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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  Colors - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Constance - November 19 - 2:00 am

  SO far,so good. But I would like the wood grain in all styles, it adds class. Also, color choices are VERY limited

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  Rate the 04 max to the max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RON WILSON - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a outstanding automobile with great performance and superior exterior style.

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  Best Bang for the Buck! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Tom - November 19 - 12:10 am

  Im a mid-to-later aged guy who is basically lazy and let me tell you that this car with the telephone modem and keyless entry is a dream! Except for the fact that its a bit tall and thin so it doesnt have the stability of, say, my honda civic, it is a really a great car and has a lot of room inside and in the hide away trunk. I only get about 26mpg but Im a heavy-footer. Ive broken the darn drivers mirror off twice in my tight garage so I think they need to be "foldable". The mpg avg on the dash is a joke but the radio is great. I have noticed that the tire pressure is a major issue and between the low pressure alarm as well as veering to one side or the other.

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  Wheres the downside? - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mke - November 18 - 10:56 am

  I have had this Altima 2.5SL for a week. I love the car. Brand new it averages 29 mpg. It is reasonably luxurious, comfortable, quiet, and smooth. Im still waiting to find something I dont like. What an awesome car!

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  Still going strong - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By DavidH - November 18 - 5:50 am

  Bought this vehicle brand new in 01 - a few minor issues, all taken care of under warranty. Had it in Alaska for 4 years - terrific in the snow, even better with winter tires. Drove straight from Alaska to Georgia - no problems with comfort or handling. Currently have around 53K miles on it, only maintenance has been regular oil changes. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Styling, & performance to match - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Steve - November 17 - 7:03 pm

  Considered buying Explorer & Grand Cherokee. Pathfinder wins hands down in terms of value for your your money. Best compromise of engine power and gas mileage (for an SUV). Love the unique styling, which hints at the power under the hood. Have 3,700 miles on the truck, no issues so far (except for an exterior molding piece falling off roof rack). Solid construction, excellent power & handling, great suspension feel. I couldnt be happier with the truck. Im tempted to keep the secret to myself, but if youre considering a mid-size SUV, this is a great truck.

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  Great Value - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Great Value - November 17 - 2:23 pm

  Traded 04 Murano with 104k miles Loved the style of the Rogue and the value proposition. 1300 miles in and Im more satisfied with the purchase every day. Drive 25-30k+ annually and feel the Rogue is up to the task

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  Great SUV - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By KevinGA - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV and a great look on the road. Underpowered for 2000, but they fixed that in later years. Rear springs are a bit light for holding anything heavy in the back. Seems to have held its value VERY well. Especially considering all the rebates we got on it. All in all, a great SUV.

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  Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By NissanAltima002 - November 17 - 10:00 am

  I was really looking for a car to haul a lot of stuff and I looked at the Altima and was compelled!!! The exterior is awesome thuoght the interior is very plasticy and cheap. IMO Nissan should redo the whole interior for all our sakes.

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  Love at First Sight! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Granny G - November 17 - 9:03 am

  As a senior citizen formerly driving a Toyota Corolla, I wanted something a little different for probably my last car. I was considering a Tucson or CR-V, but the minute I saw the Rogue in Venom Red it was love at first sight! I love it so far, though I am still trying to figure out some of the (many) bells & whistles. It is fun to drive, and I believe Nissans are very reliable, also.