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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  Feedback - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Aubrey - September 9 - 7:40 am

  Have owned my 2008 hatchback for almost 2 months. Drives great and lots of room. I trust Nissan and know they make excellent cars. So far there are 3 undesirable issues. One is that the wheels have very cheap hub caps. One of mine came flying off while I was driving. Its a piece of junk these covers! Also the cup holders are in a horrible location. I had to install a cup tray (from a conversion van) on the dash in the middle. And finally do not buy this car without the power option. A huge mistake. Power locks should be standard but they are not. You will regret it w/o the power package.

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  The Xtera is like a xxx movie (awsome) - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Jimmy Spencer - September 8 - 8:43 pm

  The xterra has an awsome powerplant with enough torque to pull my 3500 pound boat with ease.The gas mileage is that bad for 265 hp there is alot of suvs with alot less hp n torque that the xterra that get worse gas mileage. (Trust me I have owned 2 of them).

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  Great Little Car!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Dave - September 8 - 6:10 pm

  Ive driven the Fit, Scions, Focus, Corolla, Yaris and Civic and I have to say that I like the Versa the best. The Corolla, Yaris and Civic all are well made cars, but for me the Versa had the smoothest ride/acceleration (CVT) and best interior. The layout of the controls was top notch. Also you sit up higher in the seat so you have a better view of whats up ahead. The keyless feature seemed like no big deal at first, but when your hands are full, you dont need to fumble in your pockets for the key. Its a pretty neat feature. However, what people like is so personal to them that I think you need to drive all the aforementioned cars to decide what is right for you. Good luck!!

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  Why havent you bought it yet ? - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nick - September 8 - 6:03 pm

  Well i just traded in my 1993 Maxima and my 1998 altima for the 2001 pathfinder. I absolutly love the truck. The 4 wheel drive is excellent, the VQ35DE engine delivers the power i was looking for, and the auto tranny is smooth as glass. i had 255 tires on mine when i got it so i was pleased. The ride is supportive and the interior is roomy. Ergonomics is nice and interior parts are not cheap feeling.

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  I love it - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By impeach obama - September 8 - 10:50 am

  The car was bought brand new and I have not had many problems with it, the struts had to be replaced once but that was under warranty so there was no problem there. Other than that the car runs perfect except for a rattling type noise that I think might be the timing chain but thats only heard at really low speeds when the engine is straining to go up a hill, I had it looked at and replaced but it makes the same noise. The car has around 61k on it and runs like its brand new. It is very very fast and really quick, it handles exceptionally well and it drives like a sports car I absolutely love it and have fun every time I drive it. I would recommend this car to anyone. P. S get the nismo intake.

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  even better! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By sito - September 6 - 11:20 pm

  I bought the first Murano in 2003 an loved it. Decided to trade it for a new one with all the gadgets. Navigation system is wonderful, as well as DVD. The car is much quieter and feels more refined than the first model. That improves the fun of driving it, as long as you like quiet, comfortable cars. Would recommend it to anyone. By far the best SUV for the price!!!!

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  The vehicle Ive been waiting for. - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By pdking7 - September 6 - 6:17 pm

  I dont understand the lackluster power complaint in the review. The Rogue I drove had an Eco setting and a Sport setting. The reviewer must have had it in Eco because there was plenty of punch in the Sport. Overall, a very impressive vehicle. Very spacious and comfortable. Price per option was an impressive value and the design overall is classy and attractive. Ive been waiting for a vehicle like this and now I have it. And I dont regret a single thing.

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  Everything the 3.5SE was plus more - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Scott Thatcher - September 6 - 2:53 am

  The 05 SE-R is my third Nissan. Loved my 02 3.5SE Altima and 05 3.5SE Altima. Held value so well I could trade in 1-1.5 years and make cash on the deal. Handling, acceleration and braking are phenomenal. Styling outside is great, HID headlights and Bose standard are great additions to the 3.5SE. BIG rotors & brakes, nice forged wheels. Great interior space. Versatile lay down back seats. I consider American, Toyota, Honda and VW every time but I get the most bang for my buck with the Nissan Altimas. Nissan dealers have always been no hassle no haggle with me.

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  love it! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By julie - September 5 - 11:56 am

  My 2002 Ford Focus s/w literally broke down on a Saturday. After getting it running, I drove 27 miles north to look at the little car at the dealership. Have never owned a new car but this one was worth waiting for! Love: the ride, pickup, gas economy (32 mpg best). Only negative: poor lighting. I will love driving this car for years to come.

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  Nissian Sentra - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Michaelchops - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car for one person. or maybee two. I took it on a 3000 mile trip and it was fine. I also took for friends on a weekend trip for 600 miles and it was a bit small. Great car.