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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  A great reliable vehicle. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By saa - January 11 - 7:56 am

  I purchased my 05 Altima in Febraury and must say, I am simply satisftied. When driving the sedan the suspension is great (compared to the Sentra I previously owned) For the price you pay for the Altima, I believe you are getting you moneys worth. Before reaching empty I can travel approx.310 miles. In this day in age with gas prices raising, I think the mileage, and fuel economy is key to purchasing you vehicle. If I had the choice to purchase another car the Altima will be my choice!! (with the navigation system of course)

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  Its the Ultima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By alainalane - January 11 - 5:52 am

  Just got this car and it is wonderful. Has a lot of get up and go, very spacious, tons of leg room, comfy seats, great interior. I could go on and on. The glove box is very deep, and theres tons of little compartments around the car to store your things. Its a fun car to drive.

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  Love It! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Amanda - January 10 - 9:36 pm

  Ive had my altima coupe for about a year now. LOVE IT. Havent had any problems with it. Drives really well,not good in the snow tho,but its also not built to drive in the snow. good sporty car,good or 2 people-4 is pushin it with space.

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  Concerns on door weatherstrips - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By harv8 - January 10 - 11:13 am

  I need to start by saying that I love the vehicle. Got it in December, platinum edition, red with black interior. I owned several Muranos before this and the pathfinder is better than the Murano in most areas. The one thing that confuses me is why Nissan did not recess the doors at the bottom or at least provide a threshold plate under the bottom of the doors. The outer weatherstrip seal on the bottom of the doors is huge and fitts loosely. This allows road salt and water to polute the door jambs. I hope Nissan can improve these seals.

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  It iZ what it iZ - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Terrence M. Green - January 10 - 11:13 am

  Owned for a month, now 1500 miles on it. It is amaZing! Installed K&N Air filterz and seemed to help with the car breathing better, little more powerful. AC off, drive 55, you can average at 30 mpg or over. Of course up to 70 with AC on I was happy to see 25 on average. Touring Sport pkg/19" wheelz, road noize on smooth blacktop iz reazonably quiet. Texas throwz down that Hot mix surface crap to save money & soundz like Im in a Jet over the enginez. Not Nissans fault the SouthTX roadz are crappy. Road surface makes a difference. Car was made for better roadz. Yes, lots of looks. My favorite DPS officer took a look and granted my 1st speeding ticket in yearz! Have to watch in Z!

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  great truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jeramy - January 10 - 10:26 am

  I have had this truck for a year and a half. I looked at the other midsized trucks and could not find a better deal. bought for 19k compaired to 26 or 27 for the others. I have driven in all conditions such as 4 feet of snow, dry roads, and some light off road. Never had a problem with the truck getting me where I want to go. I would buy again if I had the chance.

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  370Z is a dream come true - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Jeff - January 10 - 9:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle after 6 months of research. I got the sport package which I would recommend due to styling cues and the great rims. I previously owned a 06 350Z. The new design of this vehicle is so much better that the 350Z. The intelligent key is amazing. I recommend reading the owners manual to uncover some great features. The key can roll the windows up and down, but the intelligent key can only roll the windows down. Cruise control is now standard and the syncro-rev works perfectly. It also helps with a smoother upshift. I can not drive any where with out people straining to look. Road noise is acceptable and the ride is smooth for a true sports

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  Pleased with Sentra - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Marshrat - January 10 - 12:26 am

  I just purchased a 2008 Nissan Sentra, and am very pleased with both the comfort and the performance. The 6-speed manual transmission is very easy to shift, and the ride is very smooth with the 16" wheels. I would recommend this car to a friend.

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By wsnyderco - January 9 - 5:23 pm

  Havent had my Versa for very long, but I have not complaints so far. It handles well, fuel economy is great, and its a very good looking car. My car is a 2008 Nissan Versa S hatchback 6 speed manual. The price and look brought me to this car and I am happy I found it.

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  2005 Pathfinder Defect. Read B4 U Buy - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Roger - January 9 - 4:43 pm

  A defect was found on the exterior of my 2005 Pathfinder. It has been reported by other owners who bought at my same dealership. It does not affect all, but present on many of the new Pathfinders. Look at the drivers side passenger door at the top left. The shape of the metal body should curve slightly inward to run flush with the drivers door. However, many including mine have more of a BENT shape not FLUSH at all. My dealership says that this has been reported by many and is a MFR defect. Since Nissan has not announced a recall, they will not repair or compensate.