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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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By IsaacAmy - December 3 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Altimas are great. I love the gas milage compare to what I use to have to put in a Chevy Tahoe. Great Family car. I have two kids and they love it. The radio system is also great. Over all I think its a great family car and looks very nice.

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  Fun & Reliable - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DGR - December 3 - 8:53 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive! Its very quick with excellent handling and braking. The seats are very comfortable although head room in the back is a little tight for a six footer.

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  Great Off-Road truck - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By 2k11pro4x - December 3 - 5:34 am

  Since I started driving AWD and 4x4 I cant really go back to 2WD cars anymore. Living in Canada having AWD or 4x4 is almost a must. Compare to my previous SUV this is my favorite thus far, however the Xterra does have it draw back which is the horrible gas mileage. This truck is not an ideal vehicle to use for daily commuter, because the best Ive got is 15MPG. On a full tank (from full until the light goes on) I only get 242 miles city driving. On highway though, it is smooth, powerful, and comfortable for the long haul. Im averaging 21MPG on highway. The capability for off roading is great, it can make any condition (almost), but in deep mud I got stuck but then again any stock would.

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  I feel so cool - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By tunes4life - December 3 - 4:30 am

  Had a Nissan Pathfinder traded it in for a Murano because Pathfinders are too big now. Feel really good about my decision. 2009 model looks really slick exterior and interior. VERY comfortable for a larger guy like me 63 200lb. Rides like a dream. Was originally looking at Mazda CX-7. CX-7 would have been slightly less $ but the difference is large. Very quiet ride and unbelievable comfort. Love the CVT. I go the leather interior with are very soft and comfy, especially when compared with its competitors. Look and feel of inside and outside as good if not better than some much more pricey Acura, Lexus, BMW models I looked at (briefly) for $10,000 less.

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  Nice Car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By AC - December 3 - 2:53 am

  Overall this has been a great car. I purchased it about 3 weeks ago and have already made two trips to the mountains for skiing. The 4 cyl. engine has been fine going up the hills and I have been able to pass with no problem. The ride is really comfortable and I am happy I purchased it.

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  Total Disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JAC - December 2 - 6:23 am

  This car is a total disappointment. The timing chain went of the car after 26,000 miles. The care burns a ton of oil and the moon roof leaks. The motor is noisy and the problems just keep piling up. I also had the rear deck rattle and drove the service dept crazy until they fixed it. I finally got a real good service mechanic to put some extra foam under the deck to it would not rattle. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PERIOD. THIS CAR STINKS

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  Best SUV for the money - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Max - December 1 - 10:23 pm

  You cannot buy a better truck for the money. Any competition is at least 15k more and really not worth it. Enormous power, fantastic room, great comfort, stereo, & luxury. I traded a Grand cherokee & gas mileage is about the same, except that now I have a 3rd row, over 100+ more horses, and much more room. Dont throw your money away on any other SUV. The hardest part of driving this beast is keeping it under the legal speed limit. Ive had it for almost a year and everyone that has an Armada that I bump into, loves it. You will too. The rear sonar parking system is nice, dual climate control, power liftgate and mirrors are a nice touch. Overall I am very happy with it.

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  First Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bonning - December 1 - 5:33 pm

  I am a converted GM buyer but have had problems with their service, and repair costs over the past several years.My last car was a cadillac Catera, previously Buicks, Pontiacs. My Altima is the first foray into "foreign" territory. 4 people at work have an altima and the styling and good looks first appealed to me.After asking all 4 people how they liked their cars I received excellent comments from all of them with a unanimous completely satisfied with the car. Ive had the car since September 04 and am impressd with the performance, styling, and everything about this vehicle

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  Best Nissan I ever owned! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Mav63 - December 1 - 6:40 am

  Ive had the X for 4 years now and couldnt be more pleased with it. The seats are very comfortable on long drives. The Supercharger gives it enough oomph to push you back in your seat. The paint has held up extremely well. People who have driven it are surprised on how nice it handles and how straight it drives. It is a bit rough, but what do you expect? I havent had any problems mechanically. I replaced the stock stereo with aftermarket since stock sounds, well, stock! I take it in for service religiously and the service dept is always surprised how clean and new it still looks. I detail it A LOT! Just like they say, "everything you need, nothing you dont!"

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  Best Ive ever had - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Res - December 1 - 6:36 am

  I have owned many trucks and have finally found a keeper. When I first got behind the wheel to drive it my first thought was this truck has an engine. Full of power and can pull anything. The interior is put together very nice but it is kind of bland. I am looking at an aftermarket dash dress up kit to spice up the interior. I love the exterior lines of the truck. It stands tall with all the other trucks out there and has a nice throaty sound emitting from the exhaust. The factory tie downs in the bed are pure genius and the most handy thing on the truck when you need it. The only downfall is the fuel mileage, but its a truck and youre not going to get good gas mileage with any truck.