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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  $25K car with non-deploying airbags - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By hoopee - March 1 - 5:18 pm

  A car recently started crossing into my lane. I swerved to avoid an accident and the pavement had erroded and my car went in the ditch. After going in the ditch, it launched me in the air, doing $20,000 on my 2month old Altima. My car was totaled. Nissan and their Air Safety Bag rep was all over me, then would no longer take my calls, nor would the dealer that I my car. Over 1.1 million Nissans have been recalled. I bought mine on March 15, Car reccalled on March 25. No one ever told from dealer to manufacturer. Dont trust your safety to Nissan or a nice looking car. I was almost killed.

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  Love it - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Shirley Brown - March 1 - 4:23 am

  This is my second new Sentra. Bought the first, a 1999 in December of 1998. I had no problems with it. Bought this one, a 2005 in December of 2004. The back seat leg room is best for smaller people. It drives and rides great! I dont think you can beat the looks or ride for the money.

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  car is ok - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Paula - March 1 - 4:00 am

  I have driven the car for 4 months, traded in a ford truck. I drive 6 miles each way to work, and my driving is 1/2 highway and 1/2 city. Im a decent driver, and my mileage is only 19-22mpg, at the most. The headrest is uncomfortable, otherwise the car is satisfactory. I feel very uncomfortable with the blind spots-the right triangler window and the rear window-are starting to feel like they are safety hazards. I regret having purchased the car because of the blind spots.

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  Not Dissapointed - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Primadonna - February 28 - 11:10 pm

  I have wanted a Murano ever since I it came out in 2003. I was just a college student with dreams of owning this car. On Halloween, I finally decided to lease a 2009 Sl with 360 value package; glacier pearl/beige. I love it. The ride is smooth, the seats are comfortable, the stereo is rich, and it looks great. I cant wait to get an ipod and try out the intergration kit.

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  bad transmission - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Kimberly Wakefield - February 28 - 9:20 am

  we bought are 2013 Nissan brand new. before we even replaced the brakes the tranny went. my husband was driving home from work (270 miles from our house) when the car stopped accelerating. the check eng. light came on and would only go 10 mph. he pulled into the nearest dealership only for them to give him the bad news. the tranny needed to be replaced and our warranty had expired.

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  Regretting not getting the SL - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By sewdiverse - February 28 - 8:10 am

  Have just had the S Hatchback for a week and just filled up yesterday. 250 city miles on initial tank. Now, I am OCDing about not getting the SL because I am regretting not having the CVT for the many hills on my daily commute. I drove Hondas for 22 years, lastly a 1995 Odyssey until 180,000 miles. I guess I miss the heaviness of that van and the fact that it seemed to downshift on hills requiring less braking. This Versa S if fine except when going down winding hills until I get used to the difference. Any suggestions? I am trying to shift into 2nd gear upon descent and that helps decrease the need to brake as much. Will I get over not having the CVT? Everyone loves the roominess.

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  Wonderful Small SUV - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By pelicans55 - February 28 - 7:02 am

  Pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and much fun this vehicle is. Have the SV with the premium package. Has everything you would want.

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  Was worth it - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Eric F - February 28 - 7:00 am

  I drove 9 hrs to purchase the car as it is not available in my state sadly. I look forward to driving it daily, simply said. I am getting 37mpg it seems either in city or hwy. The trunk is small but I can live with that. I was filling up weekly now I fill up 1.5 times a month. That has made the cost and the 9 hr trip to PA more than worth it.

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  know what you want - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By tookforever - February 26 - 7:43 pm

  I knew what I wanted and told the dealership exactly what I wanted and what I wanted to pay. It worked and it was the easiest process I had ever been through. Did my homework and it paid off. The Sentra is a nice looking car and it performs and looks like a more expensive vehicle.

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  So-so car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Blackout - February 25 - 10:03 pm

  Car had several recalls. Fun to drive. A nightmare to change brakes on. Definitely need snow tires in the winter if you want to drive in any snow.