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:

• 

  For the True Outdoors - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Brett - March 23 - 1:43 am

  Very happy with the Xterra. This vehicle design really does have function. Very rugged and can go anywhere! I decided on the 6spd manual because its more fun to drive and has a very tall 6th for hwy cruising. I do a lot of whitewater kayaking and this vehicle gets me to all the knarly put-ins. The Xterra has excellent build quality. It is also very surefooted in offroad situations. This is modern mans "old school bronco." I considered the Toyota FJ Cruiser, but decided the massive blind spots over the shoulder were a nuisance and a safety concern. Get out and live a little!

• 

  I love my Murano! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Susan - March 22 - 7:10 pm

  I researched for over 6 months and kept coming back to the Murano. Its classy, yet very fun to drive. I cant believe how quiet and comfortable she is. I have lower-back pain - the power lumbar support is incredible. Ive had her for a week and Ive already received many compliments. The dual- panel moonroof is my favorite feature. It just feels so open and bright. I also love the back-up camera - its a must in this vehicle as the rear view isnt all that great. Ive been averaging 24 miles/gallon on the highway, and have been pretty impressed with MPG so far. I got it in Merlot with Beige interior and I love it!

• 

  Nissan got this one right - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Tippy Canoe - March 22 - 2:36 pm

  I have had my 2009 Murano LE for a few weeks now. Overall I am very happy with my decision. I have driven a Honda Pilot for four years and I wanted something sportier and less boxy. I drove the RX350, Tribeca, and CX9. All good vehicles but something about the Murano grabbed me. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned, better than my wifes Lexus ES350. Handling is better than the Pilot and it is very quiet. I have tried to feel the vibration that many people talk about but cannot. I have a couple of nuisance warranty items but nothing major. Performance is great and gas mileage is about 22 mixed driving. I have never owned a Nissan but I am really enjoying this vehicle.

• 

  Wonderful sport car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By jeg1004 - March 22 - 12:23 pm

  I love this car. I love the way it accelerates and turns corners. It is just a matter of how fast are you willing to turn. You can take 270 degree entrance ramps on higways at 70 mph and the tires dont even make any noise. The Bose stereo sound very clear and loud. Lots of rubber neckers look your way and smile. The Xenon headlights work great. The only complaint I have is the seat belt not being used does bounce off the wall and make some noise. For the price it cannot be beat by any Porshe, BMW or Mercedes. Remember when you buy it that this is a try sports car and dont expect it to drive like a SUV.

• 

  Love the 3.5 SR - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By bill_in_sa - March 22 - 1:36 am

  I recently traded in my 2008 Altima Coupe 2.5S for the 2012 Altima Sedan 3.5 SR. Quite honestly I loved the coupe, it had every option except the navigation, but from an interior size point of view it was inconvenient. It was uncomfortable for adults to sit in the back. So I decided to look into the sedan and ended up purchasing the 3.5 SR with every option, including the navigation system. With a 270 HP engine, it has plenty of power for passing or merging on to the highway. It has a comfortable ride and very good handling and is spacious. The trunk space is huge (especially compared to the coupe). One thing that my 10 year old son pointed out is the interior is very quiet.

• 

  2006 Limited Edition Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By swavey - March 20 - 5:00 am

  Purchased the car Feb. 2009 with 39,700 miles. Now has 47,400 and Im very happy. My only complaint is the power windows on the driver door should be on the center console by my right arm. In an emergency you cant close the door and raise the window at the same time.

• 

  Best SUV on the market - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rusty - March 19 - 9:36 pm

  Traded in our second Quest for a 2006 Nissan SE Pathfinder. This SUV is by far the best i have ever driven or ownded. The gas mileage could be better, but this baby has plenty of power with a 4.0 Liter V6. Very comfy and a great ride!

• 

  Well built - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Roman Merkushen - March 19 - 11:53 am

  Great truck, very reliable

• 

  Car For These Times - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By MIS - March 19 - 7:00 am

  If you are looking for a great riding, affordable car that gets about 25 mpg, but has plenty of pep,then the 2006 Altima 2.5S Special Edition with ABS/Air Bags option is the car for you. It certainly is the car for me. I love the way it looks, handles and drives. I do not miss my 2001 Maxima. In fact I prefer the sound system on the Altima to the Bose system on the Maxima. If you like to drive, consider this car.

• 

  New to Nissan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Flyer 1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 96 Olds 88. Of course the Olds was slower and uglier, but more comfortable. The power is surprising and the car is fun to drive. It rides a little hard but handles well, especially braking. The seats could be more comfortable, but are much much better than the Mazda I tried. Nice profile, especially with optional rims. Original tires done at 37,000.