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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  xterra hot little number - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Skog - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The Xterra is definately a looker. It attracts attention from both sexes..... especially in the 20 to 40+ age group. The ride is very nice for a truck and the interior is great for the average consumer who wants sporty looks and a little prestige. I have not had any problems with it mechanically. As far as the noise goes with the roof rack, crack the front windows a bit. Also, does not feel tippy to me! Great rear room for alot of gear compared to other SUVs in its class.

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  Love it - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dennis - February 10 - 3:33 am

  I have owned Pathfinders in the past and I would have to say that Nissan really out did themselves this time. I feel that the 2006 Pathfinder really is the best they have come out with. Way to go Nissan.

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  Exceeds my expectations - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By happy camper - February 10 - 1:10 am

  This car is a blast to drive. The MPG on the first tank was 36.5 for over 300 miles, both city and highway driving (Nissan promised 34 mpg combined). The design of the inside and outside of the car is wonderful. My only complaint is that we did not buy this car earlier. We purchased this car with every toy possible.

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  Very Surprising - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kevininco - February 9 - 8:36 pm

  I have had the Rogue for 2 weeks now and absolutely love it! I was really wanting an Audi Q5 but could not get the payments to work. I had a lease with Nissan for a Frontier and they took it 3 months early. I have test driven before the basic model hence why not excited to get this. The got me a fully loaded Rogue with leather and everything. The SL is such a difference. I live in the mountains so right off the dealership was from denver to Aspen. It handles great at low speeds and tightens up at higher. really fun with all the technology in there too. I love it and is so much fun inside and out.

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  Dont trade in your RAV4 for this!!! - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By dk81081 - February 9 - 4:53 am

  This car doesnt compare to a RAV4! My wife and I traded our 2010 Rav4 for this, thinking there wouldnt be much of a change, but I was wrong. I am a tall guy, I fitted just fine in our Rav4, but I noticed it was tighter in the Rouge at the test drive. The wife like the price of the Rouge and how we were able to get all the options for the same price of a new Rav4. I listened to wife and bought this for her and its been a mistake ever since. It doesnt turn like our old car, blind spots all over, CTV transmission is noisy. You think its going to break down every time you step on the gas. I aint one to make up an account to talk about a car, but people need to be warned! Stay away!

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  MANY DEFECTS, RECALLS!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Heidi Hatfield - February 9 - 12:57 am

  Had to have new brakes and rotors before 35,000, driver window fixed came off track, new grill and rims replaced due to peeling, 2 new hood latches, new strut (popping in front), alternator replaced, passenger airbag replaced, heated steering wheel recall and replaced,recently quit while driving and left me STRANDED and has been missing. Gas mileage sucks, average 24-25 highway and city. Shifter is worn, driver seat worn after 25,000 miles. Seat belt light stays on even when buckled up. Heated seat button in BAD LOCATION, always turning on when you sit something down on console. Fob multiple batteries..(Total of 5 recalls, working on the 6th possibly since broke down this week) I work home health and have for 10 year, and have never been so DISAPPOINTED in a car and so DISGUSTED. I have wasted so much of my time taking it to the garage, and then having to take it back because they cant figure out whats wrong with it. Kinda sad you pay for a nice car and get a LEMON. Please do not buy and waist your money and or time!

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  After one month - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Raybo - February 8 - 1:40 pm

  After one month and 4000 miles I am very happy with my Maxima. This car handles comparably to my 2002 Maxima, which I traded in with 215,000 miles. I have had no problems with anything at this point, just like my old one.

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  Good Car - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Toni23 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new in 97, it has 67,000 miles, and it still is as reliable as the first day I bought it. The only thing that has failed (major or minor) is the ingnition coil in my distributor, which I was told is a freak occurance in any car. The only major drawback with this car is its lack of power which can get frusterating when accelerating uphill or passing cars.

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  Nissan Pathfinder - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bigmama - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I gave up 2000 Durango for my Pathfinder, thinking I was going to get better gas mileage, and to my surprize, the Durango had better gas mileage then the Pathfinder! I am very disapointed in the gas mileage, if I am lucky, I get about 220 miles to a gallon of gas, that is only 11 miles to the gallon. that sucks.

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  safty - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jim Grohn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  with such a larger vechicle as the Armada there should be side turning lamps. This vechicle also needs automatic locking doors, when the vehicle is but into gear.