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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  Like riding on clouds! - 2017 Nissan Murano
  By Vicki B - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable car I have ever driven or ridden in. I knew exactly what I wanted, not a lot of extras, the car comes with almost everything I wanted, drove 142 miles to buy it. I drove it home and wasnt miserable. I have been driving a Volvo XC90 and thought it was a comfortable car until I got the Murano... I am still learning how to operate all the newer gadgets, but it is not difficult at all. So far, the only thing I wish I had added is darker tint on the glass. The Apple play is not useful for those of us who dont care for iPhones. I had heard that the 20 inch wheels were not as smooth as 18s, but I would fall asleep if it were any smoother. Even my husband, who is a very tough sell on new ideas, is very impressed. He is 63", weighs about 240 lbs and can drive the car very comfortably. I have not folded the rear seats, not sure I ever will, so I cant comment. So far, so great!!!

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  5000 mile update - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Billiebad - August 18 - 6:16 pm

  I gotta say - I love this car. I drove my RX330 again today and while the Lexus wins on build quality - the steering, brakes, technology and toughness of the Murano excel. I love the looks, the use of space, the seats. The Lexus has been around and performed well over the years - I will need to rewrite this in 5 years. For golfers - the Murano holds clubs across the back storage - 4 bags easy - the Lexus was not wide enough. I also notice the climate control is better than the RX - one always hit me in the face the Murano circulates the air more effectively. For Mid-size SUV the Murano is hard to beat for value, performance and features.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Felipe - August 18 - 3:43 pm

  Its an excelent car, has quality and performance. It holds pretty much everything our family needs.

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  2003 Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By valynda - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Other than a minor negative experience with the dealership (who hasnt had one of those?), I absolutely adore my Pathfinder. I bought it brand new, even though my logical side was telling me not to take the big financial hit when I drove it off the lot simply because I loved it so much, I couldnt stomach the idea of having one that was pre-owned. Its been a wonderful addition to our family so far.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Issan convert - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a dream vehicle. It is so loaded with features that all other vehicles I test drove pale in comparrison. It has absolutely everything and is worth twice as much!

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  I love my Altima! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Sandra Hoecker - August 17 - 10:33 am

  After 21 years of Hondas (which I loved), I bought an Altima because it had attractive exterior style (Accords & Camrys are pretty dull) & the CVT had been in use long enough for the bugs to be worked out. Im retired so am no longer a high- mileage driver but I tool around town daily. I have never had a single problem, even a minor one. Im not overly pleased with the mileage (which I calculate & is below what the dash calculator computes) but that may be due to my short city trips. Everyone who has driven my car comments on what a pleasure it is to drive. I just want a nice car that ALWAYS runs since Im a 1-car household. The Altima has exceeded my expectations.

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  I (mostly) love my Altima! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Sandra Hoecker - August 17 - 10:10 am

  After 21 years of Hondas (which I loved), I bought an Altima because it had attractive exterior style (Accords & Camrys are pretty dull) & the CVT had been in use long enough for the bugs to be worked out. Im retired so am no longer a high- mileage driver but I tool around town daily. I have never had a single problem, even a minor one. Im not overly pleased with the mileage (which I calculate & is below what the dash calculator computes) but that may be due to my short city trips. Everyone who has driven my car comments on what a pleasure it is to drive. I just want a nice car that ALWAYS runs since Im a 1-car household. The Altima has exceeded my expectations. UPDATE: Above is/was all true until 2 weeks ago when I suddenly lost the power steering. PS hose had a leak & fluid had drained out. I just passed 20K miles, for heavens sake! $640 repair, without any explanation or compromise from dealer. Not happy about that. I didnt get the extended warranty as Ive lost money on all but 1 car before & knew Id be a low mileage driver.

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  For the family man who is not DEAD yet! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Shawn - August 17 - 3:26 am

  I had a 92 maxima then an Acura Legend, now I have a 2002 Maxima! I am loving every second of it. This car is perfect for someone with a small family who stills needs to feel alive. When my wife asks me to go get something from the store i jump at the opportunity. This car is a pleasure to drive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Excellent - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Justho - August 17 - 1:56 am

  Had a 1997 Maxima, which was ok. Saw this car at a car show while comparing to other cars in its price range. This one offers more of everything (power, features, style) than competing models. Great care, highly recommend.

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  The Best - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Robinsue - August 16 - 9:16 pm

  I test drove almost every SUV and loved the Murano, it has every option you could want, comfort and rides like a dream I am so glad I did not settle for less