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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  Best Suv for the money - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Dave T. - December 11 - 7:36 pm

  If you are looking for a real suv, the Xterra is it. From the rugged looks to Nissan reliability, it is the best. I think the over all ride quality is great considering how well it performs off-road. I can drive my Xterra thru the woods of northern Minnesota and not have to worry about breaking anything. Sure, the motor could be stronger, but it is the same motor that made the Pathfinder an award winner in the late 90s. I would trade a few extra horse power for reliability any day.

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  An Excellent Car for the Price - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ksmith45 - December 11 - 12:20 am

  For its price, this car is undeniably a great deal. The hatchback is sporty in appearance, the interior is incredibly spacious for its overall size and the interior is very well designed. While the car is considered a compact by class, it doesnt feel so while driving as its 1.8 L engine has plenty of power for the car, and the transmission has almost seamless smooth transitions. Overall, this car is perfect for people who want a sporty commute to work and great fuel efficiency.

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  "SWEET" - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By GARY OLIVEIRA - December 10 - 9:06 pm

  our 2003 marano is the sweetest suv , that we have owned. it is an upscale fancy suv. it is sooo comfortable and so smooth to drive...it is roomy inside to fit 3 comfortably in the back with reclineing seats on both sides in the back,,sweet...it also has an adjustable gas pedal that is also an important amenity for an suv... we have no problem with the cvt transmission, its great, with great power... we have kept every service checkup and have had not one problem or gliche at all... the color is sunlit copper and black interior very southwestern to me,,, i love it.

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  Luxury without the price tag - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Darren - December 10 - 7:36 pm

  This vehicle is exactly what I was looking for. I was debating between the SUV and the Sedan, and found that this was the best of both worlds. Its not huge, but more than enough room for me and my passengers. The intellikey is great, and even though its no BMW or Lexus, I still feel the same ride and solidity of a high priced luxury vehicle. I would reccomend the touring package, or at least the leather package. You can now get this car at invoice, and the SL with the touring comes to like $31,500. Overall Ive only had this car for a couple days, but definitely worth the money.

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  Its nice - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By lyverrm - December 10 - 7:13 pm

  I just purchased this truck and love every bit of it. I have driven a Nissan Frontier since Nov. of 1999. That truck was, and still is extremely reliable so I thought I would give the new one a chance. I love it! I gave my brother, who just turned 16, the 1999 model Nissan. I have never even had the slightest problem with the old frontier. It has 95000 miles on it and have only replaced the battery once, and have never even replaced the main belt. I expect the same out of this truck. I really enjoy the upgrade from the 4cyl to the 6cyl. This thing will get up and go. I think I made a good decision for a first car purchase.

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  Geezer Ride - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mudflap - December 9 - 12:33 pm

  Test drove most everything prior to buying. I am most impressed by the CVT. Build quality excellent, and the ride is smooth and quiet. First distance drive was 3300 miles and gas mileage was 32 mpg.

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  Pleased - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Weasel - December 9 - 9:23 am

  Bought it used with 6,000 miles and have put 1,000 miles on it, so far, in ONLY urban driving and am getting 17.4 mpg. Bought the 4wd as I usually spend most of the weekends off of the road (including dirt roads - REALLY off the road). I have previously purchased new a 4wd 2001 Xterra and a 2wd 2004 Xterra. This is the best so far.

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  Great Car - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By nissancrazy - December 9 - 7:10 am

  Bought this car a in July. Averaging about 33 mpg mixed city and highway. Plenty of power, used to have 03 with 4 cylinder and didnt move, complete opposite. Electric to gas transition is barely noticeable. Replaced 06 Acura TL (17 mpg with same driving) and have not regretted it yet.

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  1999 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By byana - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Pathy - I LOVE EM!!! Best SUV for the money - not too big but not a "sport cute" either. Will pass anything on the road except a gas station - fuel economy is awful. But thats not why you drive this vehicle. The 4WD is stong and generates plenty of torque (even in the high range). OEM tires(BRIDGESTONE)dont last. Really should have 16" wheels from factory with better rubber.

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  New - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chief009 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I just got a new pathfinder and I love it! The engine is such a pleasure. It is smooth and powerful.