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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  When looking over the fence... - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By cyndie raposa - June 24 - 2:12 pm

  you know the grass is always greener on the other side.

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  love my quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By happy quest owner - June 24 - 1:13 pm

  This is the second minivan ive ever owned and I love it! I have never had any trouble with it, the quality is great, the looks are superb, and performance is incredible! I have no complaints about my quest and am so happy I purchased it when I was looking to move into a larger vehicle than the one I had been driving. Everyone who has driven my car loves it, and two friends of mine in the market for a mini-van purchased Quests after using mine as their "test drive" van! I would recommend this van to everyone.

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  Runs awesome - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - June 24 - 8:26 am

  I have 83,000 miles on this car and it has served me well through college. Many people said I had the nicest car theyve seen on campus although mine wasnt the newest or best by any means. The interior of the car is unlike what you see in cars of this price range nowadays. The drive is ok, its enough to get you by. The wind/road noise is not what I would expect in a near luxury car - you can solve this by simple soundproofing. The Clarion sound system - standard on the GLE, is extremely clear and balanced - although the front is tuned a little shrill [might be the Boston Acoustics that I have there now] once you get some decent speakers on it. Better car than the competition by far.

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  Excellent Used Car Value - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By David - June 24 - 6:03 am

  Ive had my eye on an 05 or 06 for a while and finally bought one. I owned a 00 before this, was looking for same reliability, quality, and engagement. The 05 doesnt disappoint. Has all that plus more gadgets, more power, more room, and more style. There are a few lower quality bits, such as the storage nook doors on the dashboard, steering wheel and radio switches. The center console levers are flimsy and the upper storage area is really cheap. However, places you touch most are soft and quality-feeling. Im satisfied with my Altima. Im averaging 25-30 MPG per tankful (its a big tank at 20 GALs). It falls short of perfection in the details, but it doesnt keep me from liking it.

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  poor choice - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By john - June 24 - 12:53 am

  The day after I bought my Titan in August of 2006 it developed a rattle in the dashboard. I have had it back in two times but it still rattles. The second week the overhead console compartments would not close and had to have the console replaced. The original had a temp and compass function, the dealer replaced it with one that did not have these functions. Back to the dealer again for the right one. By the end of the first month the weather stripping on the rear sliding window began to come off as did the WS on the doors. Now the transmission is leaking copious amts of fluid in my driveway, front end rattles and shakes so badly cant drive it. Checking in to trade for a Ford.

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  Awesome car, but dont expect Nissan to have parts - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By jaypep - June 23 - 11:34 pm

  The car is amazing. While the interior is lacking in some specifics (back seats arent faux suede like the front seats, interior lighting is almost non-existent, storage lacking for front seats) the exterior aesthetics are awesome. LED DRLs, though they turn off when the headlamps are turned on, skirting to make it look lower, 18" alloy rims specific to the Nismo and a reimagined spoiler. The drive is amazing in a 6 speed MT and the car handles wonderfully on mountain roads. The only real downside is that Nissan cosmetic parts are backordered for upwards of 5 months on these puppies, and Nissan doesnt seem to assist their customers when its brought to their attention.

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  GREAT TRUCK!! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Eagleuno - June 23 - 9:16 pm

  This is my second Frontier. I have owned Toyota, Mazda and Nissan trucks in the past. This is a much bigger vehicle. I am getting 24.9mpg with a range of 420 miles! Very solid feel. I got the SE with a manual and the power package. (This was a HARD to find combination!) The throttle by wire takes a little getting used to but it works great. The turning radius is about 4 larger than the pre- 2005 models but again, this is not a small truck. It feels more like an Ford F150 but it gets almost 25mpg. And that is mostly city driving to boot. The manual transmission works great and really lets you maximize the mpg. I wouldnt get a 4 cyl with an automatic transmission.

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  Nice ride - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jack - June 23 - 8:40 pm

  I absolutely love this car! I owned a Honda civic ex prior to this car, and it served me well, but I felt it time to change to something that sits higher. Now on to the cool stuff - very impressed with the interior space, as were my 63" friends! - drove 18 days on one tank of gas (just under 400 miles) and despite some high winds last weekend, I felt secure on the road. The blue tooth, keyless entry is a big plus -

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  Sloppy culture, poor build quality - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By russ2013 - June 23 - 8:19 pm

  The experience buying this Altima is truly unique - I normally dont test drive much, only trusted my research. Served me well til this time. First new car (28 mile) had a seat belt light malfunction at delivery. Car back to dealer and seat occupancy sensor had to be replaced. Dealer agreed to swap another new car (29 mile). 3 days, front panel showed system error, car had to be towed back to dealer, took 1 week to repair. Nissan needs to improve QC!!!

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  Ideal automobile for the growing family! - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrspacheco - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a Nissan Pathfinder 2WD SE. This SUV has been a dream come true for me! I am a mother of 2 children (1 toddler & 1 baby). I bought this truck so that I could have more interior room than a car. With regards to the lack of leg room...It is just fine for those who have children! For the next few years my children will not be needing an excessive amount of legroom, so the Pathfinder is the PERFECT choice due to the dependability, price, and overall quality that Nissan has always provided. I am extremely satisfied with this truck!