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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  OK, its worth it, have fun - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Mark in Dallas - June 16 - 11:16 am

  After 1750 miles,this car rocks, and it is understated to none. I did not opt for the nav or Premium Pkg. as these items are easily added OEM portables. I dont need heated seats, the cockpit is extremely well-configured, I am 62 lots of room, tested Acura TL, the same class Lexus, BMW and VW. MPG on the 315HP with K&N filter is a rocketship, a loyalist is formed; price is a value after you drive this sexy rocket, and compare. With the look of a thoroughbred, it just calls to be driven, I cannot stop staring at it, but I have taken up residence again in the house, it was difficult to leave alone and it calls now... bye

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  Living up to the name:TITAN - 2017 Nissan Titan
  By GREG C - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Drive one... there is nothing i would rather own stylish fast safe... For my third Titan.. wow...

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  Sweet Silver Murano - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By andy - June 16 - 4:39 am

  Edmunds Price Promise is the way to go removes haggling quite a bit but some negotiating still for dealer add-ons. The visibility to judge the front corners of the vehicle is poor due to the styling humps in the front hood. Love everything else about the Murano styling is great and feels like it will remain relevant for years! This has to be one of the best value for what you get in a mid size SUV bar none.

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  What a vehicle!!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By craig - June 16 - 1:13 am

  WOW!! We bought this for my wife to drive and this is our first SUV. She had a Bonneville with 225,000 miles on it so this was a change. We test drove everything and I mean EVERYTHING but decided on the Pathfinder. It was used but only had 2000 miles on it and we love it. Recently took it to Colorado for a ski trip and I was amazed at the power going up the mountains and we were loaded down with gear. It looks awesome and its a blast to drive. I might even get one for myself. One thing I absolutely DO NOT LIKE is the back cargo space. Its supposed to be "cleanable" but anything you put back there slides around. I have already had some things break cause they were sliding around.

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  Break Pads go out!! & Dismall Fuel Economy - 2015 Nissan Armada
  By Kevin R - June 15 - 3:59 pm

  New Nissan Armada with just 700 Miles on it, On my way home the brake light came on and I had no braking power, while I was on the highway. There was a grinding noise and a buzzing sound. Luckily, I made it to a service station and had it checked out. They called me today saying it was fine now but are suggesting I replace the front and rear rotors and pads plus changing the brake fluid that could cost up to $1500, luckily the warranty covers it for now. After further research, they found out it not a mechanical issue, but its the a computer issue that Nissan needs to address. Called up Nissan Consumer affairs, and they keep saying the same thing- We are looking at this, regional specialist will call you etc etc. Oh, and one another fun fact- 12 Mpg is the most you can get, this is after i tested it on the highway at 60 miles with 1500 RPM. Good luck with finding those magical numbers 15 & 19 MPG!!!

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  A solid, reliable, used car. - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By J.R. - June 15 - 12:43 pm

  Have had my 97 GXE for seven years, and it has been an excellent choice in a used car. Just under 100,000 miles on it, and it delivers a solid 27 MPG in mostly city traffic and needs very little maintenance. This is a commuter car, though, no doubt. The 1.6L engine and auto transmission are pretty well paired and give good power delivery. Seats in the 1997 models are lacking, particularly in lumbar support. Spirited driving is definitely not recommended, as youll quickly hit the limitations of a soft suspension and too-small brakes for the class. Still, if you can find a 95-99 with low miles that hasnt been flogged hard, its a good choice for a kids first car or a station car.

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  No Power! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By wadk - June 15 - 10:04 am

  XE is severely underpowered, too much truck and not enough engine, should never have got it. Need the V6.

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  My pathfinder - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jacksonprinceis - June 15 - 10:00 am

  It been a fun car to drive and very stylish.

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  SE-REVS - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Eightyateseven - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used at 19000 miles and its at 24,000. I love the car, its fun to drive and it sets you apart from the civic crowd.

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  Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KerrySmith - June 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife insisted on the Quest, her twin sister has one