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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  Go kart on steroids - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Larry - January 25 - 6:03 pm

  Wow, first two seater, but I have had powerful cars before. Great handling, cant believe how well it corners. Strong motor, very linear response. Fun factor off the charts. Very impressed with the styling, especially how I see the original Z in this model. Pictures dont do it justice. Got the Black Cherry Paint in the Base sport model, but went in to buy the 40th edition Touring Sprt. When I saw this color, I decided I didnt need the touring package. Synchro-rev match is pretty cool stuff, but the motor is the real gem

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  My car go everywhere no matter what - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By mexican86 - January 25 - 6:39 am

  My Altima 2.5S is amazing. Good mileage I average 25-28 mpg combine and with a bigger 20 gallons fuel tank I can drive up to 450 miles before refueling. The car is responsive when I press down the gas pedal but it makes that drone noise which kind of bother me every once in a while. Huge roomy backseats good for 2 adult full size, not recommend for 3 in a long trip. Currently has 50k miles already, yea I drive a lot.

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  2001 2L Nissan Sentra SE - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By John McKelvey - January 25 - 5:10 am

  A 2001 Sentra with a 2.0 L engine and manual transmission is awesome. If you can drive a manual this is a great car.

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  Never buy a Nissan - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Roy Johns - January 25 - 4:05 am

  I purchased a Nissan because I believed it was a reliable product. The CVT transmission went out on my car. I am going back to Toyota or Honda! I warn other consumers dont buy this product!

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  I did 130 mph in this car and could have done more - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By greogory - January 25 - 1:31 am

  This car is awesome

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  Performance that lives up to Style - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By SAvant - January 24 - 2:13 pm

  Have owned many sports cars before (from MGs to Porsches), but never had a Z. The 370Z really looks the part: aggressive, integrated, and brazen. The interior is a good place to drive in, and the seats work well for spirited driving. I have the touring pkg. with alcantra seat inserts that are comfortable in hot or cold weather. This thing goes great, brakes well, handles well, and is flat out just FUN! I considered a Porsche Boxster or Cayman, but this is more involving at 2/3rds the price. Not as refined, but youre not paying Porsche prices for parts or service, and it is arguably more fun in daily driving. Ride is firm but comfortable on the highway. Handling not upset by bumps

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  Pathfinder - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By John - January 24 - 9:46 am

  It has really good handling and a good amount of torque when you need it the most. Its spacious in the front but tall people wont be too comfortable in the back. Lots of trunk space and third row seating is awesome for those road trips or car pooling.

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  Declared a Lemon - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Edward - January 24 - 5:33 am

  With this vehicle, I REALLY feel that I am being ripped off since the reliability has dipped WAY below zero in my book, and there were times that I felt Hyundais were better cars until I read worse reviews. Either way, I couldve had my Buick repaired for the price of 1-3 loan payments instead of paying $320/month for an unreliable piece of junk that I had to tow twice, stall on the freeway and lose a job over the refusal to provide loaner cars. I had to bring in the car 8 times within the last year for ECU, brakes and transmission issues, and I sincerely thank the BBB for helping me win a Lemon Law settlement!

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  Fun car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By abros - January 23 - 1:03 pm

  Great car, fun to drive and very comfortable. Best part is an engine. It gives you whatever you ask for. Build quality is OK, I had a problem with ignition coils and MAF sensor, yet it was not that costly since I replaced it by myself ($400 total cost). I have 60K now and after replace MAF sensor, it runs like new. Good mpg - 27 in mix driving. Sound system and controls are great. I like the dashbord and interior design. Exterior is not that great, yet the idea of the 222 hp gives it respect. This is my first foregn car and what is the difference, tight build quality compare with Fords I had before. Im not sure my next car will be Max. I would try something else.

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  I LOVE this car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Bren - January 23 - 7:50 am

  We took delivery of our car about a week ago, and from the moment I sat in it, I was thrilled. Its fast, its sporty, its fun. I love the acceleration and the CVT is perfect for this car. Its got enough gadgets to satisfy the geekish part of me, and the gas mileage seems to be pretty good so far, although I havent driven it much yet.