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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  Rogue over CRV and RAV4 - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Lynn C. - December 7 - 3:23 pm

  I reviewed the CRV, RAV4 and Rogue. I owned a Honda for 10 yrs, my husband likes Toyota.I talked to people with Nissans and got good feedback. I LOVE my Rogue! I get 24.6 mpg. I love the heated seats. It is easy to maneuver in parking spaces and has great pick up on the highway. I tend to drive fast (75-80) and it doesnt shake or hesitate at that speed, runs smooth and relatively quiet. The Bose sound system is awesome. The only negative I have about the Rogue is the rear visibility. Its hard to see when backing up. The slant on the rear window, plus its small size makes it hard to see behind you. Im getting used to using the side mirrors. I recommend the Rogue!

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  What a great car. - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By steveo - December 7 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a new 4 door sedan look no further than the Nissan Maxima. This is my third one and they really do not have any problems. Time will be the only thing that slows one down. Mileage, power, comfort, etc. its all there. I never get in my maxima and wonder if it is going to start.

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  1998 Pathfinder - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By rckuhlman - December 6 - 2:03 pm

  Excellent vehicle all around. This vehicle has been very reliable for my wife and I can see it lasting for many years to come. We did lose the rear differential ($800). Great in the snow. A very quiet ride. This truck seems new with over 100K on it.

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  My Murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Deborah Newcomb - December 6 - 2:20 am

  I love driving this car. Responsive handling. I find the reverse view for backing very useful.

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  NISMO 350Z str8 out of showroom! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jsprunner - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Was getting ready to leave the dealership until I saw the NISMO version sitting there. Bought it on the spot with no regrets. Weekend car, so the miles are low, but every time I think about replacing it, those thoughts all goes away when I get get it back out on the road. Amazing value (performance vs cost) and fun to drive!!

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  Best for the $$$ - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Brett - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Best AWD compact for the price! Traded in my 07 Pathfinder SE for the Juke SL AWD and I love it more already! Already getting 30+mpg in a fun to drive vehicle.

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  Poor shock absorbers - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Gino - December 6 - 2:00 am

  We live in a condo complex that has 5 speed bumps. The car scrapes bottom when carrying 4 passengers or if the trunk is full of personal items. Also have had problems with tire wear and more noticeable after having rotated the tires.

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  Nice Wheels - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By Matt in Chi-Town - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my first foreign car. Built in Tennessee, it is more American than most domestics. Impressive looks and nice, punchy driving experience. Beware the Bluetooth, capability is limited. Great music options and great gas mileage. Really looks great, something I thought Id never see in a Japanese designed automobile, especially in this segment.

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  excellent buyDependable quiet economical ride that - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By george waller - December 5 - 3:36 am

  excellent buyDependable quiet economical ride that is conomical, mixed driving of 33+mpg, 34 on straight interstate, really like cvt transmission.

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  ZblueZ - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By ZBLUEZ - December 5 - 3:13 am

  Just bought my new 350Z the only bad thing is that I cannot drive it enough. Daily driving in the city does not challenge this car at all. I have to get out in the open road or in the canyons with plenty of turns. Thats where the fun begins. Love my first 350Z.