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:

• 

  CVT Unreal - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By stoppani - May 16 - 7:00 am

  Had other Maximas before but the 2007 has it all. If youve driven the 2004- 2006 Maxima a test drive in the 2007 will convince you to trade. Incredible acceleration and feel with the CVT. It has it all, looks, power, ability.

• 

  Vrooom - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mogulz - May 15 - 9:00 pm

  Our Altima is the best accommodation of sportiness with practicality. The 3.5SE hugs the corners, and is fun to drive but you do feel every crack in the pavement. The CVT is cool. 270bhp is great and probably more than the car needs. The mileage is very good as long as you do not use the engine. Disciplined cruising at 65 with no silly sprints, this car delivers 30 mph (if you believe the on board computer), but at 75 it is closer to 26. On a recent trip from NJ to MA, we did 515 miles on 20 gallons. The trip computer said we got 27.1mpg, but a calculator says 25.75. The premium package offers bluetooth which we like a lot. The Bose stereo is excellent. The seats are OK.

• 

  My Truck!!! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By laj - May 15 - 12:56 am

  Shes BIG, STRONG, and more than capable of doing what I need done! I tried them all to before leasing my next truck, Ford, Dodge, Chevy, GMC. You name it I tested it! Ive had my Titan a little over 5 months now, my oh my. I will admit it is a very thirsty truck, I spend a lot of time at the pumps but all things considered, I dont mind filling it up and going some more the truck just goes! I love it. I towed an 8,000lb trailer from Everett Wa. Down to San Diego Ca. in a little under 22 hours this truck tows like nothing else on earth!! Over mountain passes you name it who needs heavy duty? Fantastic job Nissan you now have a believer!!!

• 

  Love My Rogue -Trouble with Blind Spots - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Janr4719 - May 13 - 6:20 pm

  I love the way my Rogue handles. It rides smooth, you cant tell it is running because it runs so quietly. I actually tried to start it again. I like my Metallic Orange color because it is not easy to find. This is the only thing that kept me from taking Nissan up on their offer for a 2009.

• 

  Nice little/big ride - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By MarvinWv - May 13 - 8:43 am

  it is like a mini mini van. seats sit tall and there is all kinds of space.. if you also wish to get attention in a car this is the one.. it is like the VW of the 2000s. It also does well in the snow with the traction control device.. it is almost like having 4wd. packed full of safety features.. five star rated.. and for the money you cant beat it. My oldest boy has room in the back seat and he is 6ft (15yrs old) leg and head room.. no problem. try it you will like it.. oh and the modern transmission is something to get used to.. i keep waiting for it to change gears...it is a constraint change you never feel it.

• 

  Extremely Reliable - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bigjno - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this model because of its high ratings for reliability. I have not been disappointed. In 74,000 miles, the only thing ever to need repair was the cd player.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By O2raw - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Love it

• 

  Nice Car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By newdriver - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have 82K in less then 2 years. Very happy with the performnce and look.

• 

  Great SUV! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Whade - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2003 Xterra for 3months now. I haggled with the salesman and payed $24,600 for a Silver 4x4 SE, with floormats, and microcabin filter. The Xterra has adequate power, great features, and seems very durable. I have had no problems and have no complaints. The ride is very smooth in the Xterra as the wheels absorb any potholes or bumps you might hit rather well. Cabin noise is also very quiet.The instrument panel is well laid out an I especially like the radio controls on the steering wheel. The Xterra is a solid vehicle and provides a good view of the road. It also provides good acceleration and Im able to merge and pass traffic easily.

• 

  Great Auto - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Revd Dave - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a "homerun" of a vehicle! Strong power, great stereo system, nav system very precise, seats very comfortable, easy to program and drive. Ive driven a BMW 740iL for the last 3 years and while I do miss the power of 8 cylinders, this "machine" is great. The BMW X5 would have cost me nearly $12,000 more and I would have still had manual transmission at that! Way to go, Nissan!