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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  From a Ford to a Nissan - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Rogue17 - June 5 - 3:03 am

  After years of driving Fords I bought my first Nissan back in August when I decied I wanted to go back to an SUV I absolutely loved it!!! I compared the Rogue SL to the Escape Titanium loved them both but the Nissan was about $8,000 less and has all the features that the Escape had. Its more fun to drive and has a sportier styling. Theres not much difference in the gas millage between the too. I just might a Nissan man from now on

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  Fast & Basic - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By NJMike - June 4 - 10:36 am

  Ive had the vehicle for a year and a half, it was a demo. Good everyday driver with usable power @ all speeds. A decent handling car. Im 62" & it fits me well w/ good head & leg room. Interior feels like "Rubbermaid" was the designer. I know of other people who have the 3.5SE model and they are happy with them. I am too, but when the sticker price is getting close to 30k, I become real critical. Bose stereo is fine, but over-rated. No direct-in for MP3 player. This is a "bang-for- the-buck" car (I didnt pay anywhere near sticker as a demo) and as such it succeeds. Its just not going to overwelm you with fit / finish, style & sophistication, vault-like solidity

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  Best Truck I ever owned - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By jsan1 - June 4 - 10:33 am

  I purchased this truck after having totaled my Ford Ranger "Edge Edition". I absolutely love this truck. Great power, comfort, and looks. One of the best riding trucks I have ever been in. After looking at the Toyota Tacoma, for the price I felt that there was no comparison.

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  Did I buy a lemon? - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Cory - June 4 - 5:10 am

  I love my truck but at only 2,500 miles I have towed it once and am on my way to the delearship again this morning. Be aware that many Frontiers appear to have faulty steering columns as mine did (reason for towing) and there may also be some brake issues--my brake warning light is now on and Im back to the dealer. Overall, I do love my truck but I am afraid that I bought a lemon. I should not be having these kinds of problems before the first oil change!!

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  2002 Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima - June 4 - 3:36 am

  After putting 205,000 nearly trouble free miles on my 1991 Maxima SE I figured buying a 2002 SE wouldnt be a bad choice. This car didnt disapoint. The enlarged 3.5 liter engine, while very thirsty for fuel, has the ability to really push you back in your seat. My 91 had some spunk, but it is nowwhere near the speedster this thing is. The standard Xenon headlights are fantastic.

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  Looked for years - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By kelly - June 3 - 7:46 pm

  Just bought one. Drove the 03 when they came out. Wife fell in love with them. Teased her awhile and finally surprised her. Sturdy, firm ride, great handling, very responsive and roomy. Back from roadtrip, 17 mpg towing trailer and motorcycle highway. Without towing averaged 22.7. Far better than my Suburban. First new vehicle in 23 years, what was I waiting for? Seats a little firm for long rides but worth the money. Warranty could be better.

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  Best In Class - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By J-Dog - June 3 - 12:13 pm

  I love this truck. The only complaint I have is of course the fuel economy, but it is par for all other full size trucks with a 8 cylinder motor. It has more than enough power, and the comfort is amazing. The standard motor is a top of the line upgrade for most truck makers. I used to be a diehard Dodge fan, but I couldnt go back to that after driving a Titan.

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  Decent car with bad build quality - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By umichioe - June 3 - 4:24 am

  I owned this car from 2003 (new) to 2012 (traded) It is comfortable and have good performance. But build quality is bad!!!! 40K: CVT failed. Replace underwarranty. 80K: Power seat failure. Replaced under extended warranty 120K: Transfer case failed. $3200 145K: CVT failed: $4300 150K: Aircon failed. Didnt fix. 150K: Catalytic converter failed. Didnt fix. Traded at 150K

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  Great handling car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By J Sutterfield - June 2 - 4:33 pm

  Puts the fun back in driving. Beats the heck out of a Sonata. Classy looks, excellent handling and sufficiently powered by the 4 cylinder engine. Interior is sporty with excellent standard music system, gauges, seats. Nice ride!

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  College buget - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By mcrea5 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  For a college student on a tight budget the Nissan Sentra is a great choice. It is very comfortable for my rather long daily commute. The fuel economy is excellent great on my wallet, but the car is still fun to drive on curvy roads.