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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  Upholstery a nightmare - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Rose - May 15 - 7:26 am

  Only complaint about this car is its interior upholstery. Everything sticks to it, therefore it is constantly covered with fibers from clothing and whatever else is flying in the air. Vacuuming helps, but have to work really hard to remove particles from upholstery. Even the upholstery itself seems to fluff up when its vacuumed. The seats are very soft and comfortable but impossible to keep clean. Other than this complaint, this car is very nice.

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  Poor rear visibility, road noise, good value - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By mando621 - May 15 - 5:20 am

  I replaced my aging 2004 Honda CRV with a 2012 Nissan Rogue and the difference in visibility on the sides and out the back window is striking. The rear window is small and high, and I never feel confident when backing. Typical cabin. It is next to impossible to retrieve an item that falls between the front seat and the console. You literally need a wire hanger or something that narrow. Huge glove box and console but no small spaces for phone, etc. The performance is typical of any new vehicle, it runs and handles fine. I enjoy driving it except when it comes to backing. Compared to my friends 2012 RAV 4, the road noise is very noticeable. The onboard spare limits cargo space.

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  i love this truck - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jlacourt - May 15 - 2:00 am

  i have been waiting to buy one of these for about two years now. it was well worth the wait. it doesnt ride like a car but its not supposed too--its built for offroading. you can tell the difference in the engine (180hp vs. 170hp) especially with a k&n filter installed. i did not to get the sunroof- -its not useful in an xterra anyways-- but on the 2003s they have a cargo net in the ceiling in its place. great place to keep things you want to keep from sliding around. the turning radius is amazing. its as good as my civic--it feels that way anyways. overall its a great truck. i would recommend one to anyone.

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  love my car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By JeffR - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Best thing Nissan has done since the 300zx. Fast responsive and good hadling, although the cornering is a bit soft. Interior is set up well, trim could be of a less chincy type. All and all, the car is a great buy for the performance of the 240 hp 3.5

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Tara Rose Campbell - May 14 - 8:43 pm

  I love my Altima. The features inside and out are outstanding. It is a very comfortable, strong ride. Lots of power for a 4 cyl engine. Majestic Blue color is awesome! I went from a Ford Expedition to this vehicle. Great decision. The gas mileage is also great. The Altima is by far the best vehicle I have had. Thanks to Jim Burke Nissan for giving me a great deal! Thanks to my Uncle Burnis for advising me on my choice.

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  Old Reliable - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By O Williams - May 14 - 5:38 am

  I purchased this car new in 2000 with only 14 miles on it. It now has over 120,000 miles on it and it has been a reliable car ever since. In 2004 I had to have the engine manifold gasket replaced, but got a good deal on repairs due to a friends husband being a former Nissan mechanic. Since then, I have only had to have regular brake replacement, oil changes to keep it running. Its now 16 years old and showing its age, so recently the thermometer sensors had to be replaced, radiator replacement, and some leaks fixed. Of course that is to be expected on a car this old. I can deal with the fact of the driver side window regulator acting up, and other minor issues due to age. Overall, the reliability of this car has allowed me to put off new car purchase, since I am lucky enough to have a 5 minute commute to work every day. My only complaint is that I dont have all the bells and whistles technology wise that newer cars have. I still LOVE having that old CD player in my car, and its still working! :-)

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  A small car with large space like magic - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Lynn Chen - May 14 - 4:43 am

  I have owned Nissan Versa for 2 years. Although it has some small disadvantages, its advantages are more than disadvantages. In my experience, my tire pressure light has come on several times even though my car is well maintained, and there is loud engine noise when I gas it to go uphill. However, those incidents have never cut down my pleasure on driving this car. Versa is totally fit for me because it looks young, and it has a lot of advantages. I would say Versa is cheaper, larger and more comfortable than other entry-level hatchbacks and sedans.

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  A best buy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Richard - May 13 - 8:33 pm

  A car you can be proud to own. Driving this car around gives you the feeling that youre a cut above the rest; cruising about town in style as opposed to the blending in with the monotony of other vanilla sedans these days. The car is beautiful on the outside and spacious and functional on the inside. In my opinion, Nissan has perfected the concept of the sports sedan with this car.

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  It rocks - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Tekwryter - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised to read Edmunds describe the CVT as "power-sapping." In case you dont know what CVT is, there are no gear-changes as you accelerate. Its just one continuous, uninterrupted acceleration. Thats one of the features my wife and I fell in love with (can you say "smooth?"). This is the COOLEST car to drive, and, like almost all Nissans nowadays, it is certainly quick. You gotta give credit where credits due; the Murano engineers did it right with this one. The Murano has enough punch for all but the most speed-needy driver (and I like speed!).

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  This is Awesome baby!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By HEY LOOK AT ME - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned. The roomy stylist interior is a perfect replacement for any SUV. The Power under the hood is the best out there, and the difference between Invoice and MSRP is so samll you know you are getting a great deal. A in dash 6 disc changer is most useful, and the big tow package is a must. The Enhanced Bed design with the bedliner,and tie downs are great.