

• 

  Have it for 2 weeks - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By SCasselRx - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Looks are distinctive and aerodynamic. Good power, very smooth engine. Feels stable around town. Very easy to get in and out of. Sound system is great. Lots of room for all 5 passengers. Preferred this over Pilot, Highlander, even the Rx300 (2K less). Only 1 complaint-Had to carry a big piece of plywood and there is no way to attach bungy to back door.

• 

  3.5 Year owner says "Good Truck" - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By SAF - January 6 - 4:20 pm

  It has been my primary vehicle for 3.5 years and I have just turned over 70K miles. I commute 28 miles one way every day with this vehicle, have taken it off road a handful of times and hauled numerous heavy loads. I pretty much abuse my vehicles and dont baby them. If I keep the highway speed under 70 mph I average 20 MPG. The horn broke after 1.5 years while it was still under warrenty, other than that I have had zero problems with this vehicle ,nothing but oils changes. The truck has held up well, still starts and runs like a new one. I would definitely consider buying a Nissan again.

• 

  I love my Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By bman2505 - January 5 - 6:33 pm

  I purchased my 2.5 SL Sonoma Sunset with charcoal leather about a week ago. So far I love the car. The seats are firm but supportive and give a sporty feel. The 4 cylinder is very peppy and can keep up with many v6 cars. Have about 600 miles so far and I am getting 28-30 MPG on 80% highway and 20% city driving. I expect it to get even better after a few thousand miles.

• 

  tylertown - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By lance - January 5 - 1:53 pm

  Drives great love the truck. Will climb one hell of a hill, pulls great and i drive it 400 miles a week.

• 

  Hard to beat - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By andy - January 5 - 4:43 am

  First sedan since a 94 New Yorker. Soft ride and poor handling was its undoing. I purchased an SE for its ride and handling. Purchased every available option which makes it an SL with an SE ride. Turning and keyless entry takes some getting use to.

• 

  Very Nice - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By James - January 5 - 3:50 am

  I bought my car in April, 2003 and it has 26,000 now. I had 0 problems and never had to go to the dealer except for the ECM recall. I highly recommend this car. I usually get 26MPG+. Not bad for a fast car!

• 

  62,000 miles and engine gone - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By badn99 - January 4 - 4:20 pm

  Car drove well for almost 3 years until one day at 62,000 miles check engine light came on. Took it to the dealer and was told engine had failed and needed to be replaced at a cost of $7000. Imagine my surprise that just after warranty on engine expired it needed a new one. Got 2nd opinion and was told the same. Engine misfired badly and knocked. Car had regular specified maintenance and was well cared for. Contacted Nissan but no help. Will never buy another Nissan. Car is now sitting awaiting a used engine at a cost of $2900,

• 

  Just purchased new SE - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bodine - January 4 - 3:10 pm

  I had planned on buying the Toyota SR5, actually was dead-set on it. But, I just returned from Japan afer 4 years and decided it would be best to review all the SUVs that were on the market. Toyota SR5 (a great vehicle and still receives high marks from me), Ford Explorer (never captured our attention). But, when we hit the Nissan Dealership my wife fell in love with the Pathfinder. I must admit its a beautiful truck with a strong reputation. We purchased a SE w/comfort and premium package out the door for $31,000 inc. tax, title, tags, and a $400 fee document processing fee that they wouldnt negotiate.

• 

  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By carfun1 - January 4 - 1:56 pm

  I bought mine with 50,000 miles on it. It is now turning 200,000 miles on it. I had to put in a rebuilt trans at 178,000 miles and new tie rods at 180,000. As far as things need to be done it seems that it does not start till after 112,000 miles. At least every 10,000 miles added to the car is when things need to be done, I mean things that should get done i.e. shocks, starter, front-end. My mechanic said it will last another 100,000 as long as I do my oil changes and small routine maintenance. Funny thing is when I first bought the car I was getting 27 to the highway now I am getting 31 hwy and 26 to the city. Go figure.