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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  This Car Turns Heads - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Dave - December 9 - 9:53 am

  Wow!. This car not only turns heads, but its fun to drive and ride in. Always being stopped to be told, "Nice Car, man!" Quick, sleek, sexy hotrod. Gotta love it! Fun, fun, fun in the sun, sun, sun. Gotta go. My Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz is calling.

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  A great, fun, economical, cheap, vehicle - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By VeryImpressed - December 9 - 6:06 am

  Finally. We have a crossover that is all car in terms of comfort and luxury design. And yet tall and visible like an SUV. The Rogue has an impressive road presence that I really enjoy. It certainly isnt as tall as the Xterra I turned in. But it impresses me in every category. For an i4 this car is very torquey but you will want the manual shift... otherwise it is slow to respond. The leather is beautiful. Bose system is a typical Bose system :). I should have gotten a moonroof. The car whips around turns and turns heads. It feels slow but it is because of the great suspension. Youre actually outrunning all those people around you. Buy a Rogue!

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  99% Perfect - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kp - December 9 - 2:16 am

  This is my first Nissan vehicle, and it wont be my last! This thing is incredible, the coldest days of the year it starts with out a problem. Whether its on wet, snow covered, dirt, muddy roads or going uphill downhill or around a tight curve i have never felt unsecure driving it! I have had it now for about 1.5 years and its got about 85k on it and runs like its new! Nice job Nissan

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  2011 Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By ilady2020 - December 8 - 10:03 pm

  Love my new car. So fun to drive. Love the crossover convenience but in a sportier package. Drawbacks: not seeing the gas mileage as expected. smaller cargo areas and storage areas in general. love all the options.

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  One Happy Juke Grandma! - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Evangelist Tabace Burns - December 8 - 7:27 am

  Do your research! Once I drove a Juke I was not surprised by the few things Because I already knew about it....from my research.

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  The perfect car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By hotberyshocker - December 7 - 7:10 pm

  This car is extremely nice and fun to drive. It has everything and I love it!!!

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  Best Car for the Price .... mileage is Great - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Paul Henderson - December 7 - 4:43 pm

  Best Car for the Price .... mileage is Great

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  Excellent car at an affordable price - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By ukalapat - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Altima has roomy interior with confortable front and back seats. Also has very large trunk space. It runs very quite with smooth drive.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Besanco - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been switching off between a Murano and a Lincoln Navigator. Everytime I am in the Navigator I cant wait to get back to the Murano, it is so much more fun to drive. The Navigator is more luxurious but lumbers. The Murano is fun, fast, and I average 20 mpg. I find all of the gauges, dials, and levers well placed but they did take awhile to get used to

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brandonwalsh - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! The engine is superb...much less sluggish than the comparable Honda or Toyota V6. It handles very well and is great entering a highway from a long, looping, entrance ramp. My only complaint is that there is a fair amount of wind noise in the cabin, but not so much that it detracts from the driving experience