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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  What a find! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By ams2 - November 13 - 8:36 am

  Test drove everything in its class (Honda, Toyota, and many others etc.) and the Sentra is the clear winner. Quiet, fast, loaded with options that rival much more expensive luxury cars. Bluetooth, Fosgate stereo satellite XM radio, an incredible keyless ignition system, huge trunk with hidden compartment, awesome gas mileage, moonroof. Did I mention quiet? Smooth luxury car type ride. No other car remotely matched acceleration and ride quality. Test drove against a much more expensive BMW and Sentra is a much, much, much better value. Why would anyone buy anything else??

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  Brilliant - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dreamshot - November 13 - 6:54 am

  After driving around my parents cars during my four initial driving years, I felt it was time for my own. After some extensive research, I decided on the Maxima. This car has been nothing but reliable and really fun. It has ample passing power and still turns heads at 11 years old. Cant get enough of it and would recommend it to anyone. Also --- At 62 I do just barely fit....

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  350z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Zpower - November 13 - 2:53 am

  fun fast car to drive...drive it down the 5 and find out yourself

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  General Review - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By cristella - November 12 - 9:47 pm

  My Xterra has 94,000 miles on it. Ive kept up with all required/suggested maintenance and inspections. The only thing I had to replace were the tires at 40,000 miles and they are due to be replaced again. No problems whatsoever.

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  wow - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rich_Serb - November 12 - 1:16 am

  fully loaded no complaints

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  Like a dream come true - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By czaman - November 11 - 9:10 pm

  I researched for about 6 months, test drove all Rogue competitors and finally bought the SL FWD with Premuim Package (which includes a 6-CD changer and moonroof). This was the best value for money. The design is smart, seats comfortable, dash lighting very soothing, controls conveniently placed and the sound system is commendable. The ride is very smooth (the CVT makes it smoother) and is the quietest among all its competitors. The vehicle is extremely responsive and has a tight turning radius. The suspension is remarkable, and I hardly feel the potholes I drive over. I have driven over patches of black ice on two occasions and both times the VDC kicked in and righted the vehicle.

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  I love this van - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By kimkiaria - November 11 - 8:20 pm

  This is my first minivan, as I too, was ambivalent about being a minivan mom, but I love it. Its roomy and sporty. I dont feel like Im driving a big bulky van. Ive taken several trips with it, and so far, no problems. I strongly suggest this van for those of you reluctant to finally admit youre a van person. It handles and corners like a sports car.

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  Z YUH ! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Tam2uiam - November 11 - 12:33 pm

  Ive only had my 350Z Roadster for 8 months and i have loved every minute of it. It responds awesomely to everything i want it to do. And to think my husband had to drag me to the dealership to give this car a try... I didnt get the soccer mom 4 door I wanted but heck, my kids are old enough to drive and its my turn now! Z YUH !

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  Pleasantly surprised! What a gem! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By VQ_Man - November 11 - 10:53 am

  I recently traded in my 2007 Mazda3 due to the rough winters in the northeast. I never really considered a Frontier, but Im glad I checked it out! Wow! What a truck! The ride quality blew me away and is far superior to the Tacoma. The engine is refined and powerful. I dont really baby the truck for mileage, but Ive managed 20 in the city, which is way better than I thought. No major highway trips yet, so I cant comment on highway mileage. The long bed option is awesome and the spray in bedliner and utili-track system are great features. If youre in the market for a mid-sized truck, do yourself a favor and test drive this beauty. I promise you wont be disappointed.

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  I will buy another Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mike Harris - November 11 - 4:16 am

  Having owned my Titan for a year and a half I have recentley been doing some research for a new vechicle. After looking at a number of candidates and test driving some, I have come to the same conclustion as before, the Titan is best. I looked closely at the Honda Rigdeline (for its carlike ride), Jeep Rubicon(for its off-road capabilities) and the standard domestic trucks. Although each of the above vechicles had strong points they also had weak areas which disqualified them for me. The Titan I rated at least an 8 in the lowest catogory in this review and in most cases 9 or 10. I now have 80,000 miles on it and it is still the finest truck I have ever driven.