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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  Awesome Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By azjimbo - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th Z I have owned and have loved every one.My last Z was a 1990 300Zx and I thought that car turned heads.It is amazing the looks you get in this car.The 1st day I purchased the car people stooped me to look at the car.The 1st time I washed the car 4 people came and looked at the car.When you add up price,performance,handling and styling I believe the Z takes a back seat to no car on the road.It is the best bang for the buck.

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  Great truck for the money - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike Warren - August 17 - 3:53 am

  The Frontier is a roomy, powerful mid- size 4x4 truck. It will seat five comfortably, has a decent sound system and smooth ride. Like most pick-ups you have to pay attention driving in bad weather. Im averaging about 15 mpg (with a six speed). A good truck for the money

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  The Real Thing - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By RealWorld - August 17 - 3:43 am

  Took this car on a 1,700 mile road trip shortly after purchasing. It was comfortable, great gas mileage, and so quiet. Love the bluetooth, keyless ignition, and the overall drive. Havent had any problems with this car. Every time I drive it I think about what a great choice I made between all the cars I was looking at. No regrets!

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  I Love it - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Nismo - August 17 - 3:13 am

  Ive only had the truck for about 2 weeks, but its really fun to drive and has a lot of power. It has nice features and seems to be very well built and rugged.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Denny - August 17 - 1:03 am

  Purchased new in 2001. No mechanical problems ever. Body/finish still great. All scheduled maintenance completed. Vehicle washed and waxed on a regular basis. Only problem was the Toyo tires that lasted only 30K. Otherwise this has been an extremely dependable vehicle and a joy to own and drive. Would consider another Nissan for sure.

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  Excellent Choice - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Roguelover - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I was trying to buy a CR-V / RAV4 and was not able to get a good deal, so in frustration, went to see the rogue. After test driving it, i was really glad i came to the Nissan dealer. It drove great, looked great, was extremely smooth and quite and the best part, was much cheaper than a similar crv/rav4. After owning a SL with premium package and sunroof, i am glad i purchased. We just love this vehicle, its smooth drive. It averages around 26 - 27 mpg. Great features. Wish it had more trunk space though. Overall, great vehicle

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  Rattling Noise - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Rattling Noise - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I had my 2008 Rogue SL AWD - best value with all the amenities - leather seats, bluetooth, XM radio, however from Day 1 they cannot seem to get rid of the "Rattling" noise under the drivers seat. I was told it is the CVT. They have changed the transmission at Warranty costs. I have received a Nissan memo that they have found a fix. Took my car 4x to dealership but still no fix. I am about ready to swap with 2010 model. Will stick with Rogue because I love it.

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  So nice but, an important detail - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By GioP - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The car has performed very well since I bought it brand new in 2008, except for the brakes which Ive reported in all my service visits, 4 in total from north Texas dealers until the last one in north California. Brakes do have a sound like scraping metal but dealers havent been able to fix it.

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  Best truck I had ever owned - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ROBERT HODGSON - August 15 - 9:40 am

  My experience with this truck so far has been good,Problems found so far is the front passenger window will not go up if it is all the way down,and the front brake rotors had to be turned down.all is fixed and runs and performs outstanding.I had loaded this truck with so much fire wood and it did not even get me a problem with a heavy load,the truck did not even sag one bit. The gass mileage is not bad at all for the style of truck--I get 20 mpg highway 16 city-if you are heavy on the peddle expect 13mpg city or lower!!

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  Right car for smart ppl - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By DeeTee - August 14 - 4:10 pm

  Well I didnt actually purchase it, though if I had money for the downpayment, I would have taken it right then and there. I test drove it, although I would prefer the SL trim level, but they didnt have it yet. The ride, very comfortable, very smoothe, and enjoyable. When you see it in person, it is really strange, it looks so small, like a rock or a toaster with wheels, but CAVERNOUS inside. I really hope I can purchase it.