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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  true fun - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ds532 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the best Ive ever had. I am impressed with its performance off road and on icy snowy roads. I only had to use the four-wheel drive on a few occasions. The limited slip rear differential helps greatly.

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  A HEAD TURNER - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MMPP - May 20 - 10:00 am

  FAAAAAAAST CAR! Too fast for a middle model. Got pulled over for speeding 2 wks in a row; luckily Im a female.I get nothing but compliments. Very sexy- head turner. Sporty. Easy to dress up. Engine is great.Interior could be refined, but could be the same elsewhere. Wouldnt trade it. ENJOYING THE RIDE!

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  my new venture with used car. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Louie Casparro - May 20 - 5:30 am

  great car. ive wanted one since it first came out. i have no problem with it except mabye not knowing exactly how to use some of the GPS and silly things like the windshield wipers and, for me, difficult light switch. but that isnt you its me. Actually the manual and some of the cars working items are not user friendly. Ive had Hondas all my life and they seem to be easier to comprehend and use. There are a lot of things on this car that yet, im not familiar with as of yet. Mabye its my 72years or something but i have some and i say some difficulty with it as of yet. Ive had it about a month so as i said it me...God Bless you and i wouldnt trade this one for two other cars.

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  My first Nissan - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Billy Todd - May 19 - 5:42 am

  bought my Altima at the end of october of 2014, already have just over 5,500 miles on it and this is the first Nissan I have owned and I absolutely love it. Black exterior and black interior just makes it look so sweet. Car has plenty of get up and go, looks very sporty and to top it off has the best gas mileage of any car I have ever owned. Think the only thing I dislike is that the blue toothe feature crashes alot when connected, other than that. no complaints.

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  I love this Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Kell - May 18 - 9:20 pm

  I have loved this car! It has been a wonderful family vehicle. It is a 3.5L V6, so imagine the pep you get when you accelerate. This is the last year they made this body style, and I like it almost more than the 2004-2006 models. Nissans run on a timing chain too which eases some concerns as to when you need to replace your timing belt. Love it. I can only say positive things about it, other than the gas mileage averages about 24 mpg which isnt the best in terms of a sedan. But 3.5L V6 baby!

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  IM IMPRESSED - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By delighted in Dayton - May 18 - 8:40 pm

  We have had the Rogue now for a week. I am very impressed with the quality and all we got for the money we paid. We have been true blue Toyota owners for years, but we were not impressed with the Rav 4. The Rogue won out in our thorough research of every possible choice on the market. It sits high enough to be above other cars, but is a comfortable step up into the car. We did get all the bells and whistles. Just had 5 inches of snow here in Ohio, and the AWD worked like a charm. Cant recommend it enough. Considering my wife wanted a Lexus, I pushed for the Rogue and she is liking it very much. Lucky for me.

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  best truck i ever owned - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By eric - May 18 - 8:20 am

  ever thing about this truck is great, the power is unparralled the gas mileage is good for the size and power. unbelivable room and comfort, the best truck i ever bought, my next truck will be a titan as well

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  "thoughtful" sums it up - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Travis - May 18 - 12:20 am

  i virtually live out of my Pathfinder. its interior is highly functional and the exterior design is meaty and great. the designers really did their work from the extra cup holders and cell phone slots to the grab handles on the luggage rack to the placing of the hooks for the grab net in the cargo area. i used to drive a ford explorer but i find the pathfinder to be an much better suv overall. i also tow a boat pushing the limits of its towing capacity. NO PROBLEMS!

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  Top of the Class Crossover - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Musky300 - May 17 - 11:36 pm

  Spent several months reseraching every other CUV/SUV on the market and the 2009 Murano continually popped up near the top of every criteria list. I quickly uncovered that this vehicle should not be compared to the Mazda CX- 7, Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, etc., but rather the Lexus RX, Acura RDX/MDX, BMW X3/X5, etc. For the money, the performance, amenities, and overall driving experience that Nissan offers in the Murano cannot be beat in its class. I went with the LE because it offers everything, I would highly recommend the navigation option (no regrets). After a month of ownership and 2000 miles, I am still impressed by the ride quality and everything that this vehicle offers.

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  Awesome car! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Bonnie - May 17 - 11:33 pm

  Love my Murano! Had a Rogue, better gas mileage but rougher ride. Have 3 friends who bought one on my recommendation.