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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  Worth a look - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By John Walters - January 20 - 2:05 pm

  Does it ever make you wonder when reading professional car reviews if the writer thinks hes testing a sports car instead of a CUV. You read things like" CVT drone" uninvolved driving characteristics, slow acceleration etc. Ive got a lot of driving experience behind the wheel and I can tell you the Rouge doesnt disappoint. I didnt buy the vehicle to be able to hit 60 in 6 seconds or test its high speed cornering ability. The Rouge just feels good offering a pleasant controlled ride with little to no springboard effect, unlike some I tried while test driving others in this class. The steering weight is ideal adding to its car like feel. The interior is nicely finished and the cloth seats quite comfortable. The Rouge features an unusual adjustable shelf system in the rear that provides an array of choices to fit storage needs or privacy. Although there is a downside as the shelving may be too flimsy to support heavier items. Must admit I had some reservations over a CVT as opposed to the more flexible 6 speed auto/manual transmission I prefer. Happily those concerns were unfounded. Yes under full acceleration youll notice increased engine noise but overall the vehicle interior is pretty quiet. And there is an allowance to use engine compression to slow vehicle speed when appropriate, a commendable option for an AWD equipped vehicle. The main purpose of the CVT is efficiency which pushes the Rouge up in the MPG ratings. There may be better choices if you plan on towing or carrying heavy loads. But the Rouge should satisfy most family needs, it even comes with a 3rd row seat if so desired. While I prefer my luxury vehicle for long trips, the Rouge is more enjoyable to drive on the windy hilly roads that prevail in this area. I feel better knowing my wife now drives a vehicle that can handle all types of weather and road conditions. Not to mention the utility value of todays CUVs.

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  Rogue S 2016 review - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Karen - January 20 - 10:32 am

  This car presents really well on the exterior. I was given this car as a rental while my 2015 RAV4 was being repaired. I received the base model. The engine in all the 2016 models are the same. (I believe) Acceleration in the Rogue was poor. The gas pedal felt spongy. I would step on it and not get immediate acceleration. In order to pass at highway speeds (60mph) I would step on the pedal only to have it sink down until it finally kicked in with some pick-up. I understand this is because of the CVT transmission. (I now know I dont care for CVT transmissions) The steering felt heavy to me, and the Rogue SUV sat lower to the ground. More car like. The entire vehicle felt heavy to me with most of the weight being toward the bottom of the car. (If youve ever driven a snowmobile youll know what I mean. ) at first I thought the vehicle was front wheel drive only because it felt like the car was being pulled along. But no its awd. So why this heavy feel to the drive train? The ride is okay. The interior is nice. The ac seems to work okay. I can only compare it to the RAV4. The steering is smooth and light but still tactile. The car feels evenly balanced. I dont feel like the front tires are pulling the vehicle along. Acceleration is immediate when I need it. The gas pedal is responsive. The RAV4 sub/seating position is higher than the rogue. I like that. Maybe I had this driving experience because the Rogue was a base model. I wouldnt purchase this vehicle.

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  Great ride & high fun quotient - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By sdkrause - January 20 - 10:03 am

  Fun to drive and excellent build quality. The handling and the power are superb. If you want a sportscar that doesnt break the bank and still delivers the sports car experience, this is it. Even the trunk is well done. You can actually put golf clubs in it. The rag top is easy to use and provides a great open air experience. Could use a better arm rest and a glove box.

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  owner/main driver - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Mary Priske - January 20 - 10:00 am

  We have only had the Armada since July 2004, but really love it. Not only do the third row seats fold, but the second row seats and the passenger seat. We just used it to move, and had it loaded, with all seats down except the drivers seat and even hauled an extension ladder. Loaded it drove extremely well. At this point we really love it. The mpg is low, but you can expect that with all large vehicles. We also have a chevy one ton pickup whose gas mileage is much less. We pull a 34 l/2 fifth wheel with the pu.

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  Armada is the Mack-Daddy - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By flymike - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Traded 2001 Sequoia for the 2004 Armada. So far extremely happy with the decision. Armada has engine power galore [Sequoia underpowered at 4.8L V- 8 vs. Armadas 5.6L V-8]. Independent suspension makes for firm and sporty ride as compared to Sequoias softer Cadillac like ride. Guys will like the nice "growl" -real throaty exhaust sound. Interior a little more "trucky" than Sequoia-in look, feel and sound. This was a turn off at first but grew on me as I checked the vehicle out more thoroughly.

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  Buy the Quest and Forget the Rest! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Buddy and Soul - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This the second Quest I bought. That tells you something. Not to waste alot of time but I checked the others out like many people did. Same story. The Quest was the best! I have purchased many new cars since I bought my first one in 1969 and this is by far the best vehicle I have owned. The dealership had alot to do with it also. I have purchased 8 cars from them since 1998. My 4 yr old loves it and one of the reasons I got it was that it has the curtain air bags all the way to the 3rd row. The Quest is a very safe vehicle. I would not let my son ride in one that was not. Buy it, buy another! I love the sunroof and he loves the back top glass. Best ride, service and warranty! Great stereo!

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  Titan really rolls - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BigRedTitan - January 20 - 10:00 am

  great truck, runs great loads of torque, gobs of power.. surprisingly thrifty on fuel

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  2nd Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By jryka - January 20 - 10:00 am

  My 2000 Maxima with 67K miles has not needed ANY repairs (just one set of tires, front brakes, and oil changes) in the 5 years I have owned it, so I bot another one. The 05 seems even better!

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  Can wait to Drive - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By nissan - January 20 - 10:00 am

  With this little jewel you will love to leave and go. It handles and proforms as well as the looks you will receive.

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  Dream Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Paul Monterosso - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had so much fun with this car - since I bought it 25 days ago, Ive put on two thousand miles.