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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  Fantastic car. - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By orly32 - February 21 - 4:18 am

  Nissan murano is the best car i ever owned, no problems, fun to drive, very good looking inside and outside, Bose surround system included, could not be happier, THE ONLY NEGATIVE side on the truck is how expensive the gas is, (is better on highway, that inside the city with traffic), but the MURANO is so cool and reliable that you sacrifice that part for having a fantastic car.

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  Fun SUV, Like the LARGER size... - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Paul - February 19 - 11:46 pm

  Love the redesigned Pathfinder, the 3rd seat, the ride, VDC control (especially in WI). A lot of cargo space. I love our Pathfinder!

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  One Month In and Incredibly Impressed - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By DLM - February 18 - 2:00 pm

  So far, my SE Platinum Murano w/Charcoal leather interior and Chrome Rims is amazing and has far exceeded my expectations and previous opinions of Nissan, as it looks like Nissan got it right with this SUV, and its fine-tuned improvements since its introduction in 03. I definitely recommend the SE, for the sporty handling, its what makes the vehicle so much fun to drive, and the CVT hasnt sapped any power, as I cruise 80 mph easily. It doesnt matter whether or not youre going up hill or around turns, and going over bumps really isnt that harsh, though maybe Im used to that from my 330ci bimmer with sport tuned suspension. The Murano likes to be driven, and is one of the best.

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  Great all round performer! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Norskie4 - February 18 - 10:33 am

  This car does almost everything right: It looks are pleasant, interior room is generous, trunk is huge for its class. Handling is very good for a front wheel drive with an automatic, fuel economy likewise. Build quality and reliability is excellent.

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  Long Term Review - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By John - February 18 - 9:46 am

  We bought the Altima new and have put 106000 trouble free miles on it! The stock tires were the problem with traction that a lot of people have complained about-a good set of Yokos has taken care of that! Only problem in over 100k miles has been a crank sensor $26 part- easy to change, tires and brakes. This has been an excellent vehicle, but I tend to do the maint. needed. You cant go wrong for the price. Lots of room, power and has been very reliable. Put aftermarket ceramic brake pads on and never have to worry about the brakes again ! I live in snow belt of Roch.NY., with tire change this has been a great handling, safe family cruiser-106k and counting...

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  Real value for the money - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By English Rob... - February 17 - 7:10 pm

  Had my Altima in frost white for a week. Fully loaded with light leather, keeps it cooler in Florida when the suns out. The CVT is great, sooo smoooth, you cant feel any gear change, and the engine has great power.It can catch you off guard if when you first pull away. The sat system is well, not bad to use, but has a large manual. You need to sit down with it for a while to understand it. Great ride, good sound with the Bose system and the back up camera is good if not a bit gimmicky, I still use my mirrors. Plenty of space in the trunk, its quite deceiving when you look at it from outside.Im very impressed with the whole car and I did look at quite a few and got the lowdown about them.

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  Great Deal on a Great Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Joe - February 17 - 5:13 pm

  Purchased this for $25,545, includes 29 oil change services. Tested Avalon (= model would have was over $30,000) and Saturn (top of line at $27,500 not as nice and less performance). Had 1994 with 152,000 reliable miles. Great ride, super Bose and performance. Plush interior.

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  Incredible car for the money - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Daryl Erdman - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Z-car and by far the best. The price to value ratio is incredible! Sticker price comparison to my 14 year old 300-Z was only $500 more!

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  I love my Nissan! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By lovemysentra - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Nissan for over a year. I *LOVE* it. I have a GXE with the Synergy Package and rear spoiler. I put on about 16,000 miles this last year. Its a spunky car... so much fun to drive. Its great on long-distance drives. The customer service at the dealerships are wonderful.

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  excellent value for the price - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By yellow specv - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Awesome performance for under 20,000. Right from the test drive I knew that this car was a beast. Plenty of low and mid range torque that pulls all the way to 6200rpm redline.