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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  Quality in the perfect sized truck. - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Derrick - March 8 - 1:03 am

  Purchased this truck to replace 00 Sonoma. The difference is night and day. The quality of build is fantastic. It is very sturdy and refined. The 4 cyl of course is not as fast as the 6, but I cruise effortlessly at 75-80 mph. I have driven it in the mountains of Arizona and it has plenty of power going uphill. This is complemented by the excellent handling and nicely geared transmission. I average about 24 mpg without the AC and 22 with. This truck is the perfect size as it provides realistic space for short term rear passengers without compromising the bed, and still fits in a standard garage.

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  Love my truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Derwood_Tom - March 7 - 5:16 am

  The kids are almost out of the house, and my wife encouraged me to replace my econo-box with a truck (had a pick- up until kid #3 arrived 17 yrs ago). Love this truck, right size for urban driving, but seats 5 if needed. Lots of power, but rides really well, remarkably easy to get into the seats, and takes turns at highway speeds like a sedan. Wish gas mileage was a bit better, averaging around 18 mpg. No complaints so far (first 2,000 miles).

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  exhaust dangerous problem - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Ripper - March 6 - 9:46 am

  If you are buying a 2007 Titan. Be SURE to go around to the right side of the truck where the tail pipe comes out under the fender, follow the tail pipe towards the muffler, INSPECT the first tail pipe clamp back from the muffler for security. This is the weekest part of the exhaust system, This clamp rusts and fails. When it does, the tail pipe will fall away leaving the muffler side tail pipe pointing directly straight up. If the truck is operated in this condition, the hot exhaust gasses will be directed onto the underside of the truck bed. The excess heat will melt and short out ALL wires going to tail lights ect of truck box.

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  Gas - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By JASON - March 6 - 4:13 am

  It handles very nicely i just wish it would get better gas mileage on the interstate. I travel with 3 kids 70 miles round trip so far i like it. Its roomy and comfy.

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  LOVE my Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jldono2 - March 6 - 2:43 am

  I have been driving a V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the last 6 years, and so far I love my Rogue. I was worried about a 4 cyl not having enough power, and this car has plenty of power passing, going up the mountains. So far I love my new Rogue!!

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  LOVE MY ROGUE - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By pgh1559 - March 5 - 6:08 pm

  I purchased my Rogue 3 weeks ago. I traded in a 2009 Altima on it. It is comfortable and fun to drive. I like sitting a little higher than in a car, it is very easy to get in and out of... I looked at and test drove the Equinox and 2012 CRV, though both of them had some better features than the Rogue, I went with the Rogue for looks and the keyless feature. I have only filled up my tank 2 times and the last fill up I got was 25.3 mpg and that is just around town, no highway driving, that is me figuring the mileage not the computer on the car. I would recommend the Rogue. I really love the car despite a few negatives of the Navi and Bluetooth.

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  3 QUESTS IN A ROW - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By QUEST FAN - March 5 - 10:26 am

  This is my third Quest. They have all been great vehicles. It even pulls my 21 foot bay boat very well. The kids love the entertainment system (our second) and my wife and I can now carry on a conversation without the kids talking.

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  1997 Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By winston1 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 4 Maximas, and Nissan continues to do a good job of building a quality comfortable, dependable car.

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  Crossover wins overall - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Snow Mo - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. It goes well in the snow, the engine is smooth and powerful accross the powerband. The stereo is great, but all factory systems could be improved upon and no matter where I go someone always asks me about this car.

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  Edmunds is wrong about the CVT - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By hts1190 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent total package, and the good thing is it doesnt look like all the other two-box SUVs. I dont know why Edmunds says the CVT saps power. This veh is very peppy; Car & Driver described the CVT as making the V-6 perform like a V-8 and I agree. Flawless fit & finish, everything works, handles well. In recent snows, AWD is seamless,ie, its there doing its intended thing without bringing attention to itself. No complaints at all.