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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  AuntieAnn_2013NissanAltima2.5SL - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Ann Keegan - April 11 - 9:14 pm

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  Enough Is Enough - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Had Enough - April 11 - 9:10 pm

  Had the car for about six months with less than 3000 miles. Car refused to start. Took it to the dealer who told me there was nothing wrong. Same thing happened the following week. My garage guy told me it was the brake switch and is a common problem with Nissan and there may be a recall. Nissan service department either didnt know or refused to admit there was a problem. They also told me the battery was low which was ridiculous after such a short time. Agrees with what others have said about battery drain. They replaced the switch and the battery. Im waiting to see what happens now. Bottom line is stay away. The electronic ignition stinks and the cars electronics drain the battery.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Quagmire - April 11 - 5:16 pm

  Ive owned this car 8 years, bought it with 55k. Its now at 226k and still running strong. The car has been driven for years in Maine to Indiana, Oregon and now in Florida. Routine maintenance is always done myself, including replacing the starter once, brake pads of course and battery a few times. Never stranded once even when the started did go out its a manual and so easy to push start. Lots of long drives and Im 65" and never any back or leg problems. Only shop work done was new shocks and struts at 160k and a new clutch at about 120k, the old was still original. Im pleasantly surprised at how well the new clutch has maintained because I dont drive the car easy.

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  07 Nissan Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Darien - April 11 - 4:30 pm

  Great car, but loses a lot of acceleration when using A/C

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  Great! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By av_empire - April 11 - 11:06 am

  I upgraded from an 03 Xterra. Talk about a night and day difference in performance, power, and ride. The 07 Frontier LE Crew Cab 4x4 has a smooth and comfortable ride. At times it even feels like Im driving a luxury car. The 261 hp, 4.0L engine is top notch. Nissan has a winner here!

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  Great so far - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By THardey - April 11 - 4:16 am

  Just leased the S version with AWD. As it is built on the Sentra chassis and I previously owned a 2007 Sentra, it improves tremendously on that cars driving feel and performance. Steering feel is MUCH better. CVT takes some getting used to but overall I like it in the early going

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  No Problems - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Craig Utah - April 11 - 2:30 am

  I have only had my Xterra, but I love it! The ONLY minus would be the gas consumption, and the miles per gallon is only been 14.5. I still love it!

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  Great little car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Edgar - April 10 - 11:10 pm

  Bought this car brand new in 2004. Car has never had any issues except a faulty sensor that was covered under warranty, but other than that, car’s been running like a champ. It’s not a touring car and/or luxury vehicle. It’s an economy car meant to be driven from point A-Z without the costs. From the looks of the engine bay, servicing is easy, accessible and cheap. Reminds me of a time when you can easily fix your own car without the need of taking it into the dealer or special tools needed. Anyway, great daily driver.

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  Best of its class, and good value - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Froggy PA - April 10 - 6:56 pm

  Did extensive shopping after deciding to replace our 2000 Subaru Outback. Subaru has taken a step backward with the 2010 redesign. The Rogue is a nicer vehicle than CR-V, Tucson, Equinox, CX-7, and better value. Great handling and ride. Good passenger room front and back. Good front and side view - limited rear view, as others have pointed out. Rear seats are a bit "benchy", but lots of room. And yes, the fuel door should be inside release. But if you rarely haul bigger cargo and want a comfortable, nice riding, stylish, AWD, well-built crossover at a decent price, get a 2010 while you can. We have the "premium" package and the Bose sound system is awesome.

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  Surprised - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Neels Van Wyk - April 10 - 4:13 pm

  As a previous Atima owner, 2003 model, I found the new 2007 Altima to be a large improvement on the former model in terms of style and performance. The CVT is innovative, although 19th century technology, it gives the car a smooth and quiet ride.