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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  Very Happy! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bostonaltima - December 12 - 10:00 am

  We got a 2002 2.5 SL with ABS/side airbags, seat warmers, sunroof for $290 a month with $4000 down--a pretty good deal. We leased the car at Quirk, but also spent a lot of time at Frost. Frost was great, but they werent able to match the price at Quirk. So far (it has been almost a month), we are very pleased with the car. As the other reviews have mentioned, it really does turn heads. Its a peppy drive, and a great buy for the money.

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  Oh My Goodness!! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Becky - December 12 - 7:46 am

  Own Mercury Mountaineer but wanted something to drive to work that got better mileage. Didnt count on this! Awesome interior - hubby is 601" and needs lots of leg and head room - hes got it. Comfortable, roomy seats. Excellent turning radius. Great back seat leg room also and plenty room for luggage. Exceptional head room! Quiet - almost no road noise! Smoother ride than our nephews Honda CRV. We are both thrilled with purchase. Couldnt be happier! Enough to make this ol grandma feel like shes really "styling". Best of both worlds - SUV style combined with fuel economy, comfort and grace!!

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  very happy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By designbo - December 12 - 4:50 am

  Was looking at the Toyota Tundra when I thought I would look at the Titan. Was extremely imperssed with the overall feel and size compared to the Tundra. Not that Toyota did not make a good truck, the Titian blew it away. Bigger, Nicer styling and impressive response was the key. Looks impressive and rides great. Was a Ford man, but not anymore.. good job Nissan

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  A "Useful" Truck - Does it all! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By BearsFan34 - December 11 - 7:00 pm

  OK like Thomas the tank engine, its useful for most needs of the average household! I bought this truck after repairing a customers SE in the Body Shop and was blown away with the 4cly performance. It handles a yard and a half of mulch with no strain, is well as several trips of 12 bags of leaves to the dump with the bed extender used, commuting 50 miles a day for work getting 22.7 mpg! Savings on the same range traveled with my prior 06 F150 is 6 gallons a fill, thats over $600.a year saved based on 2.75 a gallon-WOW! Mine came with the "old man"(grin-see other post!)options: A/Trans, power windows, door locks, sliding back glass, bedliner, bedextender, CD player-Great Truck!

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  Just OK - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By petemck - December 11 - 2:15 pm

  I bought a 2011 SV with Premium package in February. I previously owned a 1998 Maxima SE 5speed manual that I bought new. This new Max has better steering but the CVT in automatic mode is awful and the torque steer at higher speed (75-85mph) is dangerous. My dealer experience also left a lot to be desired.

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  Owning a Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By D. Herron - December 11 - 1:10 pm

  The look threw me off at first. But I drove it and fell in love. It rides quite comfortably and is such great fun to drive. Ive owned it for just over a year and never had any problems at all. It travels well. We have gone on several trips and been VERY comfortable. It has a V6 engine with a heart. When you need extra power...its there. I tell everyone who asks that I love my car and they should test drive one.

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  07 Murano SL AWD (Touring Package) - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Jim - December 11 - 10:46 am

  Silent motor...no road noise. A bit hesitant when flooring it, but it moves!

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  Awesome!!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jeff - December 10 - 11:00 am

  Short people might have some issues, but they are the minority. What an awesome machine! We took it up the CA Mountains the first day we owned it, and we were thrilled with its performance and comfort!

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  Just on the way home - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Hayjaymom - December 10 - 12:10 am

  I just bought this car and the drive home was amazing. I am so excited about taking this baby for more rides. Im so glad I bought it!

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  Indestructible!! - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By tmbriggs - December 9 - 10:36 pm

  I bought it brand new. First new car I owned and I can say after almost 11 years stills run fantastic! Still original clutch, just replaced CV joint axles after 161,000 miles. Only gripe is the windshield wiper motor went out after about 145,000 miles. Cost $80 though so not too bad. Should run 300k miles no problem!