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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  Very Pleased - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By austinbeartux - September 15 - 1:49 pm

  While I care about the environment, I didnt buy my Leaf for environmental reasons. I bought it for financial reasons. When you add up all the financial and efficiency aspects of this car, its really quite amazing. Local Nissan Dealership rebate: $3,500. Federal tax rebate: $7,500. Texas rebate: $2,500. Austin rebate on home charging station: up to $1,500. Nissan finance % over 72 months: 0%. Austin Energy has a deal where for $25, you get unlimited charging at over 200 stations scattered all over the city for 6 months. With average mixed hwy/city driving, it gets the equivalent of 115 mpg. All in all, Im very pleased with almost everything about the car.

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  2016 Mo Mo - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By AR M - September 14 - 8:38 pm

  If youre looking for a mid size suv or crossover and dont at least test out the Murano, you would be foolish. We can afford luxury brands, however went ahead and purchased a Nissan. This car is an Infiniti in disguise. First we looked at the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, both we liked, great handling and quality but 10g more and premium gas. We then looked at the Lexus RX which we almost bought at $60,000. The NX is cheaper but to cramped inside. Off to Acura, RDX was to small and we had no need for 3 row seating, so didnt really consider the MDX. We also really liked the new Mercedes GLC but at 60g fully loaded was just to much and I couldnt adjust to that screen plastered on the dashboard like an after thought. My wife saw a new Murano at her work and we decided to go test drive one. Let me tell you, this car has plenty of quick acceleration. I like that it still has a V6 when everyone else is going to 4 cylinder turbos that need premium gas. Out of all the cars we test drove, the Murano was definitely the most comfortable. Sure it doesnt handle like a German car but it rides very smooth and the seats are awesome. I actually love the CVT transmission, it will surprise you and shifts gears (without gears) very well. This car has every option compared to a 50,000 or more crossover/suv. Its not to big but definitely bigger then the NX, RAV4 and Santa Fe. Im not a fan of the Nissan Connect, but Spotify and Pandora work great. Navigation is very well done and the all around view cameras are awesome. My android phone works flawlessly with the system and text display. I hear Apple though, not as well and needs to be plugged into the usb port to use the apps. However my wifes IPhone works great with Bluetooth for music and hands free phone but not for the apps. We definitely wanted a crossover that had remote smart phone starting but the key fob remote start surprised me on how well it works through buildings and up to almost a football field away line of site. I do wish it had Apple car play or Android auto, but overall were very satisfied. The Murano will surprise you on what you get for 40,000 loaded out the door. Seriously if youre shopping for a crossover or suv, at least take a look at the Murano, Nissan really surprised us.

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  My Nissan Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Titan - September 14 - 7:43 pm

  I have owned many different Nissan models. The Titan as absolutely the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is tough, dependable, fun to drive and has great styling.

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  06 Wrangler Rubicon Replacement - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Nimrod - September 14 - 4:20 pm

  After Telluride last year and Moab this year I decided it was either Big $$ to upgrade the Rubicon or stop and go in another direction. Here in Northern NM mountains, the Xterra has very capable attributes. Ive had it on one of the roughest off-roads in the area with no problemes at all. The ground clearance is better than a stock 06 Rubicon and the stock tires are taller. The extra wheel base gives the Xterra an edge over the Rubicon for comfort. Cargo space is a huge winner and the power sealed the deal. The AT takes some getting use to in 4WD as I now drive with the brake rather than the gas/clutch. Im 64" and the fit is perfect. Familys 9th Nissan w/wifes current 09 Pathfinder

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  A fortress on wheels - 2015 Nissan Xterra
  By Steve - September 14 - 9:42 am

  In 2006, a major car magazine agreed that the Xterra would make the shortlist for a vehicle best able to survive the apocalypse. I agree. I feel invincible in this machine... it might not have the latest technology, and the truck-based frame may not suit all derrieres, but I love not stressing about the weather anymore. There is something to be said for simplicity. This truck is a beast. Rain or shine, wind, hail, snow and anything else mother nature throws my way, I cannot help but smile when I fire up the growl of the V6 and move out. I opted for the six-speed manual trans, and I think that has helped me get outstanding fuel economy (I average between 21 and 24mpg). Just a great, great, great, great truck... Ive hauled oversized cargo in the rear, slept in the back when the power went out in my house, hoisted myself on my tow hitch and on to my rear bumper for a better view of the world when needed, gone to the city, the beach and the country, and feel like my X will be with me for a long, long time. Cant go wrong. I call this my Japanese Land Rover.

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  I love my truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By kelly - September 14 - 12:43 am

  We love our new Nissan Titan. It is the best purchase we made. Out of all the cars and trucks we have owned, this is the best.

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  Good Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By R Cross - September 13 - 10:50 pm

  Very good stylish vehicle which has ample storage or travelling space. Rides extremely well and handles well in snow or other wet conditions. We have 2 dogs who enjoy travelling between Rhode Island and Pennsylvania where we use the SUV to go to football games and tailgate with friends and family.

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  No one within ten grand can touch me - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Yellow Hammer - September 13 - 3:16 pm

  All of the reviews are correct. Great engine, good design, and a fine little vehicle for fun and top down days. I find myself hunting down Z-3s and Boxters and eating them up (legally of course) just because I can. Nissan put the money where it counts...in making it GO! 0-60 in a little under six. If you are concerned about visibility, put the top down.

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  You get more than you pay for! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By taohk - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchase this car new at $14000 with auto-trans, spoiler, alloy wheel, cruise control, fog lights, 180w + 7 speakers stereo, leather wheel. So far, I never had any problems until the ECU recall. Nissan dealer did the recall service, after that I had replace the Oxygen senser under warranty. Later Nissan replace the entire on-board computer. I think they short-out my chip while they fix the ECU recall. The car runs great. After 40k, the car still run like a new car. The paint still shine even I park the car outside all the time. I am 6-3 still fit into the driver seat nicely. I gived this car to my girlfriend. She really like the shape and the handling.

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  2004 Nissan Sentra SE-R - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Sabbi127 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  The SE-R is the best Sentra ever, the powerful engine + the small size of the car = fun to drive