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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  simply the BEST - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By glen perkins - September 10 - 11:33 pm

  The Nissan 350Z will be a classic. It is the most watched car in my town. I love the material used for the interior. The roadster has the top down in 20 seconds. There is very little wind inside the cockpit with the top down. Even with temps as low as 40 degrees I am still comfortable.

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  Nissan Versa SV Sedan - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By cwesterman - September 10 - 5:56 am

  If you are looking for a great, safe and affordable car then the Nissan Versa SV 2012 Sedan is a wonderful option, I bought mine in early 12/2011, The car has great gas economy, is sporty looking for a sedan and handles very well, it is a small car but yet it is very roomy! I am very pleased with this car and would highly recommend it if you are looking for a great,safe and affordable car.

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  Great big little car - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Mo - September 10 - 4:30 am

  I just bought this car over a week ago. I love it, its smooth, fast and comfortable to be in. It has a lot of extra features that I would expect in a bigger car in this car. I like the touch screen GPS, bluetooth, XM, etc. The bluetooth is clear and I could hear the person on the other side and they could hear me without me yelling, if you know what I mean. It has great steering, acceleration, and traction control. The windshield wipers are quite and I really enjoy having a true keyless system. I sometimes forget that I dont need to reach for my keys when I leave or start my car. This is probably the best car I have owned to date. Way times better than the Ford Focus with more features!

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  1100 miles and it needs new brakes!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By horatio - September 9 - 8:33 pm

  Wow! 1100 miles and pulsating front brakes. No recall yet! No parts available! Will resurface the rotors but the problem will come back! Can they spell class action lawsuit! Sign me up! I love the truck but the issue has not been resolved in months according to these postings. Its a real shame.

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  Right Choice - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ken - September 9 - 6:33 pm

  Waited for 2005 model to work bugs out. Great Car! Find a crooked road and go nuts. Love the sound of the engine and how smooth it winds out. This car will make you find a way to go driving. And the dealer gave me a terrific price!!

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  Best Car Ive EVER owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TexasGypsie - September 9 - 10:00 am

  After reading the bad reviews, I had to weigh in on how pleased I am with my Maxima. Im the original owner and have 112,000 miles on it. It has been the perfect car. Ive had great reliability, smooth ride, excellent gas mileage and comfortable interior. I love my heated seats, excellent sound system, roomy interior and large truck. This car has not disappointed me and Im sure Ill be looking to Nissan for my next car!

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  Love my Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Front Range Lady - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the smooth ride, handling and that I didnt have to give up any of my interior luxury. The 18 inch wheels are a plus.

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  Love the Sentra - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Pam - September 9 - 6:40 am

  This is the first car I have driven in years. Always was a SUV. I had my doubts going to a small car. I wanted the gas mileage. This car is extremly comfortable and easy to handle. I love it.We had to drive it to San Antonio from Ohio a few months after we got it. We were comfortable the entire trip. Did not feel cramped at all. The gas mileage is better than expected. On the highway I usually get about 37 mpg. In town about 31-33. I drive 200 miles to work a week, so this is awesome for me.

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  Fun car, love it! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By T - September 7 - 8:26 pm

  I traded in my Corolla S for the Rogue when my lease was up & I love it. Rear window takes some getting used to (so did my Prius) tho after 2 or 3 weeks it was nothing. Both my husband & myself find that it has a smooth ride & is very comfortable. I get pretty good mileage- 24.4-24.8 MPG for the life of the car average, which is 97% in town (compared to 30 in Corolla 1/2 fwy, 1/2 city) & I love to drive fast. I just cant resist in such a peppy car & in that aspect its way more impressive than the Corolla & its much bigger. Its very cute inside & out. Looked at 7 other cars before deciding on this one-Im glad we waited! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a car they will love.

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  Makes my day, daily! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By LilKim - September 7 - 6:46 am

  After the untimely loss of my beloved Altima, I couldnt imagine life without another Nissan. Man this car has everything but the kitchen sink! and Im sure that was an option too... Drives like brand new, everything original. More power than is ever needed, best factory audio in its class, excellent dash design, leather, & the moonroof is so quiet I forget its wide open! Great road car. So far at 115K, no coil/sensor problems (knock on the woodgrain) :) but even that is a small price to pay for super luxury everyday. Not to mention I bought this car at such a GREAT price I feel like the Dealership got suckered.. hehe.. nice turn of the tables for a change!!