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:

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By josh83 - September 18 - 1:31 am

  I bought my Altima new in 1999, and it now has 240,000 miles. Cranks first time every time, engine still strong, transmission still shifts smoothly. I still love my Altima!

• 

  I like it - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By mark walker - September 17 - 6:20 pm

  So far Ive given my goth grey a good work out. It handled unimproved dirt roads like a champ, across boulder strewn creeks in the high desert foothills of Arizona to ten inch deep sand beaches in Mexico. The awd worked effortlessly. If you dont look at the rpm gauge it acts no differently than any other car in cruise or passing at highway speeds. Ill try it out next at the 6-7000 foot elevations in the northern part of the state this summer. My first fuel check with mixed driving conditions yieled 26.7 mph.

• 

  We love this car! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By trbojnky - September 17 - 3:33 pm

  We bought a 2010 Ocean Grey SV loaded with all the options. We love this car! We looked at many other cars and kept coming back to the Maxima. It is not a sports car, but its more than fast enough for a family sedan. This car is a blast to drive! The nav works great and the XM radio is awesome to have. This color is stunning on this car, its gray with a blue undertone. Our dealer (McCarthy Nissan) was an absolute pleasure to deal with! We look forward to many great years with this car.

• 

  Nissans best kept secret - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Al - September 17 - 7:30 am

  I was in the market for a small SUV. I was first considering a CRV and even though I heard about the Rogue, I didnt think much about it until I saw an ad from Nissan, so I decided to test drive one. Im glad I did. I was so impressed that I purchased it immediately. Exterior is appealing... sort of like a baby Murano, interior is nicely laid out, very comfortable, the fit and finish superb. Since I live in South Florida and do mostly highway driving, I chose the FWD model. Handling and cornering are excellent, and acceleration is surprisingly good for a 4-cyl. through the CVT. Most impressive is how quiet and "solid" the vehicle is at 70mph.

• 

  Fabulous vehicle! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By texlass63 - September 17 - 4:16 am

  I love this vehicle!!! I had a 2014 Honda CRV for a week and traded it in for the 2014 Rogue and am so happy now! I havent finished mstering all of the buttons and commands yet but will have it shortly. The ride is very comfortable and dont hear any engine strain at all when accelerating. Havent determined yet what the actual gas mileage is but will update later on. All of the features are great and it is SO comfortable to drive If the warning beeps get to be annoying I can and will shut them off, but for now not so bad. This vehicle should be, and hopefully will be soon, #1 in its class. Just wish the auto dimming mirror came standard.

• 

  Love it!!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By keith & tammy - September 17 - 12:33 am

  We searched around looking for the best, most fuel economy car, but that has style and class. We ended up zeroing in on the new 2007 Sentra. The car is just awesome. We have the S with all the upgrades including the CVT and intelligent key. Never realized how much we like the intelligent key as we never have to take my keys out of our pockets to open, start or lock the vehicle. We also love the Rockford Fosgate stereo system. Its a very quiet car inside - no rattles, road noise, just a fantastic vehicle. You definitely should give this vehicle a "serious" look. Totally redesigned!

• 

  GREAT CAR - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By TUFEEK - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought used (2 years old). Has been a pleasure to own and drive.

• 

  Pathfinders for life - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BossMan - September 16 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV experience has been a excellent one thanks to my Pathfinder. Good feel and feedback on the road as long as tires are properly balanced. Great cabin appointments including leather. Front seat could be a tad larger for my liking. No problems with rear seat fold down as suggested by Edmunds; and rear seat has ample room. Love the Bose stereo too. Rear springs could be a little stiffer for carrying loads.

• 

  k - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hamp13 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Third row would be a plus. only downfall of the vehicle. much more power than my 99se 3.0...second pathfinder in 5 years... that is statment enough

• 

  Personal Experience - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BigDawg - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Big, Powerful, Roomy (I am 320 lbs @65") stylish, affordable, reliable, fun to drive, great service after sale, all the right bells and whistles, corners well and "feels the road." Worth looking at and test driving if you are in the $30,000 to $34,000 range and know you are buying from a reputable dealer. This bad boy is HOT and bigger that the Sequoya, Tahoe and Expedition but a littler smaller than the Surbaban. Check this one out. I did and bought it.