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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  This car has my personality - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By D Doxon - April 26 - 1:40 pm

  I traded my 2004 Chrysler 300 touring on a new Maxima. Although the 300 drove nice. It had bad blind spots and every time I drove it I felt like an old man(not to mention 3 repair trips already). On one nice Saturday I stopped at the Nissan dealer and drove The Maxima. I didnt want to give the keys back. One week later I had a new car in my driveway and am enjoying it. I bought the 300 because it was the "in" car. That was a big expensive mistake. The Maxima is the true 4 door sports car.

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  Big Man in a Small SUV - Just Do It! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By M. Miller - April 25 - 9:36 pm

  We just returned from our second Rogue trip, This one from Nashville to Ft. Benning and back. I am 6 7" 265 lbs, not a small man by any measure and I love this vehicle. I read each and every review before purchasing and so far have not had one negative to think or say about the Rogue. The vehicle is so quiet on the inside that the Bose sound system is a true pleasure to listen to! Acceleration on the interstate was very very responsive, for a 4 cyl amazing! We averaged 27.5 MPG for both trips and find our around town MPG not much less. Bottom line if you are a big man and worried about the size of this small SUV, dont be, get in, and just do it, fun to drive - very fun!

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  I love my Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By OldKingsFan - April 25 - 12:30 pm

  I have had the Murano almost 2 years and I am still glad I bought it. I wish I had gotten the Navi sys. But the cheap in me came out. I couldnt be happier this has been a great SUV. The one draw back is the gas mileage. I didnt realize I had a lead foot.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Teri - April 25 - 10:53 am

  The automatic/manual shift gives me flexibility for the road type. This car starts and stops precisely. After 4 years, I still enjoy driving it. People are always asking about the cars speed and agility. It draws a lot of attention. And its FUN.

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  Smooth as water - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Cali driver - April 25 - 6:20 am

  This car has surpassed all expectations. After trying honda civic, toyola corolla/camry, scion, matrix, mazda3, this car had everything in it that were options for the rest. Moonroof, CVT, ABS, leather seats, Bluetooth, XM satellite, fog lights, hidden trunk compartment,alarm, and the best~ Intelligent Key entry. As long as the remote is on you, you dont have to dig around for it to open the door or start your car. The ride is so smooth, like a boat on water. I dont want to stop driving. My boyfriend is 511" and loved driving it. Especially the CVT. There is ample room and my friends are impressed with the drive.

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  Great truck! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Robert - April 25 - 1:16 am

  I own this truck (2005 LE crew cab 4X4) now for 5 months and it still feels as great getting to drive it now as when I first took it home. When I bought the truck I was aware that there was a front brake pulsation problem but knew Nissan was working on the situation and would correct it soon. As always Nissan stepped up to the plate and the brakes are perfect now. All the Titans made after May 2005 no longer need to be repaired. Dont let this stop you from considering this truck. Youd be missing out on a great experience. Now after saying that there isnt a single othe problem with the truck inside or out. It performs absolutely flawlessly and would buy another Titan as my next truck.

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  One great SUV - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By navygz19 - April 24 - 3:43 pm

  Bought this Pathy 2 months ago with 47K on the ticker. This is my second 4x4 Nissan (first was a D21 Hardbody) and by far the best. This truck is solid, reliable and MORE than capable off road. The 4WD system/limited slip work perfectly together. On road the truck is sturdy, easy and very fun to drive. Interior space is wonderful; having the fold-flat rear seats is a great feature as well. Overall, an EXCELLENT value and even better truck!

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  Sweet car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Matt J. - April 24 - 1:16 pm

  Recently purchased black 2005 Altima 3.5SE with 5speed. Traded in family minivan and couldnt be happier. Room is aplenty. Has two personalities- family sedan and adrenaline-juiced sports car. Styling is sweet both inside and out.

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  What a car! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By AbeToby99 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I never rode it but I have heard many things aabout it. I especially like the different variety of colors there are.

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  nissan quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By rhumba - April 23 - 10:00 am

  people are stopping me to ask what it is i love the fold down seats, wish they had a pattern to hide eventual dirt