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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  Love my Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By golfer4000 - August 15 - 12:18 pm

  Traded an07 camry hybrid for the Rogue SV with premium package and I coulnt be happier,Paid as much for the camry as the Rogue but got Xenon lights leather int. moon roof navi,backup camera and more with the Rogue it is also quieter better handling has better visibility and more fun to drive.I would recommend it to anyone looking for an SUV,its well worth a look,I,m glad I did .I especially like the backup cam.,the looks and fit and finish.I would sugest the addition of an interior hatch release

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  Fun and Fast - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Big E - August 15 - 11:33 am

  I have added an injen cold air intake which boosted my horsepower to 252 and my gas mileage up 4 mpg. Although Ive had some problems with my CD player overall its a great truck!

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  Happy with the Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Jason - August 15 - 12:03 am

  I bought the car new in July of this year. Am happy with it to date. I dont know about the 1.6, but I find the 1.8 has more than enough power. I do a lot of highway mileage, and the car never has any problem reaching highway speeds. Fuel consumption is Ok... I guess thats the price you pay for having a car with more power and that is slightly larger than the competition. Due to the cars height and its low weight it tends to get blown around a little on windy days, but again I suppose that is to be expected. I think the interior space is exceptional. My father has a Pathfinder and it has nowhere near the interior room that the Versa has. Overall a nice little car, I would buy another!

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  Great Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin - August 14 - 11:06 pm

  This car is great to drive, and is very comfortable. It performs great, you will not be disappointed.

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  Build Quality OK...Great Vehicle!! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Tiny Tunerz - August 14 - 9:06 pm

  My experience so far with the 2005 Nissan Quest S has been very positive. I have just over 20,000 miles and I am very happy with the Quest. There have been a few build quality annoyances like inoperable cd player and the drivers side manual sliding door was tough to open. The engine is strong and smooth; its a great cruising vehicle. Lots of great standard features like power rear hatch and passenger sliding door. Cavernous interior.

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  No Cargo Light - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By DriverDaddy_dot_Com - August 14 - 4:10 pm

  I believe I made a good choice getting it. Fun to drive. Dont know how can a new car can come without cargo light.

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  nissan 05 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By s-somarriba - August 14 - 2:26 pm

  I got my Nissan with zero miles so far in the past five years I somehow put 184 thousand miles. Have been everywhere in California, very good on gas. At 140 thousand miles four sensors went out do to factory defect after Nissan preformed the recall I have had no problem other than a speeding ticket. Overall an awesome car probably can still get another 200 thousand miles before I get another car.

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  A Real SUV w/Looks Too! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ron-Independence, KS - August 14 - 9:13 am

  A true SUV. Looks good too! Ride is fine, the handling is amazing. Took 1 road trip to discover that this is an excellent handling vehicle. Ammenities are nice, but I do have my issues with it ... none serious, mostly my preferences. Let me back track, a lot of peoples preferences I assume. Recommended for its quality, styling and very powerful engine. Never ceases to amaze me how smaller vehicles believe they can "blow by" this iteration of the PathFinder. This thing came quite literally move you quickly and under control. To conclude on this point, if you dont want to be passed by the majority of vehicles you will not be OR at the very least you can keep up!

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  love it - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By melissa - August 14 - 7:30 am

  kind of cramped inside with two kids in the back seat, but otherwise I love this car. Have had it for over 3 years.

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  Good SUV - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sean - August 14 - 3:46 am

  I bought this used at 68K and currently have 135K on it. It runs well and Ive had no major issues. Everything I have fixed I would consider it maintenance with most being done after 100K. Starter, alternator, water pump, timing belt, brakes, shocks, struts, tires, exhaust. Has a "tick" in the engine at colder temps but goes away. The brakes are "grabby" but it could be the calipers going.