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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  Performance at its best - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By klhart - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a must have for young consumers with a lot of cash. I love the beauty and comfort of the fronty when travelling on those gravel roads. And when I mean gravel I mean gravel. The interior design is quite to eye popper. I love the sound system. Nothing comes close to my fronty with the loud supercharger, giving me the power.

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  Sold on Maximas - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bgrimme - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car still rides, runs and looks like brand new at 141,000 miles. Its also the most dependable car Ive ever driven. It still has the original exhaust system on it! Besides normal maintance items the only things that Ive had to fix were the A/C and an Oxygen sensor and that was in the last year. The engine doesnt burn or leak oil. The car accelerates hard and tracks straight. Everything works on the car and for the most part there are no squeakes or rattles. Its an incredible car.

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  Happy Consumer - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jordan - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 02 XE S/C 4wd for just over 6 months now, and I couldnt be happier. Im coming from a 96 Blazer that was as reliable and fun as anyone could ask, but I dont miss it a bit. My only complaint about the Xterra is having to remove the back seat cushions to fold them down flat. They either take up space or you have to leave em at home. Other than that the truck rides great and is a blast to drive. I couldnt ask for more. I would recommend this truck to anyone who seriously uses their SUV like a truck, but still wants to be able to get from point A to point B in comfort and with some fun.

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  Dream Come True - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By babels - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive been waiting to buy one for 18 months, and its as good as I expected. I love this car!

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  Sports Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By saini - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Very excellent driving, like a Cheetah. I have the Elite model with navigation system. It has telescopic handle, Auto folding mirrors, all seats heated, beautiful interior and spacious. Many other features not seen in many luxury cars. Worth the money.

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  Great vehicle! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By SMitten - May 3 - 7:06 pm

  The Murano has exceeded virtually every expectation I had, except one. The vehicle runs, handles, and performs like a dream. The only real complaint is that the MPG of 20 to 25 should read 20.8 at best. There are a few interior rattles that bother me but I am really picky so that should not dissuade the average car owner.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Kirk - May 3 - 9:13 am

  When it was time to replace my wifes car, she suggested the Murano. I really wasnt expecting much when we went on the test drive. Smooth, quiet ride. Very comfortable seats both front and back compliment the luxurious interior. Tons of handy features standard. So far the gas mileage has been around 20 mpg with mixed driving... pretty good for a fairly large vehicle. We compared it with Highlander, Endeavor, Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Explorer and for the same money there was no comparison. I would strongly suggest putting it on you list of test drives if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By julian - May 2 - 3:00 am

  This is my second 07 Armada. We had an accident with our first one, we got t-boned by an RV. The Armada held up excellent, even so it was later declared a total loss, it got us 40 miles to the next town. It kept all of us safe, even so the frame got damaged. After the loss we went and bought the same truck again. We also have a 9000 lbs trailer which we tow without any problems. I did not notice any of the brake problems a lot of people refer to. I stop that truck out of 60 mph with trailer safe and sound in a heartbeat. I love my Armada, wish so they would provide a diesel engine as alternative.

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  So cute and fun to drive - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By lindaw2 - May 1 - 8:30 pm

  Just got my pearl white SL AWD Juke today. It is replacing a 2008 Rogue. So far I think it is adorable. The only negatives I notice so far are the seats are firmer than the Rogue and there is no middle console for storage. Love the nav and the back up camera as well as the climate control. Fun to drive and my husband likes it too!!

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  Cool Truck - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By steve - May 1 - 5:23 pm

  Its a very cool truck. It handles well and has some real get up and go. The only downfall I can think of is the gas this thing takes. I suppose overall though, theres not another large SUV I would want or trust.