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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  mistake - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By S AWD - April 9 - 12:20 pm

  Several features we like but the bouncy ride is very bad. Didnt drive enough prior to purchasing as certified used with 39m. CVT transmission is great as is the powerful 3.6l engine. The awd is good as is the dash controls. But again the ride is awful actually at highway speeds 65 to 70 can be dangerous when over bumps dut to bounce to right. If in left hand curve with bumps watchout! A definite dont buy ride is important.

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  Everything I want in a small SUV! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Michael Mason - April 7 - 6:48 pm

  I had been researching for 2 months on which small SUV I wanted. I had finally decided on the Nissan Rogue and I have never been happier! The 2 key factors I wanted most was plenty of back seat space and great gas mileage and my 2016 Rogue fits the bill on both! I am a 6 tall and i have plenty of head room and decent leg room and the back seat room is huge and the back seats even recline. Even the base model I drive has an elegant looking interior. It handles great on the road and rides very smooth! The miles per gallon on this SUV is amazing! Probably my most favorite feature is the eco button located left of the steering wheel. This setting allows your vehicle to achieve the best gas mileage possible. I commute 30 miles back and forth to work 5 days a week and and I go 7 days before having to refill my tank. I have no complaints at all with My Rogue and I have not experienced the popping sounds some reviewers complained about coming from the wheels when i make turns. I am at 25,000 miles right now and everything is still smooth as silk. I am very satisfied with my Rogue!

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  Reliable Family Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By compwiz - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is very reliable, I have over 104,000 mile on her and shes still running STRONG!!! Only complaint is that when you open the glovebox everything falls out!

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  Good value for the $ - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By 5speeder - April 7 - 10:00 am

  All in all a very good car. Fun to drive and reliable, except mines eaten 3 O2 sensors in 3 years, and those puppies are expensive! Gas mileage not as advertised. The power driver seat is a dumb feature (For us, anyway--Im 62, my wife is 53. Seems to take that little motor forever to move the seat when we change drivers)

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  Good Purchase - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Reibsachick - April 7 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan has been a good suv for me.. It has been able to handle everything I put in the cargo section (I carry a lot of stuff).. It appears to have some problems gaining momentum - sometimes you can feel the transmission slip a bit.. Overall, it was a good purchase

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  Almost Got it Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By obryan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I really had my heart set on getting this car after seeing it on the road. The exterior design is amazing. The car is very fun to drive, BUT, and this is one big but, what was Nissan thinking when they designed the interior. My friends ford escort has a higher quality interior. The first car I got in at the dealer couldnt be started. The next one had broken door locks. The one I finally drove seemed ok until the arm rest cut my hand and the trunk release was broken. Given all these problems,Im getting a Camry. It isnt as fun to drive, but it is high quality.

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  Absolutely Love This Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Roz - April 6 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car in Dec. 2000, still going strong with 145,000 miles on it now. The hubcaps did rattle often so replaced them with rims when purchasing new tires in 04. Only other problem was intake manifold gasket but hey was only a 300.00 repair about five years ago so not complaining at all. Overall, great experience, regular oil changes every 7,500 mi (used to change every 3,000 but driving habits changed). Just trying to see how long shell last now. Ive never kept a car this long but it has been a joy to own.

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  Unique Small Car! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By aeh4 - April 5 - 11:24 am

  We test drove almost every subcompact model before choosing the Versa sedan. No other car had quite the combination of interior room, excellent visibility and outstanding fuel efficiency. It is not as stylish as other cars, but we could not find another vehicle that was as easy to drive and can truly fit four 6-foot adults. The Versa sits about 6 inches taller than other small cars. So visibility is excellent in all directions, and it is very easy to get in and out all four doors. The interior is basic hard plastic, but there are six cup holders and all controls are easy to reach. Seats in the SL trim are soft and comfortable. Outstanding fuel efficiency - see below.

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  Ok car...but many problems - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Califorinia Style - April 3 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car new! Two weeks later the front wheel bearing and struts started to make noise. It took the dealership 4 times over a two year period to access the problem. I found a better mechanic who fixed the problem. Fast forward 6 years and 100k miles later my check engine light is on due to the catalytic converter and my speedometer goes out on long trips. I will never buy the first model redesign that comes out again without reviewing the ratings. Overall the car is reliable but the STRUTS need to be better. You get what you pay for in an economy car.

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  Best Choice Ever Made! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By chileeroks - April 3 - 7:33 am

  I recently purchased my 2007 Maxima and it was the best choice I ever made. I made a step up in purchasing the Maxima with previously owning an Altima. Nissan makes a great quality car. The ride is smooth, the options are great! My only complaint is the vehicle recommending premium gas but it does get great mileage. I drive mostly highway and I get about 20- 21mpg. I feel safe in this car and its fun to drive!