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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  Research - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Marty Rollinson - March 28 - 6:40 pm

  Edmunds:reviews this is a good truck, been Toyota man since 68 corona, glad I researched, this frontier has surprised me with ride, motor, tran.! 4wd but mpg is great, getting better mpg than Tacoma 4cy 4wd that I had !

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  Great Truck - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By WKDKC - March 28 - 3:56 pm

  I looked at Ford (a satisfied prior owner) Dodge and GMC. The SE Titan was the most for the money. I liked the new F150, but Ford wanted too much for a comparable model. I went on a trip to Florida with my Titan, pulled 2 big Harleys 2 people and a back seat full of “STUFF”. With the Trailer Pkg., it was hard to tell I was towing anything. I love the power and grunt, it gives you a feeling of being in a heavy duty truck with the performance and nimble feel of a sportier truck. It’s comfortable, roomy and well equipped. Its interior look is not as dramatic and appealing as a F150, but functional and well laid out. I have read the big 3 have caught up to Titan, but any of those = big $.

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  Cant complain - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Bruce Hornbeck - March 27 - 10:24 pm

  About to turn 50000 miles and it runs like brand new. I love my 2013 Sentra. This is my 2nd Sentra and Ive had 3 Quest vans. Great reliable car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By rioleck - March 27 - 1:59 pm

  Ive owned this car for about 1.5 years so far and have driven it over 30k miles. It has been both a daily driver to work and used on 1000 mile trips. The car handles very well with good acceleration and braking. Overall this is a comfortable car for me at 61". The seats hug you so you dont feel like sliding out of your seat around sharp turns. There is now over 120k miles on the car and it still drives very smooth with zero problems.

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  Love my car!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kelly - March 27 - 1:16 am

  I love the Altima! It is sporty, roomy, and most importantly fuel efficient. I just traded in a SUV and dont miss it one bit. You also get a lot more for your money compared to other vehicles.

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  Daughter off to college - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Mike - March 26 - 2:50 pm

  Nice little car with great gas mileage. Had minor electrical problem before 3000 Mi. Plenty of room inside. Sufficient engine power. Ride is good for a small car. Seats are comfortable. Not too noisy.

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  Very Pleased Maxima Owner - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DRPIV - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have owned to date. The performance is the strong suit, great value at the time as well. Looks sharp, plenty of room and comfort. Only complaint - battery died at 8,000 miles, Nissan replaced, no problem. One recall, fixed no problem. Tire wear a bit excessive, does anyone really need $200 tires. Is a horse, get in and hold on. You will never accept less in terms of performance.

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  a GREAT car! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By mfisher150 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  loved the Nissan more than my VW convertible! And thats saying a LOT!

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  Love this car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By gfkgfkghfgfb - March 26 - 10:00 am

  this car is an absolute joy to drive, it has alot of power and handles like its glued to the road. also has a very well laid out interior,and the bose system is absolutely incredible.after 10 years of driving toyotas,ill never go back.

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  The world of Nissan - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jake the flake - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I will never own another make of vehicle again. From now on it is Nissan for me.