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:

• 

  Hot Number - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Alicar - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great driving SUV. The transmission is awesome. Ive added Stainless step bars to hide the exhaust better. Really helps the looks. Fuel economy is around 18. Best has been 22. Very roomy in the back seat and the recline feature makes it seem bigger. No problems through 4500 miles. Do have a noise in the front end. It pops when changing directions with the wheels slighlty turned (i.e. backing out of a parking spot). One major complaint is the headlight swith located on the turn signal. Ive accidentally turned the lights off when signally to turn right. One click and they are out.

• 

  Nice car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Devone Luetzke - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 18 months now, no complaints except seat warmer turns on when rest arm, bad design choice, but so trivial for a car of this magnatude for this price and performance reminds you got something hot under your arse...

• 

  I love my Maxima but.................... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By imet - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Maxima for almost a month now. I love the speed and handling. But Ive also notice a weird bumping sound coming from the back when I go over bumps on the road. Also a small ratling sound coming from the hood. I am not sure if its the air conditioner or the engine. I havent had time to take into the dealer, but will do it sometime this week, other than that I love the car.

• 

  for your info - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By jtobey - November 11 - 1:54 pm

  Just got my 2015 versa sadan As A Run Around Town Car It Just What It Is Its No Sportscar Lol I Drove It From Fresno To San Diego No Problem At All Handled The Grapevine Like A Champ And Gas Was Outstanding 40 Round Trip All I Have To Say Its A Great Buy Great Car For The Cheep Price specialy for todays market fresno nissan took good care of me I baught ther cheepest car and it was like I had bought a top of the line it was such a good experience for u people looking at this car its a good reliable one

• 

  Awesome vehicle! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bill - November 10 - 11:06 pm

  We have had this vehicle for almost three years. It has run like a champ since day one. It is roomy, luxurious and highly functional. Do not use third row seat often but its very handy when you want it, and truly folds flat. Some complain about roominess of third row and it is only good for kids. Well it has four more inches of leg room than the 4Runner and who do you think rides back there anyway? You can take the grandparents and not have to take two cars.

• 

  A smart choice for smart people - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Williams Young - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Pls dont laugh at me but this IS my 3ed Maxima. The car is like many reviews mentioned, reliable, powerful, roomy and all that. Whats better is it also costs thousands less than any entry-level luxury cars out there. So if you are the kind of guy who always relentlessly pursue the perfect cost/effect ratio, this is the car for you.

• 

  Very Happy ! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By timevy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in November and have put about 8000 miles on so far, including a 2000 mile trip. I fell in love with the styling at first site and ended up getting an SL with most options. I have no complaints and I get unsolicited compliments about the car from complete strangers almost every week. This model is not a sports car, and does not perform like one, but even the 2.5 is more than adequate for me. I love it !

• 

  Much better than I expected - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By ffabric - November 9 - 10:37 pm

  We bought our car 6/3/14 rebuilt title with 7000 miles on it. Its Black Rose with Tan Interior. We paid $15,000.00 for it and Of course we were a bit timid trusting the car at first. We have had it a year now,,, and have put 7,500 miles on it and its been a joy to drive. We average 26 mpg (On regular gas), which is guess is good,,, Heck its got almost 300HP and its quick,, agile and comfortable. The radio system is outstanding,,, the leather seats are first class,,, all the appointments are great. The weak point is the Heater/Air Condition ETC. Folks,,,, this car is fun to drive, and its handles like a sports car. Glad we bought it..........

• 

  Best Large SUV IMO - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By shawn - November 9 - 4:50 pm

  I have driven 40k miles thus far and owned for 3 years along with owning just about every other large SUV on the market at some point in the 2004- 2008 range and still pleased with the armada. It it a power house, nimble for such a tank and is easy to run 85 on trips with feeling very secure. The only issues I have had is the brakes that only seem to last me about 7k miles before they start warping and I drive 90 percent highway with no towing. Oh, forgot to mention that when you do tow, what a powerhouse. My family loves this truck and we are considering a second one for my wife even though the gas mileage is about 13.9 MAX for highway, its worth it!

• 

  I love my Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By altimalady - November 8 - 11:16 pm

  This is the first time Ive ever owned an import vehicle and I love it. I would never buy domestic again. My Altima is sporty looking, people stare all the time. Peppy and fun to drive. The 4 cylinder offers a lot of power and feels like a 6. I love everything about it. Huge trunk, great power and great appearance. Nissan really aced the revamp of the Altima!