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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  After one year - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By David M Johnston - October 29 - 1:13 pm

  A good looking, good driving van. It draws compliments wherever it goes. Fit and finish is good in and out but interior materials seem cheap to me. A vehicle that sells for over 30k shouldnt have to use a prop rod to hold the hood open, Air conditioner works well but fan is noisy. Heater is barely up to the task.

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  2010 Murano LE - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Florida Mike - October 29 - 9:03 am

  Love it. Had a H2 Hummer for 6 years. Time for a change. I love the car-like driving experience of the Murano. Black on Black was my choice. Does not look like a soccer moms car. I dont mind the 18 per miles city gas miles,compared to what I had before.This car will be a keeper for a long time. I bought the 2010 LE front wheel drive. I did not need the AWD. Could not be happier. Better then the lexus, infinity, for 15 grand less.

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  Lots of Zip and GO! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By SubMan - October 29 - 5:10 am

  I cant believe that Edmunds.com claims the CVT transmission is "power sapping!" Since it locks up at 12% VS 30% for a normal auto transmission, how can that be "power sapping?" Their testers must not have stuck their foot to the floor and watched this baby perform! Its a great delight to drive. Im a big guy - 6 and 280 lbs and I fit this SUV well. Lots of leg and head room - more than the two Explorers I owned and about 20% better gas mileage, and a whole lot better looking, too. My overall average, as reported by the trip computer, since owning the vehicle is about 20.5mpg. Thats all driving, town (which is most of my driving) and some highway. A great vehicle - wish Id bought early.

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  Most Bang For the Buck - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By DamonH - October 29 - 4:40 am

  This is my 2nd Z. My first was an 03 Enthusiast with the 5A. I couldnt stand the car. I had it only 6 months and sold it. I bought my 06 last August. Its the base model with the 6 speed manual. This is the most fun car Ive ever owned. Its a complete 180 from the 03. The exhaust note is amazing, gas mileage is awesome for a 300 hp car, and the reliability cant be beat. This is my weekend car, while my 07 Audi A4 is the daily driver. The Z gets a little bone-jarring after a while, but I always have a blast driving.

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  Top Gun - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By LStrick - October 28 - 1:20 pm

  The car is a blast to drive. Keep your fuel injectors clean! Mine is an automatic SE, leather interior. What I love most is that no matter how fast Im going(60-90mph), when I step on the gas, I get instant hard strong acceleration. The faster I go, the more stable it is. I drive LA Basin freeways, people speed up to try to prevent you from making a lane change in front of them, but the Maxima is too fast for them. I accelerate too, and all they can do is watch my tail lights. Mine has 150,000 miles on it, and still going strong. I commute 90 freeway miles one way to work, and wouldnt drive anything else.

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  Best - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By jbaumer1 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The best Z ever! We have a 1995 2+2, 1993 2+2 and the 1996 Convertible. I will keep them forever!

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  Japanese Quality??? - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By maherjp - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I had the thing in 3 times under warranty fixing o2 sensors. What do you know when it came out of warranty I was back in. Now I have to fix the throttle body. the mechanic says he has never seen it in 15 years...I guess I will be the only one complaining about that, but it stinks to be me. I know its old, but I have sunk well over $1,000 already and have an estimate for another $1,500. I wont ever buy an Nissan again and I think the maximas are awesome.

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  dont buy one - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By crap - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I would not recommend buying a nissan xterra. The plastic bumper turns white, the buttons on the radio come loose, the paint on the buttons to the radio lasted 2 years, shift gear broken, driver seat uncomfortable, entire car not quality made. I cant wait to trade in to buy a toyota. This is my first nissan, I miss my toyota.

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  What a vechicle! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BillDesrosiers - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The new Armada is everything you are looking for in a large SUV, It is large, quick, stylish, and comes equipped with great options (rear sensors, bose system, nice console guage setup etc...

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  Great styling - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By CW in COS - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking, and fun truck. I have had the truck for two years now and have found it to be very reliable. It performs very well off road and is good for hauling small loads.