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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  370Z Roadster 7 Speed Auto - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Pinky - November 9 - 4:36 am

  I traded my 06 350z roadster on this 10 370z roadster. I loved the 350. But this 370 is fabulous. Taking all the other reviews into account, throwing out the 6,3" guy who is not happy w/ the room, not a surprise, I agree w/ all the good words. My wife and I love the car! The only complaint is the way too quiet and innocuous exhaust note. The same was said wrt the 350. Didnt the designers read any reviews at all? Not smart. As for road noise, I dont find it all that bad even w/ the 19" wheels etc. Of course mine is the convertible, not the coupe which I can understand would be a lot noisier for sure.

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  What a let down - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Disappointed - November 9 - 4:23 am

  If you value safety, dont buy a Nissan. The car is all over the road. Ive never experienced something like this ever before. Also, there is no seat belt chime to remind you to buckle up! Its too bad they dont have the same policy as GM (if you dont like the car, you can bring it back).

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  First & Last - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By j. simms - November 9 - 3:00 am

  This is my first Nissan and probably the last. I have had many nuisance problems, like oil drips after each oil change. Latest shock is A/C Evaporator leaking and needs to be replaced ($1,500). At 41K miles this is unbelievable! The only sympathy from dealer is s---happens! Good bye Nissan J.S.

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  Pathfinder on the Mountain - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dustin - November 9 - 12:33 am

  This car is great! There are very few things I dislike about it. It is not the most economical car to drive up and down a mountain everyday, but it definately has the comfort and style I was looking for and it is extremely spacious... what you get for the price you pay is great! Buy a Pathfinder, youll enjoy it just as much as I.

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  A lot for the money - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By daveh - November 9 - 12:06 am

  I love my 350Z! Its fast. It handles. Its reliable. Its an excellent value. Its great looking in and out. Its a real drivers car.

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  Good car, great price! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By versatileauto - November 8 - 8:03 pm

  Car handles and rides nicely. Actually very nicely. Its surprising how smooth the ride is. I have the base model with manual transmission. The car shifts like butter, and the engine has good power delivery. Excellent cabin and trunk space. Ergonomics are good regarding controls in the cabin. Steering wheel feels good in the hand. Price point of base model car cannot be challenged by any car on the market. Seats are very comfortable and supportive and I love the height adjustable drivers seat. Very easy to get in and out of the car. You dont fall down into the car seat. nor do you have to pull yourself up and out of the car. This car is going to do well in my opinion.

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  Very impressed-SMOOTH - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jasonbum - November 8 - 2:44 pm

  I am very impressed. This is my first Nissan and have owned many cars including BMW, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Lexus and most recently Mini. I would most closely relate this 2013 Altima with Lexus. It is the 2.5 s but if I didnt know it was a 4 cylinder, I would sweat that it was a 6. The transmission (CVT) acts seemlessly with the engine and feels like one unit. After hearing many negative reports about Nissans first CVTs, I was a little worried. This is an improved version of the CVT . Power is available at any speed without the typical transmission that needs to hunt for the right gear. Bluetooth is standard. What I can really say about this car is that it is incredibly SMOOTH.

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  Lemon - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rbrion - November 8 - 1:58 pm

  My transmission issues have completely ruined my ownership experience. Nissan is in cahoots with the dealers to deny there are very serious issues with the CVT transmission. I am in the process of forcing Nissan to buy back this junk as they have done NOTHING to try to resolve this issue on their own. This is my second new Nissan in the past three years and it will definitely be my last.

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  not recommendable for city drivers - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By zambrano - November 8 - 11:26 am

  I live in the city, NYC, the bumpers get banged all the time and as a result it looks all beaten, the seat are extremely uncomfortable, my kids scream every time I hit a pot hole, the gas mileage in the city is too poor, it is way to expensive for city driving. Otherwise, ok.

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  Solid contender to the CRV and RAV4 - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Mitchlav - November 8 - 8:16 am

  I was very pleased with the reponsiveness of the Rogue on the road. It drives more like a sedan than a typical SUV and is far more comfortable to drive or ride in than our Honda CRV. Road noise has not been a problem, and I think were getting about 27mpg highway, which is as advertised.