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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  Better value than Honda and Toyota, Pleasantly Impressed! - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By hbgmama - March 7 - 2:00 pm

  I was in the market for a used car because I didnt think we could buy new with our budget. But we stumbled upon the Altima on sale and 0% financing. I love this car and am so happy with our purchase. The maintenance is inexpensive (previously drove a used Suburban). The car drives so nicely and gets great gas mileage. We bought the basic, basic model, but it still has A/C and power windows, which are luxuries in my opinion. The seats are microfiber-ish and after almost 2 years of owning the car, the light grey upholstery is not stained (thank you, OxyClean!) I bought plastic floor mats (a must with kids). We installed our own stereo and 4 speakers. Great job, Nissan!

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  Who needs an Infiniti!!! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By carnut - March 7 - 9:33 am

  This 09 Murano has all the creature comforts of the Infiniti EX35 at a fraction of the price. We love the redesigned interior and exteriors. They did their homework on this one!

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  Reliable SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By spokes - March 7 - 8:33 am

  Ive had my Pathy for about three years now. So far I havent had any major problems. It still rides better then most cars. The gearbox moans when I put it in reverse sometimes. The Bose (Clarion actually) CD changer stopped working. Its a known problem that Nissan wont fix. I sent mine to Clairon for repair. The paint has held up well. I wish the springs were a little stiffer as they compress too easily and can bottom out when hauling adults and cargo. I put Yoko tires on and it eliminated some of the body roll, better ride too. Id still recommend the 2001 although I like the styling on the 2004 and newer better. Hopefully the gas mileage is improved.

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  Solid choice in this vehicle class - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By owiseone - March 7 - 6:26 am

  I have owned this car since purchasing it new in December, 2006. Based on my previous experience with a 1993 Nissan Altima which I sold with 160,000 miles on it, I expected this car to be solid and dependable. In this respect it has not disappointed me. Not one defect when it was new and so far after 57,000 miles not one repair other than normal maintenance. I still like the design of the car, and the interior does not look or feel cheap at all. Driving the car is rather comfortable (and I drive a lot of highway miles). The engine is definitely wanting for more power, and the CVT is not a favorite of mine with its "rubber band" feel. Only option on my car was ABS {strongly recommended).

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  New car review - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Nissan Guy in Dallas - March 7 - 6:23 am

  Called my leasing company and said get me the cheapest four door sedan (compact) you could find me. Drove up with this little baby. Got it for $15,300 with extras.... spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, FosGate Stereo, even a spoiler and 16 " wheels. Drove it home in a sleet storm. All my co workers watched me sign the papers and clapped. Drove it to Austin yesterday and got 26 mpg. Cost me all of $23 round trip. My old buick would have cost me $80. And boy oh boy will it take a turn, and when Im in a hurry to an appointment, it just rocks. Really lays down and goes.

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  I Love xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By jack russel - March 7 - 2:13 am

  I owned a 2002 xterra and loved it. I was hit by a drunk driver and i was heartbroken. Insurance paid off my loan and I decieded that another xterra would be great. When i picked it up I had a permanent smile on my face. The inside and out has been redesigned and its awesome. i like the sporty interior and the aggressive exterior. Compared to my 2002 the seats are way more comfortable. The new engine is amazing, my old xterra only went 95 before the govener kicked in, this one I have gone up to 115 and boy does it get there fast. over all it handels awesome and rides smooth and i would buy 100 of them if I had the money.

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  Be careful Cheap Materials... - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dan - March 6 - 2:23 am

  and poor suspension. I had to go back to the dealer twice already. Once for the plastic material on the roof rack falling off and once for the rattling I get in the front driving it. Nissan service is horrible to boot. So beware, I thought they were suppose to be up there in quality, I would put them on the Ford level.

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  styling, power, roomy...i like it - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By wes - March 5 - 4:06 am

  this is the first truck ive owned, and its beat all my expectations...priced better than toyotas, roomier and more powerful too. nissan doesnt have the reputation of quality like toyota, but in my opinion, nissan is just as good if not better. time will tell, but resale values are improving on nissans because of it. great truck.

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  awsome truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By al - March 5 - 3:16 am

  Ive had this truck for almost a year. the ride is great. awsome power, great sound from exhaust. best looking truck. Already been in the dealer for new window switches, front brake dicks raplaced. Heat shield retightened, and nasty rattles coming from dash, driver and passenger doors, head rest,(which dealer has tried to fix with poor succes) Tail gate slides to right or left when opened.

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  Best "economy" car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Lex - March 5 - 1:13 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Previously I drove a 2000 Honda Civic. And Rogue just blew me away, and I did compare it to Rav4 and Honda CRV. It is comfortable to drive for long distance trips. Its acceleration is great. Internal compartments are well thought out: large glove compartment, deep drivers box, upper compartment, etc. It has the amenities of a luxury car (well, almost). Trip calculator, mp3 port, front and back windshield heater, etc. Mileage, however, is not great for city drive. But with cheap gas prices now, I only spend $26 (it was $55) every 220 miles. For long trips, I could get 330 miles