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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  A great car with mediocre customer servi - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By Darren - December 15 - 1:40 pm

  The GT-R is everything the media claims and no poser on performance. The German master race car builders are in a frenzy to compete. The consumer wins! The GT-R is the hands down best performance car I ever owned. So well balanced to give thrilling performance and handling in a fairly comfortable daily driver.I am curious why Nissan left out some basic features like lane change signal, daytime running lights and a so so Bose stereo/Nav

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  Great Improvement from 2004 Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By BWN - December 15 - 4:03 am

  Very pleased with 2006 Xterra "S" after 4100 mi. Traded in a 2004 Xterra "X" to get much-improved new model. Best upgrades are extra HP (up to 270 hp from 170 hp!!), 6-spd manual trans and fold- flat rear seat and front psgr seat. Comfortable handling and ride. Great visibility out. Good shifting, better than some performance cars. Nice jump on acceleration. Improved visibility of gauges welcome--light background on old model invisible in bright sunlight. Like unique styling, more classy than 2004 model.

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  Clutch Problem - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Margaret Calenda - December 15 - 3:50 am

  The clutch "got burned out" according to the dealer here in Asheville, NC. I have been driving stick shifts since I was 16 (Im 57), have driven trucks and cars over 125,000 miles and owned for over nine years. Have NEVER had a clutch problem. Somethings wrong here.

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  Its a Truck Folks - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Neyland - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I really like the Xterra. People need to understand that these are off-road vehicles. If you want soft seats, lower steps, softer ride, buy a mini van. These vehicles were built to drive in regions where there are at best a rough logging road. Roll over situations are problematic of all vehicles with height. Height is needed off road. If rollover is a problem for you.. again buy a mini van. Personally we have found it performs well off road. Good hooks are a must, hard to find a good mounting point on the frame to snatching a friend with.

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  I love my XTerra!!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jsal74 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought the XE-V6 4x2 Auto and have driven it for about 700 miles. So far no problems, and have loved driving it around town. Build quality is excellent, and I have no doubt that Nissan quality will provide me with a long lasting, enjoyable SUV. Exterior styling is eye pleasing, with its tough, aggresive hood giving it a "masculine" look to an otherwise cutesy vehicle class. Great features, fun to drive and plenty of safety features for an average family.

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  New Owners Review - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Murano_Owner - December 15 - 2:00 am

  An extremely comfortable vehicle with excellent handling. It performs flawlessly on icy and snow covered roads. The sleek exterior is an eye catcher.

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  Exceptional - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By knoll - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Based on personal comparison shopping, the 2003 Nissan Altima outperformed its competitors in terms of price and quality. The standard 170+hp engine on the 2.5s is more than sufficient and can be upgraded, while keeping a very young professional feel to it necessary in my line of work. The only minor drawback, which should not discourage the Altimas potentional buyers, is that the engine is slightly noiser than its Toyota Camry counterpart, which is to be expected with the larger engine. I am so satisfied with this car that I recommend this car to all my friends.

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  Nissan To Die For! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By TAL - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Lexus, BMW, Mazda RX-7, Diamante and a Suburban, to name some. I can honestly say this is the most fun car out of all of the above. The power is unbelievable! You have to be careful when accelerating quickly due to the front wheel drive (it gets a little out of control!) I LOVE IT! I would highly reccommend this car for the money.

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  found versa very comfortable - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By don moore - December 15 - 1:40 am

  Car is realy enjoyable to drive and have passengers in back seat say there was ample room.

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  Finally Got My Wife in a Full-Size SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By zluver - December 14 - 6:33 pm

  Wife had always been opposed to full- size SUVs until we test drove an Armada while getting our 350-Z serviced. A week later, we were driving in a red brawn SE w/ the tow and DVD packages. Invoice - $3K + TTL. Were sold on Nissan ride quality.