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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  Nice Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Drewdawg - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Owned Chevy and Ford trucks but the Nissan is by far the most comfortable and powerful. Got SE with Utilitrack, Popular Power Captain for 23,500. You can probably get the same set up for 23K but the dealer was giving me 8K on a 99 single cab Chevy V-6 with no power and some dings, so I cant complain.

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  An Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By J.C. - March 31 - 10:00 am

  A truely magnificent machine! Had questions about the comfort and the ride before I test drove, but fell in love after 5 miles. This is truly what a comfortable, reliable, flashy, muscular and superb-handling sports car should be and a top that goes up or down in 10 seconds! The ride is smooth and the interior very comfortable, long trips are a joy, not a grueling experience as in some other sports cars. It flashes and dashes with 287 horsepower and everyone looks, especially with the top down. Clearly the finest vehicle I have ever owned and perhaps will own.

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  first time buyer - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By NP - March 30 - 5:33 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Versa. Previously drove another Nissan and so was interested in buying another one. As a first time buyer did a lot of research on cars and found this to be the best. Initially I wasnt interested in a hatchback but this has more of a sporty look and that old timey station wagon feel. Comfortable car, features great, and good for road trips. As a recent graduate, the price was extremely affordable. I would pick this car again and again if I had to do it over.

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  Smooth ride and fun!! Great family vehicle! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kitten75 - March 30 - 1:52 pm

  Very comfortable ride, love the new design. Fun to drive and very spacious. All that you would want for an SUV.

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  My fun little turbo-juke - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Frank V - March 30 - 5:01 am

  I love my little juke - it flies along very nicely. Still aclimating myself to the cameras and using them for parking. Its a tiny car but, I have to repark to get it straight, when I use the cameras. reverted back to the mirrors. Mileage is awesome. This is a one-person car so the back seats rarely get used.

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  Maxima - Better than Accord or Camry! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Kim - March 29 - 11:36 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Maxima-SE withh Platinum Edition Package 3 months ago. It is the perfect combination of sport & luxury. It feels sportier than the Toyota Camry, and more refined than the Honda Accord. I chose the "SE" because I like the brushed aluminum accents (versus the wood-tone accents in the "SL"). I like the way the car handles - except it does have a larger turning radius than some other vehicles in this class. The Platinum Edition Package adds many great options. The heated steering wheel is great on cold mornings! Seats are comfortable. CVT keeps the ride smooth while accelerating. I even considered the Lincoln MKZ before deciding that the Maxima was the overall winner.

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  Nissan wins again - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Confident Customer - March 28 - 3:00 pm

  Had this car for 2 years. I have 120k miles on it. Asside from regular maintenance, I have had no problems. It drives very nicely in all conditions. Awesome for long hauls on the highway. Plenty of power when you need it. This car is the best one I have ever owned, and I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off.

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  good car BUT........... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By car guy - March 28 - 9:53 am

  Bought this car with 109,000 miles on it. reallygood deal, the car was awesome, but after 3 months the check engine came on so we took it to the dealership they said it needed new spark plugs $120. After it got fixed we drove about 300 more miles and the check endine light came on again. so we took it to the dealer again. after a few days the dealer said that the car had a blown head gasket in the engine and the coolant was getting inside the engine, the estimate for repairing was $2000 and that is a lot of money. i think that he was lying because it doesnt cost more than $900 to fix it. I think i am going to sell this car and buy another 2002 altima with lower miles.

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  top marks to Nissan Pfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sooner85 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Pfinder is an excellent vehicle that has been trouble free in two years of ownership. With 240 horse under the hood, the Pfinder definately has power to spare. Interior is very functional with leather heated seats and in dash CD player which sounds like a concert hall. I have been off roading with it in Colo. as well and the 4 wheel drive will climb like a billy goat. Fully loaded 4x4 SE for 31,500.00 and 3.9% for 60 months were icing on the cake. I may never drive a domestic car again.

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  great car, great ride - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By b16turbo - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles exceptionally. You cant go wrong with the engine, the interior is very pleasing, the suspension is great, and its a lot of car for the money.