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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  Best Truck Ive owned - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Donald McKenzie - September 9 - 6:16 am

  I took this truck out on the road and it was something else lots of room and get up and go. I pull a popup trailer and the truck handles it like its not even there. I get the same gas mileage as my chevy used to but a much better truck.

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  I wish all my cars were as good - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JozefS - September 8 - 8:30 pm

  I had similar issues with it as was repeatedly stated here but have always found a way to get it fixed without spending a lot. Exhaust broke at the flange after just 4 years -- had a new linking pipe welded in for $40. Heat shields around piping rusted off and rattled--ripped them off or clamped tight. Check eng light with inconclusive msgs, O2 or cat conv, after 1 yr engine started knocking and car would hiccup. It was a faulty Mass airflow sensor. I diagnosed it myself with help from a repair manual and an oscilloscope. New one would cost $500, but got a Maxima 3 L for $110, snap in replacement. Need new struts ~$800 - first repair ovr $270(break pds). Rusty side steps/bars are an eye sore.

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  the best truck ever - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By johnny peterson - September 8 - 6:46 pm

  The best full size truck i ever had and i had a lot of trucks. I tell all the guys at work to buy one. The truck is big inside and looks good on the outside

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Very Impressed - September 8 - 12:03 pm

  This car is not only a pleasure to drive, but fun! Nissan does a very nice job of adding excitement when sitting behind the wheel. Really enjoy the acceleration and responsiveness of the handling.

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  great - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mike - September 8 - 3:40 am

  only owned a couple of days. Runs great Id buy a new one. so far no problems

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  Looks can be deceiving - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By CB1973 - September 8 - 2:40 am

  Exterior looks are great, but the car feels cheap. Too much plastic inside, alignment issues (ALWAYS pulls in one direction, my 2002 accord drives better), seat seems to be loose, shift knob gets loose, poorly designed electronics system, monochrome screen for onboard display (kind of like an old DOS PC).

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  My Sentra - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Joshie - September 7 - 7:40 pm

  Good car and pretty good with gas. Ive been getting about 26 mpg. I got an automatic and it drives really well, Im more of a stick driver - but this automatic is nice. I love the sound system and moonroof. And the trunk release comes in handy.

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  My Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Ray - September 7 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned this Murano now almost 1 year and I must say I have had trouble! the interior back door panels had to be stuffed with foam @ the dealer to prevent rattle noise. The car has had 1 recall (altenator) and now just today I had a breakdown defective transmission. I probably will not see my car for a week, but I guess that can be a good thing. What else can go wrong? I will be going back to Honda or Toyota maybe even American. When this car drives it is nice, I like to say it feels like riding on glass, and it is comfortable but I do not tolerate breakdowns. Good luck I hope my narrative helps.

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  My first coupe - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Mid_Life_Crisis - September 7 - 10:26 am

  Leasing one. Am 6 tall, tall in the body and fit well. Opted for the convenience package and power seat adjustment makes this possible. Drove one w/o power seat and seemed tight on headroom, and no go at all on the sunroof model. Mine is Crimson Black/Black cloth. Would have liked Black/Blonde, if offered.

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  Poor Fuel Economy - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By C. Townshend - September 6 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car because I was persuaded by the dealer that the CVT sedan would get far better fuel economy than my Honda Civic. Having driven this car for almost a year and averaged little more than 21 miles per gallon, I feel cheated by both the dealership, and by Nissan who make the original claim in conjunction with the EPA. With gas prices as they are I cannot afford a vehicle that does not even come close to the advertized MPG, and I would warn anybody against buying a Nissan Versa if its fuel economy youre after. I am not an aggressive driver and yet this car seems to drink gas like an SUV. I have a complaint in with Nissan and it has still not been resolved after 7 months!