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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  Reviewers just dont get it.... - 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By 925349 - July 11 - 2:16 pm

  Ok, we have all seen the negative reviews. Actually, one negative review copied by a lot of others...that obviously, never drove the car!! This car is one of the GREAT ONES! It has every creature comfort, plenty of power, a great roadster look, ease of entry, great roominess in the comfortable back seats, and has led to one GREAT SUMMER OF FUN. At this time, you wont see many on the road because that one reviewer scared the masses, but he will be made to look as stupid as those that dissed on the MUSTANG and the CORVETTE when they first came public. We know how that turned out! Kudos to ...and anyone that thinks this looks like a jeep..get GLASSES. ;)) Five Stars from CT!!!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Doug - July 11 - 9:06 am

  I owned a 2003 Xterra and it was ok. I traded that in for the 06 and what a difference. I love its off road capability. This SUV is very capable on road and the ride is much smoother than the older body style. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  great car for the money - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By paul - July 11 - 6:13 am

  traded a 2002 elantra with 160k and wanted another one but the hyundia dealer wasnt moving on the price. Stumbled on to the Versa and got a great deal. Excellent on gas and comfortable too.

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  Excellent - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By gh81 - July 10 - 7:43 pm

  I brought my 2006 Altima 2.5 S last year with 76000km on the clock, now it is just off 100000km. So far Im impressed. Its been 100% reliable and great to drive. Its not a ground breaking car but I like it, and look forward to driving it every day. I would have purchased the 3.5 had I been able to, but the 2.5 has enough guts to make it fun to drive. If I could change anything about it Id make the engine and transmission a bit smoother, and put more feel in the steering. I would completely recommend this car. When I eventually sell it I will almost definitely be buying the 2007 onwards model.

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  Great vehicle for the $ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Geddis - July 10 - 5:10 pm

  This is my second Maxima and Ive owned this model for 3 yrs. Goodyear replaced the OE tires and outside of the basic maintenance, the car has given me no problems. Would recommend this particular Nissan to anyone.

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  Rogue review - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Dean Spicher - July 10 - 11:32 am

  Purchased this SUV to replace a Frontier pickup which was only 7 months old when it was in a total loss crash (BAD). Decided to purchase a small SUV instead of a pickup as a replacement. So far the Rogue has been a pleasant choice. It is solid, quiet and comfortable to drive. It has been doing well with fuel mileage, better than the Jeep Patriot I had before the Frontier. The surround camera system is great for parking and the Bose system is great. Overall I am happy, with the only complaint that the 2.5 is a little rough compared to other 4s in this class, but the acceleration and highway manners more than make up for the rougher than average idle. I looked at Ford, and Jeep comps and went with the Nissan. Overall I think its the better choice for me (GOOD).

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  Best third row, best infotainment and best combination of features, - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
  By theooutback - July 10 - 8:46 am

  Lets start with the context, Ive gotten a new car almost every year for several years now. Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited(s) (14 and 15), two Camry XLEs, Grand Caravan, Sienna (04, 09, 11)... The 2015 Pathfinder Platinum is outstanding. It may be the car I just keep. I cross shopped the Highlander XLE/Limited and the third row is so much better. The reviews will tell you its got more passenger space than a Tahoe! The third row is the best out there. Its got two real seats and headroom - adults can use it! Which is good because teens and adults are the same size. The infotainment is MUCH better than the Jeep GC Ltd and that is supposed to be cutting edge. 13 speaker Bose is very good.

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  Love it! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Chris S - July 10 - 5:46 am

  Was evaluating the Tacoma vs. Frontier. Liked both, but Nissan offered more luxury features at a better price, and the drive on the Frontier felt a bit smoother and acceleration was more responsive. So far I am very happy with my decision. I love the styling and handling of the truck, and enjoy the versatility (this is my first truck). Gas mileage is about 18 mpg. Not great with the rising prices, but better than I expected. No doubt I made the right choice. This is a great truck!

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  The new Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Terry - July 9 - 1:46 pm

  very good car just hard to install low beam headlights. But other than that it is a good all around car and i would recommend it for anyone

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  Love This Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By romegirl - July 9 - 12:26 pm

  This is my second Altima. I had an 1998 and it was a great car. I love my new 2008 Altima. Beautiful styling and handles great. Very good gas mileage and comfortable since I commute 120 miles round-trip. Highly recommend. I finally got the color of car that I wanted (Sonoma Sunset - Ruby Red), heated leather seats, and sunroof!