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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  Great! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lee - July 8 - 5:30 pm

  We absolutely love our new Pathfinder. We traded in an 02 Montero Sport that had 74K miles and needed a new transmission. The difference in the two is like night and day. It drives great and is very comfortable.

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  Very Bumpy Drive! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LJ - July 8 - 2:53 pm

  I am a Maxima fan, however, the 2003 SE model rides extremely bumpy and although I love the car, I am almost sorry I bought it because the ride feels like a very cheap car and Im suprised and disappointed. I have tried to get the car checked and lowered air pressure in the tires but when the car hits even the slightest bump it feel terrible. I also find the car handles terrible in rain and snow.

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  Great little car - 2014 Nissan Cube
  By Stanley - July 8 - 2:41 pm

  This is my second Nissan Cube. Its a quirky car that get compliments and jokes from strangers for its appearance. It looks a bit like a childs drawing of a car. Best thing is that its the most comfortable car Ive driven. The seats are high up and solid. There is plenty of leg room for the rear seat. I have a bad back but have driven this from New Mexico to Washington State and back with no medical issues. It is easy to get into and out of...especially with my back problems. There is an amazing amount of headroom which friends over 66" have commented on. The windshield and windows are large and high giving ideal views. There is plenty of room to store things inside. The Bluetooth is excellent. The XM Radio is a great. A good selection of audio options Upgraded sound system with subwoofer. The Navigation system could only be improved if it were voice activated. Keyless ignition is a plus. The rearview camera is superb. The rear door opens to the side like a refrigerator door rather than lift up which I prefer as Im tall and dont hit my head on the door. Oh, and the car is a lot of fun to drive. Steering is accurate. Breaking is sure. Acceleration is poor from a stop. It accelerates fine on the open road. Fuel economy averages about 33 MPG between city and highway driving. It strains a bit on steep hills. Ive driven it up mountains, along deserts, on open roads, in congested city driving in Seattle, Portland, and Denver. In other words, I really enjoy driving this car. Storage is fine with the back seats down. Its a bit cramped with the seats up but I have added a rack and carrier for when I need more storage. Wind noise can be a problem at high speeds. Although I got it up over 110 driving through Wyoming and didnt notice any issues. Crosswinds can be a problem as the car is a boxy and a bit top heavy. It drives fine in the snow. The heater is excellent. The air conditioning has kept the car very comfortable in Phoenix heat. The car looks like a toy but its tricked out with serious car details and accessories. If anything, its my adult toy car. Ive had this car for two years now. In the past year, Ive driven from Albuquerque to Las Vegas driving a very large loop through Zion National Park on the way there and Phoenix on the way back. Also, just drove to Salt Lake City on a route through Moab, UT and back via Colorado Springs, CO. This car handles well. It can keep up with traffic. It is not a muscle car or a truck or a cruiser. It is just a practical car that reminds me how much fun it can be to drive. This car does just fine around town with plenty of room for groceries and other shopping. It holds its own on the open road. It wont win any prizes for speed but its gotten me everywhere I want to go. I am so sorry Nissan isnt importing this to the States any longer. I understand there is an AWD and an electric version in Japan. The AWD would be ideal here in Northern New Mexico.

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  I AM THOROUGHLY DISGUTED WITH NISSAN - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Henry Bartos - July 8 - 1:52 pm

  My particular model has side view mirrors that rotate down automatically when car is in reverse. This is dangerous as I use my r outside mirror to navigate out of garage. Nobody can tell me how to disable this feature

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  Stan Hymans Review of the 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Stan Hyman - July 8 - 12:30 pm

  Great handling and fun to drive! It looks like a sedan and handles like a sports car! Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  Stan Hymans Review of the 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Stan Hyman - July 8 - 12:30 pm

  Great handling and fun to drive! It looks like a sedan and handles like a sports car! Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  Powerful and Reliable - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Stumpy - July 8 - 8:50 am

  I have had this truck for two years and use it for everything commuting, mountain biking, skiing etc. Lots of power, great on and off road handling, excellent on snow and ice. The crew cab long bed is perfect; I can fit a crew of 4 with 2 dogs and 4 mountain bikes and travel in comfort to far away destinations. I drove all the other crew cab trucks and it came down to the Frontier and the Tacoma, I am very pleased to have chosen the Frontier.

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  Bought this after tons of research - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Hooper - July 7 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this after doing tons of research. Couldnt beat the value of what we got for our money. Would have preferred a Honda Ridgeline, but they just cost so much its silly. Drove lots of Toyota Tacomas, Ford Sport Tracs, and Frontiers. Nissan was the clear winner.

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  Love My Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By J Marks - July 7 - 6:46 pm

  This is my first SUV. I had researched several crossovers, but this was the most comfortable. I have a lower back problem and the seat adjustments in the Murano were the best I had found. I drove this car from NY to DC and back twice since May and I was extremely comfortable both times. Also, there is an enormous amount of space for packing - I was able to fit all my sons items for college including a TV, a large trunk, computer equipment, clothes and several boxes. The radio is fabulous. The dealership in Smithtown is fair and accomdating.

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  Like riding on a silent magic carpet - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By chuck allen - July 7 - 4:49 pm

  The Leaf is a terrific nearly silent comfortable pleasure to drive. Over 45 years Ive owned a lot of different models and brands and the Leaf is hands down the least expensive to operate. There is virtually no routine maintenance beyond tire rotations. No oil changes. No worry about changing spark plugs or exhaust parts. No engine noise. Driving carefully I could go half again as far as the rated 82 miles to over 125 miles before needing a charge. The downside side is trips beyond 80 miles requires careful planning. Charge points are expanding in availability. Update after nearly two years of ownership: I still love the Leaf. The nearly silent ride allows me to relax and listen to music as if Im at home even though Im driving down the highway in traffic. Maintenance costs are minimal. There are no oil changes. There is no internal combustion engine, exhaust, radiator to check and service. There is no transmission to go wrong. There is simply the pleasure of a quiet ride.