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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  Sporty Economy - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By heather - September 1 - 4:23 pm

  Well I am a young student just finishing up with college and beginning my career...spending a lot of money on a car just wasnt an option. So for quality that will last a few years I decided to go with a Japanese made car...and since I already drove a Nissan, I chose to stay loyal to a car thats done me so well over the years. I purchased a 2006 Nissan Sentra (this time an automatic) and so far I am in love! The ride is smooth and very quiet! The seats are firm yet not unyielding...should do great for long rides. I love the sporty look the spoiler and rims give. Basically I love that the car doesnt scream "Ecomony Price Range." I cant say enough about the Sapphire Blue...

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  Best truck for the money - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By jeepster - September 1 - 2:43 pm

  This is my second titan and this one is just as good as the first. After looking at the competitors, no truck offers the combination of size, value, and performance that the Nissan has. As with my first Titan I have had 0 problems so far.

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  All Around Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By KORN - September 1 - 12:00 am

  The Altima fits all of my needs; fuel efficiency; roominess; gadgets (push button start, navigation, etc.); convenience (power seats, windows); reliability (Nissan brand). In comparing with the other 2 Japanese brands, the Nissan Altima is definitely more of a performance vehicle (the other 2 made me feel like I was "Driving Ms. Daisy").

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  My New Murano! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Jeannie - August 31 - 11:40 pm

  I traded in my Trailblazer for a Murano and I must say its the best thing Ive ever done. It doesnt throw you around like a lot of SUVs do and the handling and acceleration are superb for in town and hwy driving. I love it and Ill probably keep it until it stops running. (Hopefully that will be a long time from now!!!) "Go go Murano!!"

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  Surprised its So Nice - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By Jerry Roussos - August 31 - 10:45 pm

  We bought our 2015 Leaf SL for an around town car. Its perfect for any trip of 35 miles radius from home (70 miles round trip). When traveling further there are loads of Free charging stations to be found. Home charging cost is about 2 cents per mile driven based on the local FP&L 10.6 cents/kwh electric cost. Im a big guy with a bad back. I looked hard at the Chevy Volt but due to the lower roof line it was hard for me to get into it without contorting my neck to duck under the roof. The Leaf roof is tall and actually is easier to get into than my Lexus RX450h. Acceleration is ample and very quiet. It just pulls. In ECO mode the accelerator is remapped to make response pretty dull but acceptable. Turn off the ECO mode and the accelerator is very responsive. ECO doesnt reduce acceleration it just takes more pedal movement to get the same response. We installed a 240 volt charging station at the house which cost about $500 for the box and $150 for electric installation. It is well worth it. It fully charges the Leaf in about 3 hours vs the 15 hours it takes using the supplied trickle charger. Without the offered rebates the car would not be one we would have considered. We negotiated a $5,000 dealer discount, A $6,000 Nissan rebate and a $7,500 Federal tax credit so that reduced our real cost to $20,000 for a $38.500 MSRP Loaded SL. Or SL has Bose Stereo, Navigation, Leather etc. We estimate the car will be worth only $10,000 after 5 years but that is not bad considering depreciation after rebates are factored in is only $2,000 per year. Maintenance cost should be minimal since no oil changes etc. The only issue may be battery degradation over time Fuel (Electric) is costing us about $20 extra a month on our electric bill for 1,000 miles driven. NOT BAD. The car has a free iPhone or Android APP that allows you to view charging status, battery status and even start the Air Conditioner remotely. In Hot Florida we use the AC remote start up all the time before leaving a restaurant to make sure he the car is cool by the time we get to it. Update: 20 month of ownership update. Its still our go to car for local trips within a 30 mile radius of home. Range has reduced very slightly due to exoected battery degradation. In 20 months battery and range has degraded 6%, and this is in Florida heat. The only problems so far is the 67 cents CR2025 coin battery in our key fobs needed replaced and a recall on the passenger seat pressure sensor.

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  Xterra Winner - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By OlderGenXer - August 31 - 4:03 pm

  I liked the look, drove nice and had less body role than my old car did. I was worried about the power, but the supercharger gives you that extra thrust to get you on the highway much easier. I dont think the gas mileage is the best, but its about the same as my previous car (V6 3.1liter), so I dont notice it as much. Interior is great, wish there was a better place for change (I end up putting it in the cupholder). I have not had that many miles on it but I love it.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Matt - August 31 - 4:03 pm

  This SUV is a great purchase. Its functional and looks great. It handles perfectly off road. Even in a 2 ft. snowstorm it had no problems while other suvs were in the ditch. I wish the gearing in the transmission was set up a little different, but otherwise I love this car and will keep it until it dies.

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  Hip to be square - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By sr007 - August 31 - 1:47 am

  Cube is different, huge interior, comfortable seats and features, and hip and cool. If you have to explain the cube, you will never get it. I just got mine 1800 miles ago and I absolutely love it. Traded in my mini cooper convertible with a terrible rough ride. Getting over 32 miles per gallon and hatchback and drop down rear seat makes storage very strong. Cube is a winner. Its hip to be square

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  Very Satisfied - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By TinMan - August 31 - 12:53 am

  I look forward to driving my Altima because of its feel, exterior looks, instrument display, and gas mileage. I drove a Honda Prelude si for 23 years, and planned to get another Honda or try a Hyundai Azera or Camry, but checked out the Altima and really liked it. This car has acceleration power (its a rocket). Im not one to race, but occasionally at a light on the freeway I drive back and forth to work on someone in the lane next to me gives me that look of "Lets do it." I have not lost yet, and Im not really mashing the pedal to the the metal.

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  The Big Girl Truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Sharon Curry - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my new truck. The size is prefect to transport my daughters wheelchair & take my other 2 children were they need to go.