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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  Eight years, 64,000 miles and no issues at all. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Bill from Tigard - March 5 - 5:10 am

  Ive been very pleased with my 2009 Nissan Versa. Ive followed the recommended maintenance schedule and have had no problems. I had the tires replaced at 54,000 miles and the brakes checked every 6,000 miles. So far havent had to have anything done. Its not the most luxurious car out there by any means, but it has served us well.

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  excellent SUV - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By xiaochao - March 4 - 5:13 pm

  Very reliable!!! Had no problem in 6 years. It is fun to drive this SUV. Compare to other SUV from the same year, I would say it is more quiet and comfort than 4Runner.

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  Awesome All Around 4x4 SUV - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By DesertRatSoCal - March 4 - 12:20 am

  Great news for the SUV enthusiast. Nissan has really done the trick with the Xterra. Nimble on road, capable off road, easy on the wallet, outstanding performance. Id throw stones at similar sized SUVs by the other manufacturers. This vehicle has long been a hit for the market niche and I would recommend the average individual who needs a slightly larger vehicle to take a test drive. The fuel economy is exceptional for the type of vehicle and its capabilities.

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  Most gorgeous perfect car on the road - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Murano Lover!! - March 3 - 11:06 pm

  Fun to drive, head turning, comfortable, carefree (because of the navigation and keyless entry) no more searching for your keys in your purse, I wish my house had this too! Camera when backing up, no worries about running someone over, smooth drive, easy to handle, DVD player for the 2yr old, awesome bose stereo and 6 cd holder, I am in Love with this car!!

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  So much fun - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By mon247 - March 3 - 9:53 pm

  This is my second Z, my first one was a 350z Roadster. Let me say that the improvements in the 370z are amazing and is even more fun to drive.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By LoveSentra - March 3 - 5:46 pm

  I just bought this car a few days ago and I love everything about it! The Convenience Plus Package is a must! Its the best thing in the world to not have to ever take your keys out of your bag/pocket to open the doors or even start the car. The interior is very roomy with a surprisingly large amount of trunk space. Great mileage, smooth ride and very affordable.

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  I love my Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Z GUY - March 3 - 5:43 pm

  This is my 6th car and its every thing I want it to be. Its sexy, fast, and handles like a dream. It is not very practical but I will never trade it in. It has never been to the shop and drives just has good as it dayi the first day I got it.

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  SE-R - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By btreamer - March 3 - 1:06 pm

  Its alot of fun to drive. If my commute wasnt so far Id have got the Spec-V.

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  Better than expected - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By Jim Drummond - March 2 - 5:02 pm

  I have the V-6 and it is a rocket ship. I cannot see why anyone would want more power. The CVT, so far, has been smooth and trouble free. (I can only hope it stays that way.) I have driven friends BMWs, Mercedes and Volvos and swear this Altima handles better than any of them. Getting 23-24 in town and 28-29 on the highway which I find remarkable for a powerful V-6. I bought it used with 9,000 miles and just turned 30,000 with no issues so far. Only have replaced the air filter, cabin filter and regular oil changes. As a "Certified Used Nissan" I have the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and hope never to use it.

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  Altima05 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dennisp - March 2 - 5:56 am

  Excellent looking, fun to drive, the power of the 3.5 L engine is exhilarating to experience, as it blows by most over hyped performance 4 door sedans.