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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  I love it!! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Danny - October 25 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car. Its really nice to get about 35 mpg and have room to seat 5 adults. The interior fit and finish is nice (better then the Camry and Accord in my opinion). The car is really easy to drive and responsive. Getting used to the hybrid system does take a few sessions but once you do, you wonder to yourself why all cars arent electric?

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  Thinks its a sports sedan - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Protonz - October 24 - 10:36 pm

  Excellent Crossover with plenty of sporty character and high-tech goodies. Since its based on an Altima platform, handling and cornering is good, with very good steering feel. CVT is interesting, a nice combination with a sweet engine. The Murano is more upscale than its competitors, and more comfortable front and back. Comfortable seats with lots of room--Im 67" tall and there is still plenty of room in back seat.

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  Best 1 Yet - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By The "Z" Man - October 24 - 7:46 pm

  I have had 1978 280z, 1984 300z, 1991 300 tt, 2003 350z, and now 2009 370z and this one is the best yet. Best looking, driving, 19" rays forged rims, interior design is much better than 350 but can still use memory seats and mirrors. This car gets looks from just about everyone.

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  The best car ever built in its class - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Dalgen - October 24 - 5:23 am

  The car is greatly built and a steal for the price. It can be put up against a BMW or Infiniti. This car is one of a kind and there is no stopping it. Buy it and you will experience the difference!

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  Wasnt looking to buy a Murano... - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Andrew - October 23 - 4:16 pm

  On my way to sign the paperwork on another SUV, I decided to stop in and checkout the Rogue, - too small - salesman suggested the Murano and I test drove it - just because. I never made it to the other dealership and bought it right then. I have always driven Toyota and Honda but the Murano was much nicer and had many standard options. I have had the Murano for a month and I look for reasons to drive. Comfort, handling and the interior will keep me in this SUV for a while. The other SUVs I was considering, Toyota Highlander (wife has one), Subaru Tribeca, and the Hyundai Santa Fe. For better gas mileage use premium fuel and switch to full synthetic oil (Mobile 1).

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  Maxima review - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Papp - October 23 - 11:54 am

  Love every aspect of this car...great buy

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  most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By john - October 23 - 11:00 am

  I bought my offroad exterra new. After comparing and testing to the fj cruiser. I found that the exterra was much more versatile and tougher built. I drive my vehicle every day on and offroad. With the back seat folded down there is almost the same amount of room as a small truck, with the convenience of being able to put the seats back up for passengers. Ive owned this vehicle for over a year and nothing slows it down. You can Cruise comfortably on the freeway, and then switch to 4 wheel drive and travel over the roughest terrain. Also it has good towing capabilities. Considering that the v-6 is more powerful than most v-8s and that it is an offroad 4x4 it gets great mpg w/out being boring.

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  Fantastic Car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Nadeem - October 23 - 10:03 am

  I have altima 2.5 SL for two weeks now and I am enjoying/loving it so far. I was shopping for 2011 Hyundai Sonata because of high reviews and ratings but I think the Altima quality of ride and the interior is far superior then Sonata. The only thing I am missing it is the rear heated seats which Sonata offers in their Limited edition. But I have no regrets going for this Altima which has all the bells and whistles along with the awesome performance.

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  My new MO - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By ssqotu - October 23 - 1:56 am

  Love this car! I love the styling, the ride, and the luxury of my new MO. It is so easy to get into and out of and I sit high enough to see. Guests tell me the back seat is very comfortable too. This car replaced my 11 year old beloved Blazer and was a great choice!

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  Carol - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Carol Law - October 22 - 4:56 am

  Easy and Fun to drive. Get alot of questions/comments from others wanting know, if it is as fun to drive as it looks. Like the futurist look. Like the exterior color (Pearl), interior color (Tan) and the way it still looks like new. Easily fits 4 large men. Comfortably seats 2 large/tall men/women in front and 3 average size adults in back. Back storage is large. Will hold several suitcases and all the shopping items you could purchase in a day, including groceries. Drives like a car. Interior performs like a much larger SUV. Would purchase another for sure!