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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  Dual Sun Roof Disaster - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By sbottari - February 17 - 6:01 am

  Nothing but problems with my 2011 dual sun (or moon) roof. Last summer car was brand new and in the shop of a month. Well summer is here again and the car is back in the shop. Im not sure if its the tracks that have a problem when they get heated by the sun but I feel like I got a real lemon. Everything including the roof lining interior has already been replaced once. Here we go again ;-(

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  Fronty drives fine - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By DGrenier - February 17 - 5:03 am

  Plenty of power. Drives very smooth. Wife loves the truck (its her driver). Does a very comfortable 80 mph. Quiet inside. Stereo rocks (RockyFos). Leather interior seats.

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  Perfect Size, Great MPG, Great price - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By EricS - February 17 - 1:16 am

  Had the car for two months now with 4000 miles on it. I am getting 27-28 mpg with 50% stop and go, 50% highway. Still cannot wait each time to get in and drive it. The engine is quite peppy for a 4 cylinder. The center console and glove box are cavernous. Sound system is adequate but dont get the premium package just for the Bose sound. Not worth it. Love the steering wheel controls and 6 CD changer and AUX audio jack. Styling is much better than a CRV or RAV4. Nissan engineers did great with the fit and finish of the car as well as user errors such as turning off all int./ext. lights after 5 minutes if accidentally left on.

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  Chris Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Chris Carrino - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had the fully loaded V6 SE altima for about 8 months now & not only do I absolutely love it. but i have gotten so many compliments on the car on a regular basis. With the BOSE 8 speaker 6 CD Indash changer & the power & outstanding handling of the car. i have never had a car that is so much fun to drive

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  Real Step Up - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By #3 maxima - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Maxima (I lease a new one every three years) and the SL is such a step up from my loaded 2000 GLE, it feels like I moved up to the power and performance I would expect from a $50,000 car. Sticker Price- $31,900. People stop and look and ask questions. Quiet, fast and luxurious..

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  Nissan Kicks some Major Ass! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Clark Kent - February 15 - 10:00 am

  265 Horsepower Motor Excellent Handling Fantastic Luxury Drives like a Dream Come True! Good Job Nissan.

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  King of the hill - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Adam13 - February 14 - 7:10 pm

  After 35 years of MB ownership it was time for my first CUV. Did much research and was drawn to the class leaders, RAV4, CR-V, Outlander, Escape, Forester and Vue. In my opinion the Nissan Rogue trumps them all. Style - no spare hanging off the rear. Ride - firm yet compliant, smooth and comfortable. Engine - smooth as a babys bottom. Power - more than enough for the job. Economy - averaging 23 mpg. Build quality - flawless. Interior - intuitive, understated luxury. If you believe that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts than I urge you to test drive this vehicle before making a decision. This is the new king of the hill!

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  2006 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By rvjr1 - February 13 - 9:33 pm

  This vehicle is a dream machine it has not given me one once of trouble and has a lot of pep, it is very good on gas for a 6 cylinder.

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  Good Buy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Tom - February 13 - 1:10 pm

  What can I say, I have 7,500 miles on my Altima 2.5S. On a recent trip to Montreal I averaged 36 MPG highway at a steady 60 mph. Needless to say I was very happy on my return tip at 65 mph I averaged 32 mpg. Both trips where done on cruse control and the weather conditions favorable. I expect my city mpg to improve. This is a good for dollar vehicle far more stylish than Accord and Camry. Buy an Altima.

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  a pocket rocket for a low price - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Gonzalo - February 13 - 12:00 pm

  The nissan sentra se-r spec v, is an easy vehicle to maintain, all you need to do is keep up the usual maintenance and the spec v will be very reliable. the spec v does have alot of torque steer but you get used to it after awhile. the suspension setup in the spec v is ready for auto x, when you toss the spec v around the corners at higher speeds the spec v feels like its right at home. when you want to pass someone on the freeway it could be done in fifth gear without any problems. where else can you find 175hp, 180ft/tq with a helical limited slip differential, 6 speed manual transmission, auto x ready suspension and a fun car to drive for less that 20 thousand dollars.