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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  Love my maxima - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By tucker - February 6 - 2:06 am

  I own a 2008 maxima se. This is my second maxima, I had a 2001 and traded it. I love the comfort the style and I always get a nice comment on my maxima. I will have this maxima for a long time I finally got the loaded one.

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  Lovin It - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - February 5 - 9:26 pm

  Bought my Crew Cab in May, 05. Almost 11,000 miles now & still love it. Everything I wanted in a small pickup. Couldnt touch the Toyota (Price) and am now glad I didnt. Rides like a car on the highway. Roomy & confortable. Love that 4.0 liter V6. Strong and smooth. Pulls along in 6th gear at 75 mph around 2100 rpm. This is my 20 year vehicle.

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  Very impressed - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By iwidisky1 - February 5 - 7:13 pm

  I have been a Lincoln Town Car owner for over 30 years. When Lincoln discontinued the Town Car I was very dissapointed, and did not like the newer Lincolns. I leased an Altima 2013 S for my Wife, and was very impressed by the ride and the gps, and the ride. She gave up a Lincoln sl 2005. I decided to get one for myself, and traded a Lincoln Town car 2007. Best move I ever made. The Altima 2013 SV that I now own is amazing I took a trip from Florida to Mass. and back and used a little less than five tanks of gas. The ride was as good as the Lincoln and half the cost. Great car have no complaints. Want a good car buy this one.

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  Another Prior Tacoma Owner - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By mc929 - February 4 - 11:10 pm

  I owned a 2008 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 TRD Crew Cab and feel that the Frontier overall is notably better than the Tacoma. My Tacoma was a six speed manual and the best fuel economy I observed was eighteen. I have consistently got better than nineteen out of the Frontier and have gotten as good as twenty one mpg around town. I think the ride quality on the Nissan is vastly better and the cabin is notably quieter than the Tacoma. I think the power from the Nissan is better as well. However, turning radius as well as ground clearance and approach and departure angles I believe were much better on the Tacoma. Build quality on the Frontier also seems to be top notch. Reliability a non issue.

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  bad truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mark k - February 4 - 7:20 pm

  my nissan is extremely powerful..plenty of room for the family and tows my 20 foot boat extremely easily. for the price and the name nissan! this truck cant be beat

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  PERFECT CAR - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By miguel13 - February 4 - 7:06 pm

  Sheehy nissan manassas sold me a new juke perfect car AWD good in gas power everything wath i need in one car

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  2001 Altima SE - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By John - February 4 - 2:10 pm

  This car does everything well. It is quick, responsive, economical to own and operate, with excellent brakes and handling.

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  WOW - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Jack - February 4 - 9:36 am

  Just bought it. The car drives beautifully. Loving the design exterior and interior. Lots of room in the back. Been using it to move lots of stuff. Can also keep track of gas mileage constantly.

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  So far so good - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By PM in So Cal - February 3 - 7:30 am

  Purchased the car in 4/08. We were an all V8 family and have adjusted well to the 1.8L. The car is fun to drive and carts our group of 4-5 around effortlessly, w/the AC on. Power is good, although engine gets a bit "wound up" on heavy acceleration. Engine calms down when you get to freeway speed. Getting 20-28 MPG combined (I have a heavy foot). Interior space is very good, even for those tall people riding in the back. Sport Package dressed up the car nice. Well built and tight. Held up well to an 18 wheeler slamming into the drivers side on the freeway. We are very satisfied thus far. Compared to the other econo-models out there, much more car for the $$. Would recommend.

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  Performance SUV - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By soccermom - February 2 - 9:50 pm

  With three growing boys and many weekend road trips, we really appreciate the roominess and power. They are all headed toward six feet tall and have no complaints. Also, the side curtain airbags give me peace of mind. My husband loves the horsepower, and sometimes leaves his BMW in the garage. The acceleration, even fully loaded and uphill, is very responsive and satisfying. I understand the average gas mileage (18.8) is good for an SUV. I chose the Murano over the Lexus because of the better gas mileage, better turning radius, sportier ride, and much lower price.