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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  Sturdy, Reliable SUV - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Hiker / Camper - March 13 - 8:30 am

  Just returned from a 3-week Colorado vacation. The S Trim XTerra performed admirably and was a pleasure to drive. Handled easy back roads with some rocks, pot holes, ruts and washboarding well -- was reluctant to try anything seriously challenging due to inexperience. Best gas mileage was 26 mpg. Mileage varies depending on driving technique, etc. Best to have a "light foot" on the accelerator. Had to replace in-cabin air filter upon return -- very dirty from dust. Since purchasing, have added skid plates, fog lamps and wind deflectors. Good investments. Happy XTerra owner.

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  Everything I wanted - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By versaslowner - March 13 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car to replace my two door Honda Civic. So far it is spacious, fun to drive, and everything I was hoping for. Im not sure yet on the bas mileage, but it seems to be what I expected. Front seat has plenty of room. The keyless ignition and other features on the premium package are awesome!

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  very satisfied - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack ingram - March 13 - 4:42 am

  I luv this car couldnt have asked for one better! I picked this car over a 2016 Hyundai Genesis way more features on it!!

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  fun ride - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By jerros - March 13 - 3:40 am

  I just got my 350Z,black convertible and Im very happy with it. It is very fun to drive and very good looking. I like how it handles. And the taking the top up and down is fully automatic and it only takes about 20 secs. awesome......

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  Best sports car in its class. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Zcarnut - March 12 - 8:53 pm

  This is my 7th Z car and the first I could AFFORD to buy new (I was too young to afford the $45k for a Twin Turbo in the early/mid 90s). The power is great,excellent handling,shifts nice,very good brakes and a decent ride for the type car it is.Interior quietness is good but you get some tire noise on certain roads.The stereo is mediocre at best.Even the pricer Bose system in Touring models is a letdown. Great car to get next to Lancer Evos,RX8s and S2000s with.The fantastic lowend repsonse assures many stoplight victories compared to most of its competitors requiring high RPM clutch drops. The Enthusiast model is the best value IMO. So much more value than the pricer Euro sports cars.

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  I miss my Maxima! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By naf - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My dream car! It was a great car until a fire destroyed it. I loved the way it felt at high speeds on the high way. Excellent accleration. Pretty good gas mileage. I will buy one again!

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  Nice auto if you can afford gas - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jeff Reddy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  If you read the owners manual, you will see that Premium fuel is defined by the Octane rating. The Premium fuel it recommends is usually the middle grade at most gas stations. This is important to know as my Pathfinder averages only 14.5 mpg. Thats my only complaint though, so overall Im happy.

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  Excellent Value - Quality Rig - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jack Jones - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Looked at 4-Runner and Liberty - Pathfinder was hands down winner for VALUE. Engine is VERY peppy - rig really moves for a 4400 lb vehicle. Have thus far driven on numerous bumpy dirt roads. I have not heard one single pop, rattle, or vibration. Rig is very solid and tight! Surprisingly quiet on highway.

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  FUN FUN FUN !!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By magnum - March 12 - 2:00 am

  A fun car, I bought the car loaded except for the special headlight and wood interior and fin. Its worth test driving even if your looking at a higher end car such as a 3 series BMW, acura TL and, a lot better than any volkswagon. A lot of POWER. I have had the car a year and it still give me chills when I am on the highway at 70 and I press on the gas (watch out for the person in front of you). I am also a person that does not like rattles within the car, and this car I dont hear any. Very well built very sound.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By rtuttle - March 12 - 2:00 am

  First rate in every respect. Powerful, quick response, great road control. Roomy and comfortable. Great safety features. And, gets looks!