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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  Touring Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By CCRNCCM - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with this vehicle since buying it. It has a lot of the comforts & feels that I had experienced with a larger luxury car for less price. The car handles extremely well & holds to the road even in downpours of rain. The heated seats are a huge plus & for anyone that has never had them, one misses them when a vehicle does not have them. Its a shame that the trunk area is so small. But, it wasnt that big of a deal for me not to purchase this car. The pick up that the engine has is excellent.

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  350Z ROADSTER TO MUCH FUN - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By AL WARFORD - November 7 - 10:00 am

  WHAT A BLAST TO DRIVE!! PEOPLE LOVE THE WAY IT LOOKS BUT IT DRIVES BETTER!! VERY SOLID FEEL DOWN THE ROAD. TOP VERY EAST TO OPERATE. LOOKED AT A LOT OF OTHER CONVERTABLES AND THIS CAR FOR THE MONEY IS THE HANDS DOWN WINNER IN MY BOOK.

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  Mile per gallon not like Nissan stated 26/33 MPG - 2015 Nissan Rogue Select
  By levin2015 - November 6 - 6:35 am

  Bought Nissan 2015, model S in March2015, mileage 5,500. My girlfriend drove it from Freno, CA to Santa Ana CA costed the whole fuel tank with 250miles (to red mark) and car stated 20 miles to run out the fuel completely. I tested it 24.8 MPG on freeway. As advertising on Nissan website stated 26/33 MPG. We had dealer technicians tested twice came out with 26.2 MPG on freeway ONLY. Would anyone may share the experiences with the reality for cars and SUVs when most the manufacturers stated those figures, how exactly come along? Nissans representative said that Nissan didnt put out those MPG figures. Those came from the department of environment bla blah blah...

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  Problems with fuel sensor and bearings - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jim peck - November 6 - 4:33 am

  I too had a fuel sensor problem. Did not have to replace the entire fuel pump only the sensor. Now it vibrates at high speeds and I am being told it is the bearings. More later.

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  My beloved Maximus - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Ben - November 6 - 4:23 am

  My 99 Saturn SL recently decided to blow a head gasket. I decided it was a good time to get a new car. I did a lot of searching and just fell in love with the Maxima. It had everything I wanted plus more. I wanted to get a car that I could drive 150000+ miles. THis is the one! It has every option! I just love it! It doesnt get the best gas mileage, but hey, I am also a lead foot!

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  2011 Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By michelle65 - November 6 - 12:41 am

  I waited about 5 months to write this review based on the fact that the nostalgia of a new car can sometimes override the cold hard facts that come after that nostalgia wears off. I purchased my Juke after hurricane Irene totaled my Mazda 3 in flood waters. I was drawn to the unique styling and its AWD feature. I do truly still enjoy my Juke and I love the way it handles and its sporty little get up and go attitude.

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  2011 Frontier 4x4 with 50,000 miles - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By deerguy - November 5 - 8:39 pm

  I bought my 2011 Frontier in June of 2011 and traded my F150 in on it. The truck is driven for work on the highway a lot but also in the field from time to time. I just went over 50,000 miles on this truck and have had only 1 minor fault with it this past winter. Once I did the recommended service on the transmission (Auto) that cleared up as well. I find my truck very comfortable and easy to drive on the highway. I also use the 4x4 from time to time in the woods or afield. I have had no issues at all with that. The only complaints that I would have is the reduced bed size & the gas mileage could be a little better. I could have purchased the longer bed though.

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  Owned 2 Cross Cabs---Im 67" and am comfortable!! - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By Larry Yeisley - November 5 - 11:50 am

  Not for everyone. Fun to drive-- a tall mans sports car. Fun to drive, gets plenty of great, positive comments. Best vehicle I have owned. Definitely not a good vehicle for a young family with small children.

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  Retro-Modern - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By JR - November 5 - 6:23 am

  Eye catching, smooth riding, comfortable, amazing headroom and visibility, consistently over 31 mpg. Loads of cargo space, comfortably seats 5 adults. many features available as much higher priced cars.

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  the true SUV - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tedlyXE - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The best SUV Ive ever owned. It has its own spirit. Fun to drive good on gas, worth every penny. Much better choice than Toyota or Jeep. Two thumbs up !!!