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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  I Miss my Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By lkt82961 - May 1 - 10:07 am

  I bought my Sentra new in 2003. It was a great car, but since I live in the north, I found out the first winter that it needed snow tires, and after getting those it was a great winter car. I live in a town with steep hills so great traction is really important. Although the car rode a little low, it never got stuck in snow. The cluster that controls the gauges failed in about the 5th year, and luckily my extended warranty covered it. I recently traded it for a very low mile 2007 Toyota Corolla and regret it so far. The Toyota has horrible road noise and handling. I am going to replace the tires and hope that helps.

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  Super Big Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By stanley e. brown - May 1 - 8:46 am

  The workmanship and quality of my 2004 Titan pickup is superb. It is by far the best truck that I have owned. I have owned 20 trucks so far in my life and I am 73 years old. I drive it up the mountain to our cabin every week end and it performs very well up and down. My mileage is nearly 16 miles per gallon in the city. That is using the air and regular gas. The performance on the Hiway is excellent and get nearly 23 mpg, traveling 70-75 mph using the AC. It has a very comfortable ride, even on long trips. Plenty of storage room for luggage and supplies when we go up to our cabin in the mtns. (7000 feet) Good performance in the cool weather, even when there is snow on the road.

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  My Best Truck So Far - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Norm - May 1 - 7:40 am

  This is my third truck to own and first Nissan after having a Ford and Chevy. I love the truck. The engine sounds a bit loud on accerations, but I quickly got used to it and no long notice it. Driving is a lot smoother than the Ford truck I test drove. The captains chairs kind of wrap around you and are very comfortable on a long drive. City mileage is only 14 mpg, but it is a truck. The only problem I have had was with the brakes. I was expecting this after reading the other reviews. Nissan came thru, by "upgrading" the brakes and giving me a 3 year/36000 mile warranty on them. The Big Tow Package I got is a good option if you pull a trailer.

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  Very Pleased, so far - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Brad - April 30 - 10:20 pm

  I switched from the Murano (which I loved)to the Altima, due to gas prices. I avg.30.5 per gal. and cant believe how far I can go on a full tank. I do miss the storage room, although its generally good. The nav stinks compared to a Garmin at a fraction of the price. The design of the black console is just ok. On long drives my leg leans against the center console and becomes uncomfortable. Generally though, its a nice drive. The car should have a rear wiper.It does have a Great sound system.

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  Sweet - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By JHH - April 30 - 6:06 pm

  I bought my 2000 Nissan Frontier with 60,000 miles on it. It runs like new and is reliable. It looks great and is really fun to drive.

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  Nissan Quest by DBW - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By David Whiteman - April 30 - 9:20 am

  Great van. Dont understand some criticisms on brakes, 33,000 miles and they just now need changing. The Goodyear LSs, JUNK, 33,000 miles and have to be replaced at over $105.00/tire. Nissan design engineers, fire the suspension guys, picked odd size tire 225/65/16 only manufacturer - Goodyear LSs, had to go to a 235/60/16 for more choices. Wont buy the LSs again. Bad design/marketing by Nissan, dont design with single manufacurer odd size tires. Ride, comfort, mileage all aces. Had two Windstars, they were primitive compared to this Quest. Love Nissans backing door problems on early models. Nissan needs to pay attention to dealer service network. Real turn off with lousy dealer service.

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  dissappointed with nissan - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By tinamarie - April 30 - 8:33 am

  Loved the bright yellow color of this sporty suv. Boy was I dissappointed when the radio display malfunctioned at 15000 miles. I was even more dissappointed when the air condition went out completely. We live in Florida so air is a must and the compressor is pricey and should not have went out on a nissan so new. going to trade this on a RELIABLE toyota.

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  Not recommended - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By mackyd - April 30 - 4:27 am

  Ive been living with my Altima 2.5 Sedan for over a year now and I will never have another. I can only describe it as a car for people who dont like driving. Dangerously underpowered, the most uncomfortable front seats Ive ever encountered in a modern vehicle, many rattles and squeaks from the interior and exterior, very prone to understeer due to the poor weight distribution, I find the CVT annoying, the - augmented by limited windshield wiper coverage - blind spot at the drivers A pillar is terrible. The trunk hinges are the invasive kind which is unacceptable to me. There is no mechanical key hole for the trunk. I have many more complaints about it but no room to include them all.

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  I got the Box, He got the Cube! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Skiekitty - April 29 - 11:26 pm

  We own an 06 Scion xB and when it was time to replace my car, we got the Cube. I wanted a Silver KROM, but the dealership (who was very unhelpful) couldnt (wouldnt) get a silver, so we got the black. I love it! Its so fun to drive, even though the transmission is a bit strange. Sound system is awesome, love the interior LED lighting, cubbyholes everywhere; the glove box is a bottomless pit! Were not in the "target age" they were going for when Nissan brought this car over, but who cares, *were* the ones with the money! If youre tall or big, DEFINITELY GET THIS CAR! DH is 64, Im 6 and we fit great! Love it!

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  Frontier XE - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By jeff - April 29 - 11:00 pm

  I have owned an 03,an 05 and an 07. All 3 were XEs. My 07 is a 4 cyl, 5 speed manual. This truck is by far the best ever. Rides like a real truck (full frame), pulls hills just fine.The 5 speed manual is perfect for this. anyone who has taken a trip with me complements the ride. Nissan has raised the bar. A 23mph average truck that can haul 1500 lbs up hills. You will not go wrong purchasing the truck.