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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  Great to own - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By lockheed - December 6 - 3:13 pm

  Have 2000 miles and can only say good things. If you drive smart, you will get 40 plus miles per gallon. Like the way the machine can get out of its own way when you need it to move fast. I do wish it would stay in electric mode to a higher speed. Fit and trim is excellent, leather trim is good as is interior. Car should have come with fog lights, but that is a small gripe to an otherwise really good driving experience, wish I had the money to replace my second car with another one.

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  Frontier..you have come a long way..baby - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By memphisguy1967 - December 6 - 12:53 pm

  with only having bought this truck less than a month ago it as been a fantasic vehicle. I had been looking at these for years and decided it was time. Im glad I waited. The power from the 4.0 is great. Has ton of power and is great to drive, can pull away from a light and leave everyone behind. The 5 speed auto is smooth shifting. I use this truck as my daily commute and it is so comfortable that I can drive it in traffic and not get so tired from driving. The gas mileage could be better avg about 17 mpg. Have had a lot of complements on the truck and have had a few older frontier model owners stop me and want to take a look at the changes. People seem to be very impressed. Thanks Nissan!

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  The New Murano - Everything I Expected - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Danielle - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I upgraded from 03 to the 09 and am loving the improvements that they made. The new Murano has a very high class feel to it, with the plush leather seats, ambient lighting, and all the other features I loved on my 03. I got the Premium Package, Technology Package and Leather Package on my SL. The Bose sound is amazing. The leg room in the back seat is still unbeatable. My 68" friend has said he had never been able to ride comfortably in a back seat before riding in my Murano. The intellikey system is too cool. It has bluetooth capabilities, built in XM radio, power lift gate, xenon headlights, and so many more awesome features.

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  Magic Carpet ride - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By 1nissanzealot - December 5 - 10:11 pm

  Its everything i knew it would be and more! Not over-done and nothing neglected. Its equipped with the latest usable technologies and easy to use it just keeps the "WoW-factor" needle pinned at 10! No more gas fill-ups or oil-changes. feels awesome to start that inevitable break from the "old" to the "whats new and whats-coming". The future is now, be a part of it.n me?

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  Classic SUV - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JOSE - December 5 - 9:30 pm

  It is the 3rd SUV that I have purchased, and it gives a great feeling of good protection. Great feeling while driving and very comfortable. Very stable on the highway and shows good response and power. Gas consumption, what can I say, is an SUV.

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  Awsome ride - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Traci - December 5 - 8:53 pm

  I previously owned a Nissan Pathfinder, and I thought that was a nice car... but the Murano blows it away. This is probably the most comfortable riding car Ive been in. I love the styling, very unique, I get a lot of stares. Nissan thought of everything. It has extras I was amazed by. It is a very quiet car, absolutly no road noise. The Bose system is great, I didnt know music could sound that good. I have nothing bad to say about this car.

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  NIssan V6 Frontier - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By MIke B - December 5 - 11:40 am

  With a lower weight/horsepower ratio, 4-wheel disk brakes, roomer interior, better ride, less engine noise, outstanding road feel, and a much, much better financial deal than than Toyota offered on a similarly-equipped Tacoma, I chose the 2010 Frontier. If this truck is as durable as my 97 Nissan truck Ill be very happy.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Williajm - December 5 - 7:50 am

  Great Truck, have already put over a thousand miles on it in two weeks, and drives great in the snow, great pick up, and very fast. Test drove all other midsize trucks, and this one is the best. I am very very happy with my purchase. This would be great choice for anyone to make.

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  Unbelievable - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - December 5 - 7:46 am

  The newest of the Maximas, the 09 is breathtaking. The aggressive look and lines of a Maserati, an the interior of a $60k Benz of BMW. HP has been upped almost 40 more and the newest version of the cvt is smoother then our old Murano. Looks like nothing else on the market and draws attention everywhere! Great value for the money, even the standard model comes with push start ignition and sunroof. I love mine.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Williajm - December 5 - 6:10 am

  Great Truck, have already put over a thousand miles on it in two weeks, and drives great in the snow, great pick up, and very fast. Test drove all other midsize trucks, and this one is the best. I am very very happy with my purchase. This would be great choice for anyone to make.