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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  Impressive (almost) luxury crossover - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Jauntboy - December 14 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw the Nissan Murano, I had no intentions of buying a new vehicle. But when I took a test drive, I immediately fell in love with its unique styling and great handling. My mom tells me the engine sounds like a cow "moo-ing" but I love it when I have to speed up when I enter the freeway and it does so with great ease.

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  Best car weve owned - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Ed Coffman - December 14 - 2:00 am

  When my wife saw the car in the November 02 issue of House Beautiful Magazine she had to have it! Never mind that it was my turn to get a car. We got to test dive one in January 03 and ordered hers. We got the car in March. Sunlite Copper w/cabernet interior just like the ad. Its frustrating to me that I will research a car for ever trying to pick the perfect one only to have my wife pick the best car we have owned from a magazine ad. Figures.

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  Nissan rocksnroll but doesnt fall down - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By yellowsnoopy - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great. It does every thing I tell it too and then some. Handles awesome in the snow and on the dry roads. The best part, is that I am a single mom and all four of my children fit perfectly. We hit the river and the snow and everywhere in between in my perfect truck. We all feel so very safe in our truck, thanx Nissan.

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mlc - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the 1st pickup I have ever bought but I cant imagine what any other is like this truck is big fast and most important fun. Just buy it and see the looks you get when your driving but dont get the xe they let me use one until my se came in and its just as fast but the interior is plain. This thing handles curves great. just a great truck

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  The Titan of Trucks - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sidi - December 14 - 2:00 am

  You must drive this truck for a little bit just to see how great it is.

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  First weeks with truck. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Nick Bakker - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about the truck except the controls for the drivers seat. Everytime I enter the truck my leg hits the seat controls and adjusts it slightly.A think the controls could be a little lower to prevent that.

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  04 350Z Is The Best Buy--AWESOME - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By shifty6 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my Z roadster and am in love with the car. Best Z yet,no doubt from the moment you crank up the throaty motor/dual exhaust. For those looking for confidence when u need to pass traffic, this is the SPORTS CAR to do it with and have fun while youre doing it. Top-down is very quick, efficiently quiet in just under 20 seconds. Handling could not be better. Hope to run with the top down as we ease into spring over the next two months.

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By bob - December 13 - 11:50 pm

  Second crew cab owned and very happy with performance and power. Have lots of power to pull a 20 ft. boat without feeling like youre pulling something. I would recommend to anyone to get the V6 for power with great mileage.

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  Rogue... what took you so long! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By King - December 13 - 8:26 pm

  This a fun, delightful, amazing crossover SUV. What an impression Nissan made with this innovative vehicle. It is great on mileage, style, and ride. We got out of a Mazda 6s and the ride feels better, the mileage is just as good, and the style is truly astonishing. We are getting compliments everywhere we go with the Rogue. The only qualm I have is the power, I would like to have more horses, but I am very happy with what I have now. If you are trying to look for a great crossover with plenty to offer at a great price, look no further. We truly looked at all other crossovers, both foreign and domestic, and the Rogue is by far the best!

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  Terrible Handling - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Driver in Pain - December 13 - 6:33 pm

  This vehicle does not handle well to say the least. I need to fight to keep it straight on the road. My wrists are in extreme pain after driving 20-30 miles. Others who have driven have had the same complaint. I initially thought I received a defective vehicle, but apparently Nissans technicians and Nissan Consumer Affairs feel the vehicle performs to factory specifications. Do yourself a favor and stick to a similarly classified Toyota or Honda product. I have previously leased both and have been much happier.