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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  Pretty good little SUV for the $$$ - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By tychux - October 16 - 5:13 am

  Bought it right off the boat from Japan sight unseen. Since day 1-Oct. 2005, weve had little to complain about. Sure, the drivers sunshade is faulty, but an inconspicuous bungee cord fixes that safety issue. Rear brakes lasted 50,000, front brakes are still great at 74,000 miles! Front lower control arms and engine mounts have all been replaced under extended warranty. 2 new batteries and 2 new sets of tires in 6 years due to Arizona heat. I drive 65 miles/day min. through farmland and county roads at up to 75mph and have no degredation in ride. Engine and CVT still runs good and smooth. Xenon lights, Sirius and Nav all without issues also.

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  Brake Rotor Warp - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jeff - October 16 - 3:56 am

  Great comfort however the brake rotors warped after 3000 miles. Steering wheel shimmy at high speeds

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  Cmon Nissan, you can do better! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jcrew - October 15 - 2:20 pm

  After 7 years of owning the pathfinder (60,000 miles), here is an accurate assessment. Despite 3,000 mi oil changes, there have been numerous mechanical issues/failures (i.e., ignition coils, front springs, air cond, exhaust sys). After reviewing my old bills, I was spending 1500-2000 dollars a year on it at the dealership. I am truly disappointed in Nissan. MY LAST ONE EVER. There quality control is terrible. I thought Renault would correct that, however, it has gotten worse.

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  Wow!! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By hlrdh - October 15 - 3:30 am

  I drove a Toyota Highlander for 5 years and a Honda Passport for 5 years before that...I feel like I won the lottery with this car. It drives great...a real sporty feel. Good gas mileage.

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  Best truck for the money, hands down! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Brian - October 15 - 1:10 am

  I did a lot of research before buying the Titan in its first production year. Its almost 2 years now and I still find my self looking at it as if I just bought it. I have taken many long trips in it and I cannot remember a more comfortable vehicle. The power of the 5.6 Endurance is impressive and makes the Titan very fun to drive. Mileage isnt the greatest, but then its a truck, not an economy car.

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  The best car Ive ever had - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By xxxamorexxx - October 14 - 11:26 pm

  The 1.8S is by far the best car I have ever had. My car has not broken down once so far, and it now has 104,000 miles on it. The CAM sensor went bad at about 85,000, but my car still never broke down in the process. The gas mileage I get is approx 34 on the HWY, and about 27 in town. My car is BRIGHT yellow, so with the spoiler, and black bra I put on the front, very sporty. The bucket seats could have a bit more padding. If you treat this car well, it will treat you well. I have taken many road trips in this car, NEVER worried about if my car will break down or not. The heat blasts me out of the car!!!!

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  Good car - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Dobs - October 14 - 8:40 am

  We love our Murano, because of its reliability and strong engine. We would buy another one if they would change the seat design. After long drives, it becomes very uncomfortable. Other than that, it is a great car for a family, couple or single.

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  Beats up American Trucks - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By maschneid - October 13 - 11:16 pm

  I love my titan! I have owned it for a year now, and its still running like new! It has tons of power, and will eat most American trucks off the line. Traveled from MS to OK to TX and back and wasnt fatigued at all, very comfortable ride. I have eased off the gas pedal alittle and usually get around 15-16 city, and 18-19 hwy. I have towed boats, trailers with no problems what so ever. All in all the only thing I wouldve changed would be to get the 4x4 model for when I go up to MN in the snowy winters thats all. Great Truck at a better price than youll find at the competitors!

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  The most car fun Ive had in years - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By dml - October 13 - 11:13 pm

  Not since my first Maxima years ago have I experienced so much pleasure in driving a vehcile. There is nothing about the Murano that I dont like - its comfortable, well-appointed and well-designed, and an absolute delight to drive. The CVT is addictive - once you get used to it, youll never want to go back. I actually dont mind my hour commute each day to and from work, now. Always a Nissan fan, but now Im reminded why!

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  Thinking of a Nissan? A cautionary tale. - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By Glenn Urban - October 13 - 9:57 pm

  Shortly after our Armada was out of warranty, a rear AC line corroded through so the AC did not work. The part was installed in one piece, so the repair meant removing body from frame to replace it.....at a cost of $4,000.00! So far the company refuses to talk to me about it. Pathfinders have had the same design "feature".