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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  High Quality, Fun to drive - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Steven - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I had drove it for 1 week, very happy to drive it. High quality can be found interior. Eco mode is a little weak but good EPA, I most drove by Normal mode, enough power for driving, Sport just for fun on the country back-way. some people often ask me about the car when I pump it or park.

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  Darrins opine - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Darrin - March 29 - 11:56 pm

  I traded an F150 crew cab 4x4 for the Murano as I needed city-type efficiency. It was great to get rid of the lumbering behemoth for a nimble little grocery getter. I am 6 feet 240 pounds and the comfort of the drivers seat practically sold me with all its electrical toys. I enjoy the Bose/MPS stereo and mileage has been a solid 20 MPG in town. Very comfortable for 4 adults. I consider it a very pragmatic vehicle thats fun.

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  Engine Oil Cooler - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Prefecto1 - March 29 - 10:06 pm

  Hey out there, All you new 2009 370Z Car owners need to ensure that your 370Z Car can handle high Ambient temperatures. I live in Georgia, and the ambient temperature is almost always above 90 degrees, during the months of June, July, August and September. Ive had numerous contacts with Nissans Consumer Affairs Department, regarding the 370Z Cars need of an ENGINE OIL COOLER. The 370Z can not handle driving at speeds of 60 MPH, or more, with out the ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE reaching the 280 degree mark, which is what Nissan indicates is the MAX OIL TEMPERATURE the car should operate at. All 370Z car owners should contact Nissans Consumer Affairs Department and demand a RECALL!

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  Fantastic truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By osiris32080 - March 29 - 7:22 pm

  I was all about getting a Toyota Tacoma, drove several and liked the raised suspension, but the ride itself wasnt that strong. After I tested a Frontier, I was sold. Off-the-line pickup in this V6 reminds you of a V8. Have yet to tow anything, but have used the bed for hauling heavy furniture and havent noticed a change in the way it drives. There seems to be a strong dislike of the interior, but in my opinion, its a truck, and Im not expecting anything fancy. Very fun to drive, and even though I live in a big city, its not too hard to get around. Like previous reviews, the turning radius leaves much to be desired, but overall, I love this truck.

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  Nissan should accept their mistake - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Andy - March 29 - 6:04 pm

  Bought my 2013 Altima SV 2.5L in May of 2013 considering all the features and low price. Within 2-3 months of driving started to hear constant high pitch noise and the other roaring noise from the engine. Overall driving experience sucks considering vibration coming out from the CVT and person on the passenger seat also feels it. Complained about noise, vibration and CVT feel twice during warranty period and tech said everything is NORMAL(as if I was stupid to complain). At 50000 miles went back as the engine noise became more lauder and frequent. Dealer found issue in the alternator and replaced it-cost to me was $700. It should have replaced while It was under warranty. Engine roaring noise has been fixed but driving experience is still same considering CVT vibrations and high pitch power steering noise. Tech at the dealer says the high pitch noise is normal... Every single car makes it and nothing can be done about it. I mean common guys.... its 22k dollars for [non-permissible content removed] noise..!! For the price of the car I got damm good features like... moonroof, navigation, bluetooth, backup camera, remote start, keyless entry and climate control but the real feel of driving car sucks big time. Real bad job on the CVT and other engine components. Probably they made so many people fool selling all these feature really cheap covering their huge defect on the engine noise and vibration. I have 1997 nissan altima and I prefer driving that car over 2013. I am a huge fan of nissan.... but considering recent experience I wont just blindly trust the brand anymore.... !!

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  2016 Maxima SL - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom L - March 29 - 10:23 am

  My car is only 3 weeks into the lease and it already requires an entire new sunroof. When filling up the tank to full it estimates 400 miles and after 3 full tanks Ive only got an average of 250 miles a tank. I mostly drive highway and and havent even used sport mode. I am disappointed a brand new car has such a serious defect right off the lot and may not have myou car for a few weeks.

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  Very Nice Little Entry Level Car for Pri - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Simstim - March 28 - 10:43 pm

  I am quite pleased with this car. fun to drive, peppy,,, has acceleration if you need it, Clutch is a little soft or sensitive, Im used to Toyota Tercel 1997, with new clutch, so slightly different drive. the computer throttle cable has a 1 second lag in response to push of pedal or release so feels more like an automatic in that sense. first gear is really a short gear, almost too short, red lines in less than 1.5 seconds,,,, halfway through a turn from stop sign. Handles sporty compared to my old car. Lots of Interior room, especially adults in back. seats fold down flat really helps in cargo department. Stereo is actually acceptable and thats coming from a stereo freak!

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  Beautiful car, noisy ride - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rose - March 28 - 10:06 am

  I love the look of the car. Its very roomy, and has alot of great features. Love the headlights, quad exhaust, telescope wheel and Nav system. However, I am very disappointed with road noise. You can hear and feel every crack in the road. My husbands pickup is a much quieter ride. Some people say they love the quiet, smooth ride. I dont have that. Is there something wrong with my car, or is it just me. I had a Lincoln Mark VIII which gave a very stiff ride, but MUCH quieter. Paid 26,000 for the Max, used, and 18,000 for the Lincoln when it was 2yrs old. For the money spent on the Max, I expected to ride a lot quieter.

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  Just Not That Impressed! - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Karin Shuli - March 28 - 1:39 am

  I test drove Several Hatchbacks. The Juke was quirkey in looks and I liked that. But upon driving it, the handling was sloppy and the headroom was terrible for my boyfriend as a passenger and anyone sitting in the back seat. Also, the Cargo area was not sufficient. I train dogs and not having enough head room for even 2 dogs was a problem. Trying to squeeze in a weeks worth of groceries would not have happened either. For the money, I chose a Jeep Renegade. Im very happy.

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  Moes Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Mozell Cooper - March 27 - 1:10 am

  I love my Armada. It turns many heads, my family can ride with joy relaxing in comfort.