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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  Something Different - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By preevyet - June 8 - 11:56 am

  We like the van except for the inferior original tires (Goodyear LS-2). At 25K, needed to be replaced, unacceptable for a family touring vehicle. Why Nissan puts these crappy tires on baffles me. Have had some minor problems, purse holder broke on passenger seat ($13), passenger side seat belt constantly locks up, and auto air system doesnt always work right. Lots of room, comfortable ride hoping to be even better with decent tires. Have taken it on 3 long trips, comfortable for long trips (did 13+ hours just recently). Cant beat the features, looks different than any other minivan out there. The SE was worth the upgrade for the airbags and stereo, would recommend w/out stock goodyears.

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  One fine convertible - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By walywrld - June 7 - 5:30 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car and it paid off. This is one outstanding car which I am completely satisfied with. It is more enjoyable than I expected. The power is awesome, it drives great, is great for weekend road trips, the steering is dead on, exceptional driving experience. I find it quiet for a convertible, quieter cruising at highway speeds than its competitors. I find the seats comfortable and supportive, it is cozy but it is a 2 seat sports car, what does one expect? I have taken several long trips in the car and find it comfortable on the road. I can drive all day and am not tired and "beaten". Overall, the Z is well laid out and comfortable.

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  Lovin it! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By teachWV - June 6 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased my Rogue on 7/12, trading an 01 Toyota RAV4. After doing a lot of research (via Edmunds), and test-driving a few other vehicles (Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson), I tried out the Rogue. I was sold! The ride is incredibly smooth, seems like a much larger, more expensive sedan. To echo another WV owner, it has plenty of power to get me where I need to go in our Mountain State! Im on the first tank of gas that Ive purchased; mileage is looking good! I would like to see a locking fuel door, however.

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  Hidden Problem - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jacquelyn Calhoun - June 6 - 1:30 pm

  We purchased this car in July of 2008. It drives great and it has the power that I love in a car. As I read some of the other review it is apparent that the fuel pump is an issue with this car. Driving down the expressway and having the car cut off in morning rush hour traffic is a very scary experience. This may change the way I feel about Nissan and it products. I should have just gotten another Honda they last longer and hold the value better. This was a very costly mistake that I will have to pay for when Nissan should be taking care of the bill.

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  Great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - June 6 - 11:30 am

  I bought my Altima two years ago and it has always delivered an excellent driving experience. You wouldnt think that a big four-cylinder car would be fun to drive, but the Altimas peppy performance and good handling make it a good time to drive. Its size and trunk space add versatility. Its also a great looking car, very aggressive and sporty looking with the 16 alloy wheels. It is also very reliable, I have never had any major problems with the car. The only downside is that the fuel economy leaves a LOT to be desired (see my comments below).

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  Great car to drive - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Lynn4137 - June 6 - 10:43 am

  I got the fully loaded AWD with all the add-ons. I find the ride very smooth and comfortable. Style is an eye catcher and Blue Tooth and Home Link are features you normally only find in high priced cars. Nissan never disappoints when it come to class in its cars.

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  05 Titan heads-up - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By David - June 6 - 10:03 am

  I have owned my Titan for 11 months now and have been pleased with the performance of the vehicle other than the following: During the first tank of gas the fuel sensor went bad and had to be replaced. A few months later one of the electric motors on the drivers power seat quit working and had to be replaced. During both of these visits to the dealer, the service department was terrible. I never received any calls to update me on the status of my vehicle even though they had to keep the vehicle for several days. I later found out that they had broken other parts while trying to fix the original problems and had to order additional parts.

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  Good Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Hitesh - June 5 - 8:43 pm

  We have had this car for 7 years now and it has been great all along. The car is very smooth in running and the handling is great as well.It is a great family car. Though it doesnt seat 5 in the most comfortable manner it still is a great car. Of late the fuel economy has been a bit on the disappointing side. I also am a bit disappointed with the trade-in value of the car as I am looking to trade-in this car for the new Altima later this year. Overall a great car.

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  Fun ride - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By blt6 - June 5 - 8:16 pm

  No real surprises with my juke. The mileage is around 27 overall with 50% city driving. Peppy, agile and easy to maneuver parking lots. Seat is very comfortable snd supportive. Managed to fit an office chair in the hatch, but is tight back there.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By bobincinti - June 5 - 8:59 am

  I have owned this vehicle since the beginning. Currently it has about 210,000 miles on it and it it no longer my daily driver. I primarily use it for yard work, mulch, etc. I have had some problems with the vehicle but that had to do with a wreck and not a manufacturer issue. When I did have a problem (this year had a rear axle problem), the dealer and Nissan worked with me to fix it at no cost to me and even provided a me a loaner vehicle for over a month. Overall the vehicle has been a good truck. Every vehicle will have issues (supercharger) and I have owned practically every brand out there. This is one brand that I would do again.