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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  Everyones Right..To a Point - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By PettisFettis - June 7 - 5:43 pm

  I researched this car for two years (and the Accord Coupe) before I got this one. The blindspots, the jerkiness, the "average" stereo, the A/C plug-ins behind doors, the hub caps, the small trunk, all of this stuff is true, but none of it is excessive, or low-grade. So for the price of this vehicle, Im very impressed with what I got. And the acceleration, handling, fun factor, and sturdiness are unmatched in this price range. Read all the Honda reviews (Ive owned three accords), and youll see that they will let you down too if youre expecting perfection out of a car under 20K. I can definitely live with any of this vehicles shortcomings, kinda like I can deal with my own.

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  excellent truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By reza - June 7 - 1:46 pm

  I have been driving my nissan for exactly one year and I still enjoy every moment spent in it. It has so far met all my expectations. I feel I will never get rid of this one!

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  Still great after 8,500 - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By ARM - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my armada. It is gigantic but my girlfriend who is very short has no problem driving it because of the adjustable pedals. That said, the rotors warped after about 2500 miles but nissan replaced for free in less than 3 hours.- Seems like it might be a common problem but 6000 mi later the new brakes are still OK. Overall the car is great. I had a ford explorer before and surprisingly the armada gets better milage with a bigger engine and more power.

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  Great Family Sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By MikeO - June 7 - 8:26 am

  First sedan I have owned in 25 years of owning vehicles, and weve been very pleased with it after 4+ months and 6,000+ miles. The SL is incredibly smooth, quick and quiet for a 4-banger, though the engine noise does come through upon hard acceleration. Have taken the car on 9+ hour rides serveral times now - no issues with comfort (we did get the SL version with leather seats). We have consistently gotten great mileage 34-36 mpg hwy (@ 65+mph) and 25+mpg City. We do miss sitting up high like in our SUVs, but otherwise its a great car. Virtually no torque steer, steering is responsive.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By azkimo - June 7 - 6:21 am

  I bought my 2000 with 245000 miles on it for 1700.00. After replacing the cv joints, heater core, front struts, rear shocks, front bearings and front drive shaft bearings, it is like a new car. I would drive it anywhere.

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  2005 Xterra is Awesome - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Sean - June 6 - 10:20 pm

  I purchased my Xterra in April. I have about 8,000 miles on it and it is excellent. It is the best vehicle I have owned to date. Fun to drive, smartly designed and runs like a charm. Has good power and everything I could ask for. Would recommend to anyone.

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  It is what it is... - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By 3xNissanOwner - June 6 - 3:53 pm

  Driving a 2000 Sable last summer when gasoline hit $4/gallon made me swear to replace it with a fuel-efficient car when it died. Now I am two weeks into owning this car and can report that the MPG is wondrous, I drove nearly 400 miles on the first tank of gas. The 5- speed stick makes for a ton of fun although the car gets noticeably buzzy above 70 mph and 5th doesnt feel like it should be the last upshift. This is not a problem around town where the car zips around like Yorkshire terrier hunting for mice, but I cant say Im looking forward to interstate driving at high speed with this car. But what most owners say is true: This car feels a lot larger than it is.

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  Still Happy With My Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By caliguy1 - June 6 - 12:12 pm

  Ive had my Altima since the first of February, 2013. Its now 8 months and 11,500 miles later and the car is great! My Altima is fully loaded except for the "remote start". I test drove the new Honda Accord, VW Passat, Kia Optima and Toyata Camry. For me the Altima had the most quiet and smooth ride with a bit of sports car feel...thanks to the 3.5 V6. I felt at ease in the seats and overall driving position. The V6 has plenty of get up and go, but if youre wanting fuel economy stick with the 4 cyl. For me, the CVT was to noisey with the 4 cyl. engine.

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  Our first Van - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By Nosoyo - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Of all the new vans we have seen on the road and have looked in the web, we liked 3 of them the best. We have road tested the Toyota Sienna, Honda Oddesey, and Nissan Quest. We wanted a van with an attractive exterior so as we can feel proud to drive and own the vehicle. The Nissan Quest exterior looks much better than the other two although the Sienna was close for us. The Interior had to look attractive also or we would not buy the Van. The Nissan Quest had the best looking interior. Very attractive control panel!! Love it! The driving was good, the ride is smooth and overall the Nissan Quest was the best!! We bought the Nissan Quest!!

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  Gotta try a PATHFINDER - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By luvin the Pathfinder - June 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been by far and away the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Fast, sturdy and air tight..I honestly do not have one squeak. The families growing so Im looking forward to a fullsize SUV from Nissan (rumored anyway).