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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  Small But With a Punch - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By TheRussian - January 11 - 10:36 am

  What can I say that would truly state what I think about this car? Small but fun! I got this car over my 200sx (1.6l engine). Reliable car, safe (well unless the driver makes it not so safe). The paint job is pretty good, I like the nice blue color of this car. Front looks good except for the grill, which is new for 1999 model. This car has nice stock rims and side skirts, looks great! I stuck a cold air intake, made the car sound like a v8 mustang :). I would like sticking more stuff in so that people would be surprised at what this "grandma car" can do. It could use a little more horses, but it will still take any civic/corolla :). Highly suggested car!

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  Gas Mileage - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By kzanne109 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Quest after a long time driving a suburban.....The drive doesnt compare of course to that but its a great vehicle for the cost..It had a lot of neat features and i enjoyed it alot.....however i bought the van mostly for fuel economy and it doesnt get what its supposed to get....i repeatedly asked the dealer to check to see if there was something wrong that was causing it to get low fuel mileage and they said it has to be broken in.......i think they just missed the boat on what they rated it...

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  Poor mans BMW - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Fishstick - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 SE (manual) last month and I love it. It is the best car for the money. It is extremely fun to drive, handles well under high speed cornering, and its a great daily driver.

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  All4 Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Brithgr8 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Since I have bought the Xterra I have been nothing but Xtactic with it....

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  Review from a test driver only - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Bett1e - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Nissan Altima 2002 today (8/31) and I have to say I was very impressed. The car looks awesome. The paint looks questionable though - how long will it last? The V4 hesitates like most 4 cylinders. The V6 more than makes up for it. The car is definitely fun to drive.

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  wonderful surprise - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Dennis - January 11 - 1:50 am

  I have no idea why Edmunds dislikes the CVT. Maybe Nissan fixed its short- comings since the early days. I find it untra-smooth and responsive at any speed. Neither do I understand their so-so review of Muranos Bose stereo. Im a bit of an audiophile and cant imagine anything sounding any better. First 4 tanks Im getting 20+ mpg mostly around town. It is amazingly quiet. I cant figure out why its not at the top of everyones list.

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  Reliable Longterm Performer! - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By sy - January 10 - 2:13 pm

  Outstanding daily driver requiring little more than regular maintenance.

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  love my titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By nissan titan - January 10 - 12:40 pm

  after owning a 1989 chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 that I swore never to get rid of, even though I put in more money to maintain it as I did to purchase it, I moved to NH and decided that I needed a reliable vehicle to survive the elements. I now feel safer driving in the winter elements than I ever would have before and as an added bonus feel as if I am driving a luxury vehicle instead of a 4x4

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  " Are you still lost? Get a "PATHFINDER" - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ANNETTE - January 10 - 3:23 am

  Ellexcent SUV nice interior and rides likes a Sedan. If you want comfortful as well as style youre on the right path. Test Drive one today and you"ll never take a lost with the "PATHFINDER". Powerful drive for a Man and a gentle ride for a Woman.

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  Nissan Cant Determine Cause of Problem - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By cathy8 - January 10 - 1:53 am

  Ive owned my Versa for almost 1 1/2 years and my problems began almost immediately. During cold weather the car will occasionally start in safe mode where no gas goes to the engine. The car will only drive 20 KM/hr. Another problem is that the engine will begin to race and rev higher than normal and the car will speed up on its own. I love so much about the car but could really do without the problems no one seems able to fix.