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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  Best value for your$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By marseilles - July 4 - 8:26 pm

  Our murano with every extra included is the best ride for the buck. Great styling, handling and economical too. This is a long time keeper. My wife likes the adjustable pedals and personalized seat postions. I wish the back hatch was available with power opening. We would buy another.

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  Apotheosis of perfection! - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By woodyas - July 4 - 8:25 pm

  Put off going electric for a plethora of reasons. And hemmed and vacillated on getting the Leaf for about a year. But wow: THIS CAR IS TRULY AWESOME. Hands down...this is the best car I have ever had. And to be able to never put gas in a car again. NEVER! A feeling like no other.

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  Cruise ship - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By gauner - July 4 - 9:43 am

  This is our family cruise ship. Camping with a trailer full of dirt bikes, up to the ski area in the most severe weather, or towing the fully loaded boat to Powell this suv does it all and yes we pass when we like. Our kids stopped complaining on long trips! I put gas in. I change the oil. Ive changed windshield wipers and at 56000 mile its first set of tires. The worst thing is having to wash all that adventurous dirt off of it. It is a large suv and this does take a while. We ran her at 65mph to Cal and got 19mpg. Were Not in that big of a hurry once youre in the Cruise ship.

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  Very happy with my Murano - 2012 Nissan Murano
  By lefty54 - July 4 - 7:23 am

  I looked at the Enclave and Acadia. I looked at the Equinox and Terrain. I thought about the Forrester. But at the end of the day the Murano was the best of the bunch. I wanted a quiet vehicle and I wanted a smooth ride. The Murano is whisper quiet and smooth as silk. The Nissan V-6 is a proven engine and highly regarded. I highly recommend the Murano.

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  One of the best SUVs - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By xterra_ep - July 4 - 4:40 am

  Exceent SUV, if you take a little care of it: First of all change to Bilsteins - it will change your driving experience 180 degrees. Second, if you over 100K change timing belt, all other belts; watter pump, termostat. Third, make sure your brakes are good. Now you have a fantastic car - you have to invest a bit - but then you have a true 4x4 that will go anywhere, will start any time, and will drive and feel like brand new. Or much better than many brand new cars, suvs in the $20K range. My wife wants me to change my car to twice more expensive and more cool - I love this SUV - I put some sweat to it and it is perfect now! Love it!

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  Why Cant Detroit Do This? - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom Long - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is beautifully styled and a joy to drive. I have nearly 120,000 miles on this car, and other than a starter replacement, I have had no repairs beyond routine maintenance. The engine is the quietest, smoothest performer on the road. If Detroit could do this, the American auto industry would be on the way back.

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  Lots of fun to drive w/o spending alot - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Killianinc - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Sentra straight off the truck at the Nissan dealership and have just fell in love with it. Its the perfect car on gas milage and really fun to drive! The only drawback was some vibrating sound in the dash at only 11k miles. Have since traded for a larger Altima. Overall, Ive owned 4 Nissans and have had nothing but great service.

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  Nice SUV!! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By WhoaFella - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. It has a solid feel, quick acceleration, comfortable interior (especially for me being 61"), and plenty of creature comforts.

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  ROMPING IN THE DESERT. - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By RICH ABRO - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY FRONTEAR TO REPLACE MY 2 DOOR. I COULD NOT GET ALL MY FRIENDS IN THE SMALL TRUCK. THE 2001 4X4 HAS A LOT OF POWER FOR CLIMBING IN THE MOUNTAINS, BUT POOR GAS MILEAGE IN THE CITY. I LOVE MY TRUCK. RICH A.

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  Best car I ever had - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By shielda - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it 6 weeks, so reliability not tested yet - but Consumer Reports says its one of the best. The car is fun to drive, comfortable, powerful. My family enjoys it. Driving on mountain roads is a real treat. Hugs the highway, acceleration leaves other vehicles standing still. The sound system is excellent. Bought a new Toyota Camry in 1989, loved it, but the Maxima is even better. Best kept secret of fun cars.