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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  Everything you want in an SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By John - April 30 - 5:20 am

  This is everything you would want to have in an SUV. I went for the fully loaded LE with the DVD entertainment. This vehicle is very quiet and is really fun to drive. I put on the billet grill which makes the front end look awesome. Next the 20" Rims are going to be put on.

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  New Suv owner - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By twotallsixfeet - April 30 - 1:54 am

  Ive been a pickup owner for over 20 years. Now I wanted to have a more car like ride. I did a lot of research online for SUVs and went out into the field to try them all out for test drives. Rogue ended up being my top choice. Finalists in my choice were Mitsubshi Outlander Sport, Ford Escape, and Forester. There were many other contenders that I tried out/drove/& compared price on. I ended up with a Rogue. Ive not been disappointed.

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  Great so far - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Patrick Dolan - April 29 - 9:27 pm

  This is my 4th Altima. I drive them for 8-9 years and then buy a new one. Ive only had my 2016 for a month but so far it is the best by far. My only complaint is the USB port wont work with my iPhone. Nissan says it will be corrected and is due to an upgrade to the IOS by Apple. Not sure why that would happen if they had good programmers but as long as it is corrected soon its not a big issue to me.

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  Real American Workhorse - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By big country - April 29 - 2:00 pm

  Ive owned trucks for over a decade and this is by far the toughest, most powerful truck Ive ever been in. It can tow, haul, and go offroad like nothing Ive ever seen. It can stand up to harsh off road and farm life. Best truck in its class by far.

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  The Best of Trucks - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By The Truck of TRUCKS! - April 28 - 9:40 pm

  I really love this truck. I test drove other trucks,( Ford. Chevy, GMC, Dodge, and of course Toyota. This is the truck of trucks. Quiet engine and smooth transmission shift points. Gas is no problem because you get what you pay for; POWER and TORQUE!!!

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  Fast, Quiet, Functional, and Tough! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Pete Dant - April 28 - 3:46 pm

  Amazing vehicle for the money. I traded a 2003 V8 Silverado for this more sensible vehicle. The turning radius is amazing, U-turns are no problem, parking is easy. Silent interior, yet firm suspension for taking turns. Effortless acceleration, plenty of power with instant throtle response. The Xterra looks tough, and stands out from the crowded SUV market. You can smack the dealers around all day and the deals keep coming, so be firm and ask them to add dealer accessories at no charge like step bars, hitch, etc.

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  Great Little Car! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By TIMBEDET - April 28 - 12:46 pm

  The Versa has better acceleration than I anticipated, and does great both in traffic and on the highway. The engine is extremely quiet and does sound labored at all. Nissan did a great job ensuring the driver has great vision and awareness of surroundings. If you live in the city and have to parallel park, you are going to be in heaven with this car. I find this car to be quite comfortable to drive, much more so than the FIT. The standard sound system provides a clean, crisp, full sound that I am very happy with.

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  great car, too bad has been redisigned - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By florian - April 28 - 8:26 am

  I got my 99 GXE altima in 2002 with 32000 on it. Changed tires and brakes right after that. aside from regular oil changes there are no cost of use. Great car overall. it now has 70,000 miles and I havent changed a thing. Just put some snow tires on it for these MA winters. It drives great during summer and handels the winter(especially now) like a 4wd car. recommanded to anyone

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  Good to Go! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By stinglover - April 27 - 12:06 pm

  Love it. Ride is smooth and quiet. Very roomy interior. Has a very high priced car look, is great to drive. I always had a Honda-went for a change. Much nicer to drive, though the side mirors are too small and driver seat could be more comfortable.

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Its Great - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2.5 Limited Edition one month ago. The major selling point for me was the engine. It only takes 1/2 throttle to merge into freeway traffic. It is really great to know that the car will respond immediately when you want to accelerate, even when its competition wont (even in the 40- 45 mph where most cars take some time to really get going. I have had no problems (so far) and am very pleased. Do yourself a favor and test drive one before you buy any other car in the same class/type.