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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  Outshines the CRV - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Kassidy - April 10 - 1:53 pm

  My 2nd rogue. So much better than the Honda CR-V!!! Much more value for the money

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  LE Crew Cab Rocks! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By D - April 10 - 1:50 pm

  Traded My 01 Tacoma. Had a great experience so I decided to buy another one. After testing driving both vehicles I found the Frontier was better equipped for my needs. The Frontier has a great ride. Stiff but very stable. I dont feel the bounciness on the highway as the Tacoma did on my test drive. The transmission shifts are quick and precise. Comfort is great. Albeit the Tacoma scored better with their back seat. Price was the biggest deciding factor. The SR5 Tacoma costs almost $1500 more than my LE Crew Cab. The LE has far more options. I think the Frontier is a great bargain for what you get.

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  Finally have a Nissan, and its a winner: 11 Rogue SV AWD w/SL Package. :) - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By nissmazlover - April 10 - 12:16 pm

  Proud new owners of a Black Amethyst 2011 Rogue SV AWD w/ SL Pckg. Favorite thing about it is its beautiful color! It has touches of black, purple and brown, looks different in all types of light and is gorgeous! The rest of the car is great, too! Were amazed at how much you get for the $ - its LOADED! IMO, its the best looking CUV in its class, feels far more expensive than it is, its refined, comfortable, roomy, powerful (feels more powerful than the specs suggest), feels solid, the CVT is an actually interesting affair, and its fun-to-drive. Have had 2 Mazda 5s that I LOVED, but have always wanted a Nissan, too, and now we have a winner w/the Rogue!

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  nice car but a few rattles - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By don scott - April 10 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS STILL A NICE ONE, BUT ITS HARD TO FUEL FILL, AND THE FROND WINDOWS MAKE FAR TOO MUCH NOISE

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  GREAT CAR! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By memo3126 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Very good car, and fast!

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  Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By frankie555 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car! i have had NO problems with it yet. Great value for the money.

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  Nothing but trouble! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jbh126 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought: 3/8/04 - on 3/15/04 at 495 miles check engine light came on, lost all engine power. Dealer replaced enitre computer (ECM) on 3/18/04. Today, 3/21/04, at 715 miles - light came on AGAIN, and lost all engine power. Dealer could care less. Otherwise car is great, if it would actually run for more than 3 days. I suggest buying a Toyota or Honda - anything but this car!!

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  I love my new car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dosilbe - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my new car. We only buy new and then only every ten years. What a thrill to drive and all the nifty stuff the car computer can tell me on the dashboard. I feel like "star trek"

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  In love - enjoying the honeymoon! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By 1st Time Nissan Ownr - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st Nissan. After 3 Hondas, I gave up on them. This blows away my 2000 Accord V6 coupe with its rattles and cheap leather interior. Also had a Civic and a Prelude SI. My Accord bored me to tears. I was tired of looking at SUVs until I saw the Murano. I wanted AWD and heated seats. This car has so much more and the compliments are nonstop. My only disappointment is the gas mileage. It is not what they claimed. Any ideas on improving this would be appreciated.

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  Nissan Frontier Crew Cab - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By okstatecwby - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab at a Dealer in Tulsa,OK. I went from a Silverado Ext Cab to this smaller truck. At first I wasnt sure if I could adjust to the size but with the options available on the truck I purchased I was amazed! I thought I would want a automatic which I was accustomed to but when I got the manual it was even better. I enjoy the Frontier because it is very comfortable, sporty, great gas mileage, and makes a great work truck. Even for a commute of 45 mins or more to work the Frontier gets the job done.