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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  Nissan Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Bob418 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Car...interior needs an overhaul though...exterior is great smooth acceleration great car!!!

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  Just a comment - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Targetseeker - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 17 miles back in September and I consider myself to be an agressive driver. I also put a lot of mileage on this car as I am already at 11,900 miles a week short from 6 months. The car is awesome and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. It response quickly and no Civic, V6 Mustang or any other car in its class can come close on the highway. There is a downfall though. All this fun vanishes when it rains. I give the Continentals a zero if I had to rate their performance in the rain. The car simply does not stop on wet pavement and skates on the white lines in front of the traffic lights.

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  love my cube!!!!! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By janzoo - July 16 - 5:43 am

  Back in October I was given the cube to drive while husbands car being serviced. When I looked at it I said, "You have got to be kidding!" Well, after driving it for 36 hours - I was in love! Traded in my 3 year old Civic and have not regretted it once. This car makes you happy! Fun, kwirky, economical and smart - this is an under-sung great little but roomy car! Also, it was a real champ in the snow this past winter. Am thrilled with my gas mileage as well. I average between no less then 31 mpg and up to 35mpg - which did seem to increase after the 3,000 mile mark. In my 40 some years of driving I have never loved a car. I do now.

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  Love it - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ilsponge - July 15 - 7:56 pm

  Compared this and being a loyal Honda fan (we have 3) I defected. The crash test rating, mileage, and this car will be my work car until I retire had a huge impact on my decision. This car rides better than the reviews and the room is the same as my first Accord (86). Great sound system and hindsight tells me to add the alloy wheels. But this is a commuter car. I will say the review from the person rolling the vehicle was very huge in my decision. Great value!

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  Great Craftmanship - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By hhcroftt - July 15 - 7:56 am

  I really enjoys driving it. It feel like a Sport and Work Truck all in one.

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  Great - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By rupeycakes - July 14 - 1:53 pm

  I am very thrilled to be the new owner of the 2009 Nissan Rogue. It has a super slick exterior look. Although the interior could use some spice. Really miss the extra storage spaces that my old car had. I upgraded to the leather seats and highly recommend it. It is fun to drive very similar to my old car as far as how it handles. Very quiet and good gas mileage. The back window could be larger to help with vision, however the side mirrors are a good size, so I just need to get used to using my mirrors more. Overall great car and highly recommend it!

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  very reliable SUV - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By na - July 12 - 11:10 am

  Very reliable SUV that can tow 3000lbs without concern. Its limit is 5000, but thats pushing this engine to its max. Very nice ride that gets about 20+ with mostly hwy driving. Comfortable on long trips and 4WD is great for the snow or dirt.

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  Titan is best truck on market - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Matt13ISU - July 11 - 7:33 pm

  Best vehicle I have owned. Love to drive my Titan. Really turns a lot of heads. Tons of power, tows excellent. Comfortable to drive long distances.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mainecamrydriver - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Its a blast to drive everyday. It will get up and go when you want it to but is also a nice ride when youre taking it easy. Ive been impressed with the power and like the smaller size for getting in and out of tight spaces around town. Its also performed well in rough weather. Ive towed a number of trailers with it and it will maintain 75 mph on the highway while towing a good load. What can I say, Its great!

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  I love the Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Taller - July 11 - 10:00 am

  The Pathfinder rides like a car. I absolutely love it. The BOSE stereo sounds great. Its got plenty of pick up and looks good on the road. The automatic controls on the steering wheel for cruise and for the stereo are easy to use and conveniently located. By far the best car Ive ever owned.