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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  Old Reliable - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By O Williams - May 14 - 5:38 am

  I purchased this car new in 2000 with only 14 miles on it. It now has over 120,000 miles on it and it has been a reliable car ever since. In 2004 I had to have the engine manifold gasket replaced, but got a good deal on repairs due to a friends husband being a former Nissan mechanic. Since then, I have only had to have regular brake replacement, oil changes to keep it running. Its now 16 years old and showing its age, so recently the thermometer sensors had to be replaced, radiator replacement, and some leaks fixed. Of course that is to be expected on a car this old. I can deal with the fact of the driver side window regulator acting up, and other minor issues due to age. Overall, the reliability of this car has allowed me to put off new car purchase, since I am lucky enough to have a 5 minute commute to work every day. My only complaint is that I dont have all the bells and whistles technology wise that newer cars have. I still LOVE having that old CD player in my car, and its still working! :-)

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  A best buy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Richard - May 13 - 8:33 pm

  A car you can be proud to own. Driving this car around gives you the feeling that youre a cut above the rest; cruising about town in style as opposed to the blending in with the monotony of other vanilla sedans these days. The car is beautiful on the outside and spacious and functional on the inside. In my opinion, Nissan has perfected the concept of the sports sedan with this car.

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  It rocks - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Tekwryter - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised to read Edmunds describe the CVT as "power-sapping." In case you dont know what CVT is, there are no gear-changes as you accelerate. Its just one continuous, uninterrupted acceleration. Thats one of the features my wife and I fell in love with (can you say "smooth?"). This is the COOLEST car to drive, and, like almost all Nissans nowadays, it is certainly quick. You gotta give credit where credits due; the Murano engineers did it right with this one. The Murano has enough punch for all but the most speed-needy driver (and I like speed!).

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  This is Awesome baby!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By HEY LOOK AT ME - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned. The roomy stylist interior is a perfect replacement for any SUV. The Power under the hood is the best out there, and the difference between Invoice and MSRP is so samll you know you are getting a great deal. A in dash 6 disc changer is most useful, and the big tow package is a must. The Enhanced Bed design with the bedliner,and tie downs are great.

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  nissan altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kelly Bono - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The quality on this car is awsome.

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  Amazing Truck! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Joe B. - May 12 - 7:33 pm

  I did my homework. I got the preferred package XE which makes it similar to SE. I test drove all REAL sized trucks, Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota. The Nissan had a spacious cab (felt larger than the others), nice included features, a large engine, lots of power, smooth ride, fun to drive and the girls love it. It was a no brainer!

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By carloskid - May 12 - 8:53 am

  This is my second Murano SL. I live in a flat area with mostly 50/45mph speed limits. I average 24.4 mpg without driving like an old fogey. I get the same or better on the hiway. I have experimented, and the car runs fine on regular gas. No difference using midgrade or premium gas.

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  Chucks truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By caw - May 11 - 8:43 am

  I have enjoyed my 2002 Nissan Frontier very much since I purchased it three years ago. I was originally drawn to the interior design, and made my purchase based mostly on this, as well as the reputation for quality that Nissan has. I was a bit disappointed in the acceleration, having just traded in a full sized Ford truck, but soon learned that there was more power there than it seemed, it just requires fully depressing the accelerator pedal and holding for a few seconds. I have been pleased with the handling and turning radius, as well as the convenience of the interior layout. I feel more like Im driving a car than a truck, which is just the way I want it. I am now buying a 2004 model now in lieu of the 2005.

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  Hubbys New Titan - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Just Me - May 10 - 9:13 pm

  We have driven a Ford, Chevy, Dodge, GMC and Toyota truck. I have to say that after driving this truck, we will never turn back. This truck rides so smooth and has a lot of room in it. The gas mileage isnt the greatest but we can live with that. I feel the dash board is made for dummies. Its easy to see and operate.

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  Two years and still happy - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Tom - May 10 - 4:20 am

  Just passed my two year point with my 03 Altima and Im still happy. Slightly bored with it, but overall it has been very reliable (except for a "flowing water" sound in the dash when I first got it - which was fixed by the dealer replacing the radiator), its pretty fun to drive I guess (except for its hesitancy to downshift and absence of power at low RPMs). Would stay with Nissan when the lease is up if the reviews on the Maxima werent so upsetting!