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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  Love My New Xterra! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By kris10joi - March 29 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased my Xterra on 31 January. Paid $1000 under invoice so I am very happy! Got the utility package because it was the best value for the step rails and the fold flat front seat. Powerful V6 and easy comfortable ride. This is my first SUV so I enjoy the size and being higher than most on the road which increases visibility. Plenty of storage room too! Great looking and practical SUV for a great price!

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  Awesome little car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By John C - March 29 - 5:03 am

  This is the perfect econobox. Im 63" and fit in the Sentra very comfortably. I was debating on a hybrid but the Sentra was a steal. I get 29-30 mpg of city driving, I drive it very easy. Otherwise Id get around 24-25 mpg. I highly recommend.

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  GOOD SUBCOMPACT OVERALL - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By TD - March 28 - 4:10 pm

  Good gas mileage, 26 city, 33 hwy. Wanted a manual but not available on sl sedan so I decided to try the CVT and I like it. Performance is excellent with this trans. Unfortunately it is my understanding that you cannot get the CVT in the SL sedan any longer, it is only available in the hatchback. The only available trans on the SL sedan is the 4 Speed auto, as such gas mileage will suffer. The Versa has ABS and 6 airbags. The bluetooth works great and the radio with XM and 6 cd offers great listening flexibility.

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  Best Value for the Money - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mike C - March 28 - 4:23 am

  This isnt the most fun thing in the world to drive, but it has decent enough power and the front/rear stabilizer bars make it good for cornering except that the seat bolsters are too wide and dont offer much support. The creature comforts are great, the styling is classy, the interior is simple yet refined, and plenty of storage space.

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  Saved My Life - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Marlene - March 28 - 2:33 am

  Ive owned this car since purchased and loved it. A few minor improvements to the model would have been nice but overall an excellent car. I rolled it down a hill last week and totalled it. I crawled out virtually unscathed. A few bruises but nothing major. The safety features in this car saved my life.

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  Nice car! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By 2001 Altima SE - March 27 - 9:50 pm

  Strong engine. Transmission pretty smooth. Both exterior and interior size somewhat smaller than other midsize cars but bigger than compact size cars. Ride is comfortable but not luxury. I owned it since new had no problem so far-86K now. Mine is sportier version with spoiler, alloy wheels, sport suspension and etc. When it was new, better value than accord or camry I felt but resale value is poorer. No timbing belt in this car. It has chain which does not requre replacement at 60k. Overall, Nice car!

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  A Reliable Gem - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Hot shot - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little car. Its fun to drive and highly reliable. The gas mileage isnt bad, either. I like it so much this is my second one; the first one was hit from both front and rear but the body integrity was such that all four doors opened and shut soundly after the car was totaled!

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  Nissan Sentra 2004 1.8L S Auto, - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jason - March 27 - 7:30 am

  good car reliable, but comes with some problems... yea i had to replace Stock CD deck for the same thing..the shocks on the back are gone on mine at 100,000km. Other than that very nice car... but very bad crash ratings!!!

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  Frontier king cab - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By art - March 27 - 6:00 am

  The frontier king cab is pretty nice, it does have some flaws that you have to look for. The king cab is ok if you are going to put a baby back there. I would go with a crew cab next time, also the interior is cheap looking but thats ok, its a truck. The clock radio should be different color, cant read if the sun is out. I do hear a noise under the dash board sometimes and also when I spin the tires I hear a funny noise, the wide turn stinks. Overall the truck is nice, if you are looking for room for back passengers definitely go with the crew cab. Fuel mileage could be better for a 6 cyl. Also my brakes squeak a lot.

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  Piece of Junk - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Bry - March 27 - 4:56 am

  This was the worst purchase we ever made. I personally have owned 27 cars in my lifetime so I am good judge of vehicles. Although it looks great and is pretty quick. This car got poor city mileage and had nothing but problems. Passenger air bag did not work for 8000 miles until seat was replaced, brakes kept locking up and left rear wheel was about to fall off the car. Then before we could take it in the front windows were activated by thunder during a storm and when we came out the next day the car had 1 inch of water inside and the dash, console, doors and seats were soaking wet, basically like flood damage. I would not buy this car ever again.