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 Bang for your Buck - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Will Mansi - May 17 - 10:13 pm

  For the money, its the best mid-size SUV out there. 270 hp is fun to drive with sleek lines and a tough look. 3rd row seating is a solid edition. I recommend spending a few extra bucks for the leather interior on the SE model. The SE has better lease packages and if you get the leather its virtually the same truck as the LE.

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  Hello Lover!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Connie - May 17 - 9:33 pm

  I have loved the Z for years, and when the new body style came out I had to have one. It is absolutely amazing!!! I constantly get comments on the looks of the car, and every time I drive it, it is such an amazing experience!! Wish everyone could experience such a sports car. You look at the car and just say to yourself "HELLO LOVER"!!!

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  Nissan Rogue SL AWD Review (no prem pkg) - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By ReluctantBuyer - May 17 - 1:20 am

  I dont usually complete reviews but had to share my Rogue experience. As a reluctant buyer after several "car payment free" years, I wanted all the latest safety features, great gas mileage, proven quality, AWD, and a sporty look. Nothing on the market was interesting me enough to warrant the payment. Then I saw the Rogue. Its Altima motor and Sentra platform, both rated above average, helped with the quality concerns with a new model (bought the ext warranty too). I browsed the online inventory of nearby Nissan dealers, chose a Rogue, took it for a drive, bought it and am loving every minute I drive it - its great! Online prep makes dealer part go much smoother and more quickly!

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By lwash1212 - May 16 - 9:24 am

  I bought a 08 Maxima about 4 months ago. Driving this car is a blast it has plenty of power and the lack of road noise is incredible. After reading reviews on how horrible this car is on hitting bumps in the road. I came to the conclusion that as long as your not hitting bumps at excessive speeds just like any car its perfect. The design of the exterior is real classy with a sports car feel. The interior is comfortable and there is a few pieces that I think could be made alot better but that comes along with any car. I love the car and the only complaint from me is the turning radius but if youve ever owned a sports car they all are.

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  A really nice car that no one knows about - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Mitch - May 15 - 8:19 pm

  First, Id like to address the one "problem" that all gear heads harp about - the CVT transmission. Its Excellent! No issues whatsoever in driveability or performance. Instant acceleration, no droning, no problems. Very comfortable seats, beautiful interior. The exterior styling is very cool and distinctive, although it may not be to everyones taste. I had a 2015 Acura TLX, 4 cylinder base model before this car. Since I didnt opt for the 6 cylinder TLX, it would unfair to compare acceleration. Could never warm up to the TLX because of the bland exterior and cost cutting. I am most pleasantly surprised by this car. The SV trim has everything you need, except that the standard radio in the SV isnt that good, so if I had to do it again I probably would have gone to the SL which has a better Bose unit (although with the price difference I could go aftermarket with the audio and end up better than the Bose). There are crazy deals going on until the end of February 2017, so hurry up and get one! Leased 36 months, $399/month including tax, no money down except for first month and title transfer, $1,995 cash back to pay off lease on Acura.

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  Best suv I have ever owned! - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By kathyn69@icloud.com - May 15 - 4:57 pm

  This suv looks so stylish and drives like a dream. My husband I recently took a 6 hour trip. I drove the entire way (my suv). Usually I ach when getting out of a auto on that long of a trip. This time I felt great!

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  Great Vehicle! Read my review! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By WAZ - May 15 - 12:13 pm

  Waited awhile to write in review but first to clarify a couple things from others reviews... memory seats are available(LE model) & you dont have to use premium gas. I definitely agree with the folks that say this is a poor mans Lexus RX! What sold me: It is super quiet inside, very comfortable (Im 62"), roomy front & back, all the goodies like intelligent key, backup camera, etc. I actually did little research on this vehicle before testing it out but once I drove it, it had my attention. I bought SL and added Leather, Tech, Performance Pkgs (& moonroof)... it saved me $3-$4k from buying LE and only diff is nav system, memory seats, rear-heated seats, ipod hookup... not worth 3k to me!

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  i love this truck - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jlacourt - May 15 - 2:00 am

  i have been waiting to buy one of these for about two years now. it was well worth the wait. it doesnt ride like a car but its not supposed too--its built for offroading. you can tell the difference in the engine (180hp vs. 170hp) especially with a k&n filter installed. i did not to get the sunroof- -its not useful in an xterra anyways-- but on the 2003s they have a cargo net in the ceiling in its place. great place to keep things you want to keep from sliding around. the turning radius is amazing. its as good as my civic--it feels that way anyways. overall its a great truck. i would recommend one to anyone.

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  love my car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By JeffR - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Best thing Nissan has done since the 300zx. Fast responsive and good hadling, although the cornering is a bit soft. Interior is set up well, trim could be of a less chincy type. All and all, the car is a great buy for the performance of the 240 hp 3.5

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Tara Rose Campbell - May 14 - 8:43 pm

  I love my Altima. The features inside and out are outstanding. It is a very comfortable, strong ride. Lots of power for a 4 cyl engine. Majestic Blue color is awesome! I went from a Ford Expedition to this vehicle. Great decision. The gas mileage is also great. The Altima is by far the best vehicle I have had. Thanks to Jim Burke Nissan for giving me a great deal! Thanks to my Uncle Burnis for advising me on my choice.