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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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Hirt - August 1 - 6:23 pm

  This was my first brand new car and I love it. Smooth, comfortable ride. Looks great, handles well, big and versatile enough to haul plenty of gear but luxurious enough to look great while doing it. I actually get 22 mpg by doing mostly highway driving, but accelerating slower than I used to - its actually made me a better driver - the mpg declines sharply over 70 mph. This car has everything I was looking for. It handles like a nice car, rides high, smooth, comfortable interior, great extras. I cant say enough.

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  2006 Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By nortini - August 1 - 2:50 pm

  We traded our 2003 Toyota Tundra for the Titan. While the dependability of the Tundra was excellent, the Titan has a more luxurious interior and the ride is much smoother. Not much mileage on the Titan a yet , but no problems to date.

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  I like this vehicle very much - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Thomas J. Russo - August 1 - 2:33 pm

  the vehicle is very unique and has a very good performance as well as very functional. I like its looks as well as its price value.

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  Poor mans Mercedes - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jackcosteau - August 1 - 12:20 pm

  Incredible performance and quality for cheap price. The CVT allows for amazing highway acrobatics , literally leaving every one behind passed 60. the acceleration is not heart stopping but so smooth passengers cant notice wen u step on it to top speed. The handling is very responsive and rigid. great ride

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  Hard to Please Happy Driver - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By jmbduke - August 1 - 7:50 am

  I wanted to wait until the I had some time with the car before I gave my review. All i can say is that I really enjoy driving this car. The engine is sweet and quite responsive around town and on the highway. The gas mileage is where I though it would be (average 26 in mixed driving) and it has been increasing with each tank. No car is perfect, but the SL has all the features I was looking for at a price that didt leave me car poor at the end of the month. I test drove all the competition...Fusion, Accord, Camry, Malibu, Mazda6....and I kept coming back to the Altima. Im glad I did.

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  Piece of non USA junk - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Frank - July 31 - 5:13 pm

  Terrible design Nissan, my step sons vehicle, real dad bought it for him, cheap, piece of crap, both him and the vehicle, 135,000 miles paid $7000 for it, a little over a year and subframe bushings on front end bad, cant fix because Nissan parts everywhere dont sell bushings separate from subframe so have to replace the entire subframe for the price of, wait for it, $1200!!!! That doesnt include labor! What a stupid idea! Good luck if you buy this junk vehicle!

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  Great Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By suzie - July 31 - 12:26 pm

  I bought this car 12/20/99. This car has been one of the best cars I have had. I have over 200,000 miles. Took it in today thinking I would have to buy a new car and it only needs the fan replaced and transmission servicing. I have had a problem with the tires wearing out quickly and an issue with keeping tires balanced. Slight vibration in the front. A little small for my husband but perfect for me. Passenger seat could have more seat adjustment capability

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  Awsome car !!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By newaltimaguy - July 31 - 12:00 pm

  I love this car!!! Rides like a dream, fast acceleration, awesome sound system and a lot of really cool gadgets. In my opinion, its a lower priced, not so flashy on the outside Infinity.

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  transmission,calipers,engine,Nissan Consumer Affairs - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By n06 - July 31 - 9:15 am

  I just sold my Pathfinder 06 with 73K miles on it.Did not want to waste more money.Ive driving Nissan since 1999.Definitely will not purches or recommend Nissan products at all.At 74k milles the car started falling apart:calipers ,brake switch,u joints,cd player ,tire air pressure sensor,radiator,transmission,timing chain ,all at once. Because of the extended warranty for the radiator I was told by Middletown Nissan dealer that I would have my radiator and the transmission replaced at no charge .Four days later my car had a major transmission leak.Brought it back to same dealer,got charged $190 ,because only front part of transmission was replaced.Invoice states replaced transmission.

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  Good Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Ike - July 31 - 5:20 am

  I purchased mine slightly used. This is my first car. I enjoy it and like it a lot. The only problem Ive had so far is the hubcaps. They come off too easy. The fuel economy could be better but I get about 25-26. Which is nowhere near the posted. I have noticed the blind spot in the rear caused by the back window. It may just be mine but there is nearly no tint on my windows which causes a big problem with headlights blinding me at night, esp with bigger trucks.