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:

• 

  The good, the bad, and the indifferent - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Catherine Graham - January 19 - 4:25 pm

  The CVT tranny takes its time getting up to speed, so if you need to get on the freeway take a sedative to retain your composure. The dealership tacked on stuff from outer space that the sales guy has still not explained to me after the sale (Nissan of Vacaville). They were supposed to make some additions, but after almost a month, Ive had to contact them a few times and they tell me every time that they will get back to me. RIGHT!!! The versa gets great gas mileage and handles the turns really well. While there is plenty of cargo space in the trunk, the glove box is a giant black hole, and there is no console. There are cup holders crammed in the center and the doors, but if you get anything larger than a small beverage youll have trouble getting at them.

• 

  The Gentle Giant - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Super Picky! - January 19 - 3:40 pm

  After many hours of research. Narrowed my choices down to Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento or Xterra. Edmonds comsumer reviews were a big part of my decision.Traded in my Hyundai mall crawler.When asked how does it drive? I respond: Its like driving a tank with good manners. In city driving it kind of rumbles along, but if you give it some gas, it goes into warp speed. My only complaint is the fold down front passenger seat. Very uncomfortable for me, its like a third of the seat is missing, but everyone else says they think its just fine. I highly recomend purchasing a print-out from Consomer Reports before going to the dealer. It took 4 hours, but we got the price we wanted.

• 

  Wont recommend this car to anyone - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By costa - January 19 - 7:40 am

  After 3 months, noticed transmission noise. Dealer told the noise was normal. Later, car was always stack in PARK position. To drive it, I had to manually unlock the transmission. Dealer replaced the Brack switch, Solenoide and other parts. It took me 4 months to get it fixed. Also, they fixed 3 recalls at the same time. This car is a total waist of $$. Also, rear vision is extremely dangerous. Do not consider this car at all. Nissan needs to review the design of the transmission COMPLETELY. Forgot to mention that I had also to replace the Door mechanism: wet stack in close position in cold weather...

• 

  Good. - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Travis Austin - January 18 - 11:50 am

  My first real car out of college, living in the suburbs of Chicago and was in need of something that I didnt have to mess with. Corolla was the default choice, but I actually found this more manageable in the act of driving. Fuel economy is 40 going 55 mph, 35 at 65 mph, and around 33 on typical highway driving. For the size I feel the car could get a little better, but if you know how to drive for the sake of economy, it makes a significant difference. I have the low-end version and I think the stereo is fine. The drive is quite smooth, though admittedly Im not entirely used to driving newer cars. Zippy. Smooth ride on the highway. Glad I have this.

• 

  2001 Sentra GXE - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By bman1027 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Nissan Sentra GXE brand new in april of 2001, I was deciding between this and a Honda Civic, I made the mistake of choosing this car. Since then, Ive put about 28,000 miles on it, and it has been in the shop about 6 times. 3 times for recall, and 3 other time the car just broke down. The most recent trip to the dealer is the most outrageous experience ive ever had. The car would just stall in for no reason, and after leaving the car with the dealership for over a week, the dealership still cant figur out what is wrong with the car. Now Im getting rid of the car and planning to purchase an Accord, Camery or a Jetta soon.

• 

  G14 RJX - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Japs - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Tough,Relaible Confortable family cars, Falls inbetween compact & MidSize

• 

  More Bang for your buck - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By goodcarfinder - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Im guessing people who are in this market of buying this type of automobile have already looked into the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, BMW 5-series, MB E-Class, and Volkswagen Passat. Out of those cars only the BMW was the best. It had better handling,design, and of course a good reputation. However, the price is not appealing. The Nissan though, more moderately priced does share some of the BMWs characteristics as its ride is very stable (no bumps felt) and the car itself it breathtaking. I highly recommend this car for any person in the market of buying a mid- size auto. Dont go domestic and dont go for the V6 (eats too much gas).

• 

  Maxima.....Loaded Altima? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Foo - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I love the new Maxima. Looks great, superb engine, top notch interior (unlike the plastic woes of the Altima) and roomy. But I am doubting the strategy put out by Nissan. The Maxima is identical to the Altima mechanically and suspension and chassis wise, other than 20 more horsepower. For a car that cost so much more, I believe that Nissan should have forked out more development money to maximize the cars potential, especially chassis and suspension wise, instead of routing the cheap way, and building a car that looks great, but is just an Alitma. The car still handles well, but for the price, it could be much better.

• 

  A few words about the new Xterra - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By PL Muren - January 17 - 5:46 pm

  Having owned and liked the original Xterra; I still had a few things on my wish list. I wanted more power, an easier to use transfer case and better interior design, especially with regard to the folding of the rear seats. All of these things and more were fixed on the new model. The new engine delivers a rush of power one seldom experiences in a vehicle in this class. The new electronic transfer case is a joy to use even especially when the driver is tired. The rear seats fold flat without the need for removing and storing any cushions. While I thought the older model somewhat more attractive, nearly everthing else is better on the new one. The built-in XM radio is a joy to own!

• 

  You will love it. - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Brooklyn Born - January 17 - 3:00 pm

  This is the best full size SUV for the money. Great to drive, roomy, great looking, smooth and BIG. This vehicle really seats alot of people comfortably. Drive it and you too will love it.