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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  Greeeeeat Pickup - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By jack - May 19 - 3:06 pm

  I have had my Titan for over two years with little or no problems. It looks great, runs great, fun to drive and has all the creature comforts. Has great power on and off road, mileage varies according to pedal pressure :o) but if I use cruise it is decent on highway. I have gotten over 20 on one trip, I attribute that to the bed cap, using synthetic oil. It tows great. It is a terrific truck

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  Awesome - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - May 19 - 7:33 am

  My last truck was a 94 dodge ram 1500, this thing so rocks compared to my old dodge, I cant believe I have waited so long to get a new truck. Acceleration past 60 is very good. I opened it up on the highway and was at 100 with out even straining the engine. Feels like it was made for me. What more can I say. I have no complaints, rides and drives great. Fuel consumption is not so good, but hey, its a truck...

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  05 Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jd9281 - May 18 - 10:30 pm

  Drove Chevy trucks for over 20 years; they cant match this for cost/benefit. If Nissan built these in quantity, theyd sell better than Toyota and ALL domestic manufacturers (similar features at $1,000s less). Better tow rating than Chevy or Dodge, better mileage, very comfortable, all controls within reach of the driver. Absolutely love it.

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  Just reach 160K Running great - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Juve - May 18 - 12:07 pm

  i had gotten car at 35k in 08, havent given me any issues since then. just a week ago reaching 160 replaced all shock and shruts since mine was worn out. Also had water pump replaced with spark plugs. besides those major stuff, car has been performing great and still gives great mileage. havent had transmission or timing chain issue. i fell this car can go another 100k easily. cant complain on this car, if very spacious inside and a good size trunk. i prefer this over the recent altimas out

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  2009 Maxima SV Premium PKG NAV - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By KVH - May 17 - 4:03 pm

  We purchased this 2009 Maxima SV on 8-1- 2008 with Premium PKG, Navigation every option available Winter Frost, double sunroof. This is the best driving and handling car we have owned. It will get 27 MPG avg mostly interstate driving at 75 mph. We get lots of compliments about the looks. We have not had a problem at all. A lot of equipment for the money. Very satisfied.

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  Excellent economy car!! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By 1973vw - May 17 - 4:27 am

  Where to begin with the Versa. For $10,990 its one of the best values Ive ever seen. The interior is exceptionally roomy for a small car. Honestly it has as much room as a full size car. The trunk is huge! It has decent power for climbing and accelerating but gets well over 50mpg on the highway. Good quality all around. Awesome car. Buying one was the best decision Ive made in a while.

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  Frontiers Amazing - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Ballistics - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I have always had Toyotas, I thought Id try Nissan. The Nissan feels heavier, but has better center of gravity feelilng. Has outstanding noise supression cab. In WV, running 70 up hills in 5th gear feels good! I had to drive 3 hours in 4WD in near white-out snow, the vehicle was very stable and reliable, rarely broke traction and handled well. My only disappointment is the consistent 15-17 mpg. However, considering all the other pluses I have no regrets. Frontier delivers on demand every time.

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  Nice and peppy - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By John L. - May 17 - 2:00 am

  After four years driving GXE98 model I got another Maxima SE 03. GXE98 ,very good car, perfect reliability, well build car. New SE 03, with titanium package make me happy, very fast, smooth ride with sporty suspension, well design interior with many useful features. Perfect choice for sporty family car.

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  Cant Beat it for the Money! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By briggzay - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Having recently worked my butt out of debt, i had determined to buy a sensible car that would be reasonably- priced, and reasonably sporty/outfitted with a few niceties. Though i love to drive good cars, they are a horrible investments, and i didnt want to go back into debt just to own one. In my shopping, I limited myself to an $18,000 max pricetag, which i was sure would land me in a sensible, boring, reliable small car. Boy was i wrong! After one drive of the SpecV, i was amazed at the amazingly solid handling, very peppy acceleration, and nicely-designed interior. All for under $18,000!

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  Rocket - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By rudepuppy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Best engine of all v-6 in production ANYWHERE. Blows away newer camrys and accords. New accord has smoother ride but balky transmission. New camry is a gramma car, toyota engine troubles on older cams and siennas has soured me on toyota.