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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  2009 Xterra - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By George - December 23 - 4:43 am

  I have the S with tech package, 4WD, 6M. I rented a 2006 and traveled 2000+ miles and it was a rough ride at that time. Nissan has made some wonderful changes in the suspension and engine power. The 2009 is more sports car than SUV. A true joy to drive. Very little road noise. Hands free blue tooth is great. The Rockford Fosgate music system is out of this world 8 speakers and a sub-woofer. The back seats are stadium placed so that the back seats are higher than the front. Lots of cargo area. This is my 3rd Nissan the other 2 (Stanza & Altima) I got 190,000+ miles out of them. I know that this one will do the same. A week is hard to tell much about a car, but its long enough to say its great

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  Its early, but this car rocks - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Mr. T. - December 23 - 12:36 am

  Im nearing 1,000 miles on a 2010 coupe and have zero complaints. Excellent acceleration and handling, a joy to drive. Test-drove the Mazda 3 and Accord Coupe. The Altima has a much more solid feel than the Mazda -- no comparison really. The Accord was roomier and drove about as nicely as the Altima, but we liked the styling on the Altima better and it cost thousands less than the Accord. The dash layout is a big plus for us -- simple, easy-to-reach controls. Love the CVT trans. Alum alloys are standard on the base model and they are really nice wheels. The back seat is smallish and the trunk space is very limited but these are trade offs weve accepted to get a very sporty looking, fun car.

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  Great New Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jene Moseley - December 22 - 10:13 am

  Instead of a Toyota, I bought a Nissan Frontier 4X4 and drove it home from the dealership 200 highway miles. The last 20 miles were over a snow packed, icy, steep dirt road through a forested and mountainous area. It was midnight and I was alone. Im a 71 year old great grandmother and felt totally secure. Though still quite new, I really trust this truck. If youre looking for a smaller, rugged all- terrain pickup, check out the Nissan Frontier. For performance, its an impressive vehicle.

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  Z-one - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By bobsaun1 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. Gets tighter and faster each time I drive it. I was told the computer kicks up the engine at 3k and 6k. Its true. My decission to by this car was made with one exception, comfort. I am a "big guy" and I finally got to sit in the car when the car was released to the dealers. I fit perfectly.If I had to nit-pick, I would only comment on two things. One of the things is because Im upset about all the rain we have been getting. Opening the window when its wet outside is not how I want to wash the interior.Nissan needs to design - cont below

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  Same songe, two Versa(s) - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By DD - December 21 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my son a 2007 Versa Hatchback about a week ago; I loved it. I bought one for myself two days ago, a 2009 with 6k on it, with every option but a skating rink! (No fog lights, really.) The car has smooth acceleration and deceleration, good cornering, and is wonderfully quiet. Of all the small cars I looked at--Matrix, Corolla, Scion XB, XD, Nissan Sentra--the Versa has the very best leg room in the back. I just filled up yesterday, so Im not sure about gas mileage Ill get.

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  Traded in my Lariet for it - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By RodneyV - December 21 - 8:40 pm

  Wife wanted a few more of the bells and whistles, but for what I spent I got more than my moneys worth

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  2nd Maxima - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By 2010 Maxima SV-Sport - December 21 - 8:36 pm

  This is my second Maxima, previously I had a 2007. No mechanical problems with the previous one, but at least they have improved the turning radius. I love the look of the new one and the performance.

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  Rogue - great small SUV choice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By srauhala - December 20 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned a 08 Rogue AWD SL w/ premium,leather, & moonroof for about 3 weeks now and I love it. Traded my 03 Ed B. Explorer to get something with better mpg. I have been getting around 27-29 mpg in mixed driving. My Explorer I was getting 19 mpg max. Love the "solid" feel, smooth CVT, smart key, Xenon headlights, Bose stereo, trunk organizer, interior quality is better than my Ford It can be hard to see out the back but it isnt too bad once you get used to it. I tilt the large side mirrors out a little further than I would have in the Explorer and it seems to work well. Reverse sensors would be nice though. Overall, very pleased. Great value for what you get

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  In Love - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Sentra4me - December 20 - 7:13 am

  I love this vehicle! I have owned it now for 5 months and still love getting into it every morning. This car is such a great value for all that it comes equipped with. I was looking for the bells and whistles and found it in this vehicle. CVT did take a little getting used to. I am 50 and found this car to fit me perfectly. It also fit my 62 brother-in- law when riding in the BACKSEAT. Good driving visibility. Looks small from the outside but is extremely roomy on the inside. Easy to use bluetooth and great with iPhone. Husband enjoys driving my vehicle and is really impressed with the ride & comfort. Owner of a BMW rode with me then stated "WOW! What kind of car is this?"

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  Awesome Fun Factor - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ZMan - December 19 - 4:46 pm

  I bought my Z about 6 months ago, and this is my eleventh Z car since high school.....is also the best. Hot looks, great handling, AC/Heat very good, gets LOTS of compliments everywhere I go. Especially for the price, this car is a bargain.