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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  Cube alignment - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By tippyriver - January 17 - 5:11 pm

  A four wheel alignment can cost over $1000 if the rear is out of spec. Nissan Cube has a non adjustable rear axle and Nissan will Not warrant replacement if out of spec. Shims are Not approved. Rotating tires hides the factory problem and shortens tire life.

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  2007 Altima 3.5SL - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By rps1 - January 17 - 4:06 pm

  I picked up my Altima on 6/8 and I love it. The CVT is smooth and responsive.The ride is exceptionally smooth and comfortable. The interior in leather is luxurious along with the trim. The gas mileage is better than average, about the same as my 05 3.5 SL. The body style is sharp and quite a change. The metallic winter frost is different and rich. The only thing Im not crazy about is the foot emergency brake.

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  NISSAN NISMO ROCKS THE ROAD - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By 19DEVILDOG70S - January 17 - 11:13 am

  If you plan to drive your Nissan Nismo off road as it is intended as it is a 4x4 and Nismo is the off road version of the Frontier then before you go off road make sure you go to a 4x4 shop and have thick plastic cut out and put in the area by the back wheel well that sticks out!they have clear plastic there already for that purpose but it is not thick enough nor is it big enough! My Nismo has the rear locker and in 2 years I have never been stuck with the truck yet and this last winter just about wore my 3"x30tow rope out by pulling everone else out from the record snow that we received! bought new tires and went with the General Grabber AT2 which will get you way more traction!

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  Great Car and Fun To Drive 2008 with CVT - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Josh77 - January 16 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased my versa in on March 12, 08 and had an issue with the brakes rotors needing to be turned due to vibrations. This was repaired next available date I could get it in. I have about 3600 miles on it an started to have hard starts, taking 10-30 sec. to start. Thought it was bad gasoline but ended up being Fuel Pressure Sensor. Just had that repaired and continue to enjoy this car. Getting 30-32mpg consistently. The CVT takes some getting use to but the selling point was no maint. for 150K miles or more. Lots of interior room but black seats show lots of dirt when you have kids. Needs more 12 volt outlets. Comeon Nissan its the 21st century! Overall I am very happy with car.Enjoy

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By DCFRY - January 16 - 11:43 am

  I have put 45k miles on my Maxima and it is a great car. There have been a few recalls, but who doesnt have them. Great combination of performance and fuel economy. Should you decide to see it; it has a great resale value compared to american cars and a few foreign. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  AMAZING - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By James Alofs - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Much better, and cheaper than the Tacoma.

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  average car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Rad - January 16 - 2:00 am

  It seems to be an average car. Good and reliable for commuting but definitely lacks any personality. Have not had any problems for last 30K that I drove it but it is not a car that I would look forward to get into and drive everyday. Yet, I am sure that it is better then any other American alternative in this price range.

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  Wonderful - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By JORDAN - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a SUV since my wife will be expecting our first baby. Ive searched and checked with a lot of magazines about SUVs and thier reviews, but after taking a test drive and looking in depth on the Murano, I found a perfect SUV that had everything to offer and then some. The ride quality, gas milage, space and dont forget about the desing. Every new technology was put into this SUV and from the exterior design, the Murano will not go out of style even after 6 to 10 years from now.

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  Smooth as Glass - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By azeebabee - January 16 - 2:00 am

  As our search narrowed down we had decided on the Audi allroad, But opne day I recieved a copy of Automobile magazine and in there wae a short report on the Murano. We were immediatly struck by its good looks and then and there decided a test drive was in order. Obviously we liked it. Great looking, powerful, sporty handling and about $12,000 LESS than the allroad.

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  Sad - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Her - January 16 - 2:00 am

  My wife insisted on this car, so she bought it. Unfortunately I think we will trade it in. Too many squeaks. I hate design. It looks like raised up P/T Cruiser. Why is it so expansive if you can get a better Acura MDX? Buttons under the console, come on! Already have small scratch on aluminum trim. Engine truck-like vibration, again, not as refined as Lexus/Acura/MB/BMW