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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  Absolute Perfection! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Andy - March 2 - 4:23 am

  Previously owned a 2001 Sentra base model which was reliable, efficient, and somewhat boring. Gave it to my daughter in 2004 and she found it reliable, efficient and somewhat boring over past three years. Man, is the SE-R not boring. Terrific handling, acceleration, braking, comfy, stylish, and the 340 watt sound system takes me back to my youth! This road hugger sold me within about three minutes of the test drive. Toss in more than acceptable mileage, a sticker price that shames the snobby competitors - this beats any BMW or Accura hands down in my books - and I may be a Sentra devotee for life.

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  Cool truck, but not great quality - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By cobra7 - March 1 - 8:56 pm

  I bought this truck and loved it for the first 13,000 miles or so. The RF stereo sounds great, the Bluetooth phone system is great and the potential capability of the truck is excellent. However, at around 13,000 miles, the vibrations and squeaks started making me question the long term quality. There is an odd metallic vibration that comes from the front of the truck when the engine hits about 1750 RPMs when driving. Also, while I dont mind the appearance of the hard plastic interior materials, they do scratch easily. This is mostly a problem in the cargo area, where hauling basic, normal will leave it scratched up after only a couple of times. The roof rack is fantastic, though.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By sis levesque - March 1 - 8:13 am

  Love the gas mileage. Plenty of room interior. Fun car.

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  Frontier Crew Cab 4wd 6spd - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By simple7 - March 1 - 6:36 am

  This is a great truck! I was all set to buy the toyota but hesitated at the price and unwillingness of the dealership to make a deal. After directly comparing both trucks side by side at the dealershp and driving them back to back, I thought the Nissan was a better truck, and a better price. I have hauled huge loads, taken long road trips and even rallycrossed the truck and it never lets me down. Its just a great utility vehicle and just happens to be fun to drive as well.

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  Nifty Nissan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By car buff forever - March 1 - 6:16 am

  Very satisfying combination of smooth ride and crisp handling. Im tall and found that no other mid-size car was as easy to get in and out of - no need to duck your head getting in the Altima. Simple but attractive instrument panel has large, well lit, and easy to read gauges. I also appreciate the large easy to grip knobs on the radio and climate controls. Thanks, Nissan, for showing that chrome, when used tastefully, can add elegance to a car. The chromed grill louvers, window surrounds, and rear end embellishments really set off the stylish shape of the car.

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  Love it!!! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By B - February 28 - 11:06 pm

  Traded in a Lexus RX 330 and Im happier with my new Nissan Murano than I ever was with the Lexus in all aspects. Ride is better. More interior room and comfort and the Murano is much quieter.

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  Blindspots - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Alexandria, VA - February 28 - 9:50 pm

  Ive had my car for almost 1 year. Its a good looking car. Drives well. I have not had any mechanical problems. The blind spots are bad - especially when turning.

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  AVOID THE 2.5L, Youll love the 3.5L - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By caseyh1 - February 28 - 2:47 pm

  Nissan quality has went down hill since the 90s. The 2002 -2005 2.5L commonly has the head gasket go bad, before 100k miles. Mine went at 98k miles. If you pay someone it will cost you $1,600. Also it is possible that the forward catalytic converter will go bad, blow debris into your cylinders, and ruin them. WIth cloth seats, the drivers seat is rock hard. The seat doesnt support my thighs, causes pain. The Altima is supposed to ride stiffer and sportier than other cars, but on a really bumpy road it is just torture. The throttle is touchy it just lurches forward in stop and go traffic, I have to put the automatic into 1st or 2nd so I dont get whiplash. Wind noise on sunroof.

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  Early in the game but I like the Maxima - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By kenny - February 28 - 5:36 am

  After shopping hard for 3 weeks for a mid size car, I bought the SE Maxima. After having the car for a few weeks plus took a 1200 mile trip, I am not unhappy with the mileage. I got 19.6 around town and 27.8 hwy. Now I do not drive hard and use cruise control whenever I can. The handling is very good and comfort is a plus. The seats are terrific. Engineis tops in this class.

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  my red nissan sr after 8 mos and 14k miles - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By Mike H - February 28 - 4:06 am

  First has a cvt trans, bad news on this is change fluid every 60k very expensive 250 to 300 dollars trans fluid 19.000 a qt from nissan only and the cvt if it goes is 5700.00 to replace they don;t rebuild them. Gets great mileage and this yr cvt is greatly improved alot less friction less wt and should go 200k.