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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  Finally, an affordable good truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Chris Christian - June 17 - 8:16 pm

  I should have gotten the power window and door locks otherwise it handles well at all speeds and even does off road fairly well. Its a mild suprise for $ vs. truck, then again its a Nissan. I Havent had it that long, but I expect to wring 150,000 to 200,000 out with proper maintenance and low dollars. John Christian

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  Sports Car Ride in a Minivan - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Richard Stair - June 17 - 11:23 am

  I test drove all four comparible models and then chose the Nissan Quest. I liked its sporty exterior styling, the tight sporty drive (I drove a Maxima right before it), the comfort and room. I thought I might find the placement of the gauges a little strange, but actually found that their placement gives you more road visability both day and night. the comfortable ride for passengers was also a plus. While the rear seat fold up is a little heavy, its not unmanageable. I also noticed that it is the quietest ride of the four. Amazingly, the Honda was the noisiest and the least fun to drive. The plastic parts listed as cons by Edmunds are not really a negative. they are easy to maintain and are very "wearable".

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  love my versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By barb2783 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought my versa 3.5 years ago & have put 100,000 miles on it. Get 30 to 32 miles per gallon on inner state. Things I like about the versa are its smooth ride, easy handling, & space. Feel like you are in a midsize car. Back seats fold down so theres alot of room for hauling things. Only expenses we have experienced are regular maintenance costs. Problems we have experienced are losing the wheel covers & low tire pressure stays on all the time. Remedied wheel cover problem by removing wheel covers ourselves. The plastic clips are cheap & break easily when not removed carefully. Havent lost a wheel cover since. Low tire pressure stays on even though tire pressure is correct. Love my versa

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  Very Disappointed - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By SBlaine - June 16 - 9:06 pm

  I was smitten with the Muranos good looks and equally good reputation. It hasnt lived up to my expectations. There is a rattling at the back of the vehicle (I think its the liftgate) that the dealer hasnt been able to fix in two tries. There is also a buzzing sound that comes from the center control stack of instruments. This makes my new car a constant source of annoyance. There was an electrical problem with a window that was fixed on my first repair visit. Id do anything to get out from under this car but it would be too expensive to do. Im also not pleased with my mileage, just barely 18 mpg for hiway and city driving (about 50-50). Dont get suckered in by the sharp looks!

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  the best vehicle I - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Jeff taff - June 16 - 4:43 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It has more space than friends with those other name brans suvs. Comfort is something I look for and it has it by far. For as big as this is the fuel mileage is pretty good.

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  fast and fun - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By Randon - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and very quick for what it is. It is a very reliable vehicle. No problem passing when needed as it is very responsive and quick.

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  still holding up! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By nissan driver - June 16 - 10:00 am

  tough little truck!. i have over 150,000 miles for a 2000 4dr. i had it since 0 miles . a main problem has always been the a/c system. i use it day and night go out of town alot and use it for lots of other things. a very shocking thing is when i had a head on collision the air bags did not deploy. but more shocking was the truck had no frame damage and it was repairable. fuel economy is not very well and the horse power is very poor. but handles like a car i love that stable control.the custom off road wheels really make the truck stand out. factory alarm is very poor quality. after k&n and custom exhaust it consums more gas and has about the same power.

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  IM IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By hweason - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive traded 3 Nissans (95 Altima, 98 Maxima andn 01 Maxima).. this car makes my 4th Nissan Vechicle. I fell in love all over again. Once I saw and drove the car I couldnt resist. The commercial about the car is very true.. "Everything has changed, Nothing has changed". The look of the car is very different.. It difinitely looks luxurious ..very roomy, stylish, comfortable, equipped.. However the performance is still as incredible as its always been (if not even better)!!!

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  2004 Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dan ziegler - June 16 - 10:00 am

  i have an Elite Package, Radient Ember 2004 Nissan Maxima, Auto, and Sunroof. LOVE THIS CAR... had a 1999 SE, glad i waited for the new model.

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  damn good truck - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By fourthgentexan - June 15 - 12:12 pm

  Ive owned trucks for thirty years. As a professional salesman requiring a truck I drove Fords, Chevys and even the pitiful Dodge. I prefer Toyotas, but for value you cant beat the frontier. It was 5k cheaper than the comparably equipped Toyota Tacoma. The tires that come on the Frontier are crap. They lasted about 22k, and were outright scary on wet pavement. After putting Michelin ATX tires on the truck I feel its among the best vehicles Ive had. Through the recent Ice storm in North Texas I never slid or had a problem getting where I wanted to go.