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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  my car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By A Dawg - May 11 - 2:00 am

  very nice car to drive and own. Highly recommended for everybody who wants a highly dependable vehicle.

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  first 10 days - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Art Alvarez - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I drove a GMC Suburban for 3 years, and was ready to buy a Sequoia, when I stopped at a Nissan dealer and drove the Armada. The no pressure approach by the dealer, the incredible ride and performance of the Armada and a great price with all the extras makes made me buy this vehicle, which is a delight to drive. I am very much satisfied with the Armada.

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  Nissan Pathfinder Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ArmadaLover - May 11 - 2:00 am

  We are very pleased with this vehicle. It is unique and fun to drive.

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  Nissan Altima 3.5 Se V6 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Nicole Leuluai - May 11 - 2:00 am

  The dealership was awesome, very friendly and did not push us. Test drived two vehicles and both drove great. Very impressed with the altima. Found it very competitive with the honda accord but overall we were more impressed with the altima. Because it had more inside space, better body style and more affordable.

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  Sold my vette for this - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Lennie2step - May 10 - 11:56 pm

  First test drive sold me on this truck. Beautiful ride, looks great and great on the beach. What took me so long to purchase a pickup. Looked for two weeks at all makes and models, the Frontier was by all means the best for the value.

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  Hybrid Review - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By AFM - May 10 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased the car expecting around 35 mpg. I am at 700 miles and havent gotten better than 26- 29 mpg. I have to drive for a couple of miles before the ev mode engages. I can even be at a stop and it wont kick in. I expected the ev mode to be on more. It seems the gas engine is always on. I drive 4 miles to work all city driving. I am over half way there before the ev mode comes on. I would have never purchased the car if i am going to get 26-29 mpg especially at this pricepoint.

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  Nissan Driven - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By drew-be-do-be-doo - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I must say that I was not thrilled with the 95-99 designs of the Pathfinder. But that all changed when I saw the 02 LE. Wow! DVD in the back seat and Navigation System up front - this is a deal worth having! Keep in mind that the 03 will not have Navigation offered - you must go with the QX4 to get that! So it seems to be an impossible deal to pass up. 3.9 financing and a powerful 3.5l engine, smooth car like ride and rich leather interior. Why pay 10k more for the Acura when you can have the same with a Nissan? Run and get this now! When the 02s are gone, there will be no more GPS in the pathfinders!!!

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  Best of both worlds - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By alexg1268 - May 9 - 10:36 pm

  The Nissan Versa gives near-SUV interior room along w/ subcompact fuel economy. The engine has good power. Trunk space is excellent. The hatchback version of the car has a very attractive exterior styling. Many of my friends give wanting glances to my beautiful little car. Ive had the auto for sixteen months now. With 28000 miles, its giving me 28 mpg. Considering this car is one of the three cheapest on the market, Im an enormously satisfied customer.

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  The Z gets it right - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By cooper1970 - May 8 - 6:33 am

  My GT finally arrived last week, and Ive been spending the past week driving it around town. Best car Ive ever driven, and for the money, the best deal. I love this car!!!

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  Rogue Owner - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By really own one - May 7 - 10:43 pm

  Seems a lot of reviews are from folks that got duped into buying the Honda CRV or the Toyota. The Rogue has everything and it all works. The rear window is small but unlike the Toyota there isnt a spare tire in the way or the Honda has three headrests. Any way if you want a perfect car keep looking as they will never exist unless you are a consumer reports fan and then go buy the boring car (CRV) and wish you hadnt but when you get upset grab your copy or CR and tell yourself its reliable !!