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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  Frontier Crew Cab 4wd 6spd - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By simple7 - March 1 - 6:36 am

  This is a great truck! I was all set to buy the toyota but hesitated at the price and unwillingness of the dealership to make a deal. After directly comparing both trucks side by side at the dealershp and driving them back to back, I thought the Nissan was a better truck, and a better price. I have hauled huge loads, taken long road trips and even rallycrossed the truck and it never lets me down. Its just a great utility vehicle and just happens to be fun to drive as well.

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  Nifty Nissan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By car buff forever - March 1 - 6:16 am

  Very satisfying combination of smooth ride and crisp handling. Im tall and found that no other mid-size car was as easy to get in and out of - no need to duck your head getting in the Altima. Simple but attractive instrument panel has large, well lit, and easy to read gauges. I also appreciate the large easy to grip knobs on the radio and climate controls. Thanks, Nissan, for showing that chrome, when used tastefully, can add elegance to a car. The chromed grill louvers, window surrounds, and rear end embellishments really set off the stylish shape of the car.

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  Love it!!! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By B - February 28 - 11:06 pm

  Traded in a Lexus RX 330 and Im happier with my new Nissan Murano than I ever was with the Lexus in all aspects. Ride is better. More interior room and comfort and the Murano is much quieter.

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  Early in the game but I like the Maxima - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By kenny - February 28 - 5:36 am

  After shopping hard for 3 weeks for a mid size car, I bought the SE Maxima. After having the car for a few weeks plus took a 1200 mile trip, I am not unhappy with the mileage. I got 19.6 around town and 27.8 hwy. Now I do not drive hard and use cruise control whenever I can. The handling is very good and comfort is a plus. The seats are terrific. Engineis tops in this class.

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  1999 Nissan Maxima - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Dman - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! Outperforms expectations. Very comfortable! Overall great quality

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  Speed Demon - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Mean Joe - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever had

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  4 days and perfect - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Sharkky - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Murano for 4 days now, and I am nothing but impressed. Coming from an 01 Explorer Sport to this is like wearing an Armani suit as compared to someone elses old underwear. It is quite literally a luxury SUV for the price of a loaded compact.

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  Fantastic - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By rtl - February 27 - 6:46 am

  It makes driving so much fun. It is everything I would ever have expected it to be and more. I have driven Nissans for years. I had a 280Z, and a few Maximas but the 350Z if by far the best one Ive owned.

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  Power and Style all in one - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By troy - February 26 - 12:33 pm

  Compared to my 03 Expedition the Armada is a far superior SUV. The interior is on par with others in its class. The interior is quiet at 80+ even with 22" wheels, the seats are comfortable and the fit and finish is very good. Kids love the DVD and theater seating. The Armadas trump card is its performance. This is FUN to drive. The acceleration is way above the competion. Steering feel is tight and suspension is perfect for its size. The 5 speed automatic always picks the right gear and should be great for towing. The rear camera available with nav system is perfect for tight areas, kids, and hooking up the trailer. Styling is bold and aggressive. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this SUV.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Art - February 25 - 3:20 pm

  We are really pleased with the new Rogue. Excellent gas mileage and fairly quiet and fun to drive. Our mileage is in the high 20s and we havent used it on a trip yet. The best feature is the CVT and I think this is giving us the high mileage.