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:

• 

  Great little car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Amber - June 16 - 9:33 pm

  I just got this car but its way better then what I traded in for it. It is very comfortable. I love the hood of the car. The only complaint I have is that the tail end of the car doesnt really have any shape. So Im gonna put a spoiler on it. The gas mileage is good and over all Im very happy with my selection.

• 

  This Truck Is A Keeper ! ! ! ! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By MaximusStimulus - June 16 - 12:56 am

  I have just over 4K miles on this truck. I consider it the best looking truck in its class. It handles well. The ride is slightly stiff but not bad. (Hey...Its a truck...wink) The engine is adequate and the 5 speed auto transmission shifts smooth. The interior is unusually quiet when on the road. (Good sound proofing.) I have the base stereo and it sounds above average. I consider the fit and finish on this truck to be top quality and I look very closely when buying. The interior has excellent quality plastic (dash and door panels, etc) compared to some Ive seen. I get 20-22 MPG on combination driving. I havent done a strictly highway trip...yet. I am completely satisfied ! ! !

• 

  Great to Drive - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Marianne - June 15 - 10:36 pm

  Great and fun to drive. Location of cup holders are my only complaint. Cup holders in front and rear are not within easy reach. Otherwise the SUV is perfect. Great handling. I feel safe in the vehicle. Would buy another. 19.5 is not bad gas mileage but would love a highbred with higher mileage if it performed as well.

• 

  Good to drive,poor equiped. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jose Lopez - June 15 - 10:00 pm

  Excellent driven experience,like other Nissan that I have had,Altima & X Terra.Incredible power for a 4 cilynder engine.

• 

  Best Ever Owned - 2013 Nissan 370Z
  By pshiva - June 15 - 9:20 pm

  Excellent Ride. Always go with MT if you can you have full control over the speed unlike AT which has a lag time.

• 

  Unbelievable Luxury - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By wild8willy - June 15 - 6:10 pm

  We got rid of a Honda Oddy EXL-RES that was the worst vehicle I have ever owned. 9mpg since new and constantly in the shop. Our Quest is like a Bentley. The materials are top notch, the comfort is unmatched and I just love this van. My wife loved it in 2011 and made me go see one and I thought she was out of her mind. Well it kind of grew on me, and then I drove it. You could actually have a conversation at normal voice levels with any row in the van it is so quiet. I could not talk to my wife in our Oddy with her sitting next to me it was so loud. The CVT is actually pretty good in the van. I have one in my 2012 Altima and it is awful and I hate it. We paid Under 30 Grand!!!

• 

  Great truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Teathlobster - June 15 - 4:23 am

  I have had this truck for two years and have no complaints. I am going to sell and get a new one.

• 

  Do not buy - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By yoly22 - June 15 - 3:26 am

  This car has been the biggest headache. It has been in the dealer since the date I purchased it. I have maintained the vehicle and for some reason Nissan has not recalled the crank shift sensor. The car has turned off on me while driving the car.It has happened to me on the expressway which was very scary. A month ago my car was at the dealer for this same exact reason I was informed it should not happen anymore now my car is back in the dealer. Such a big safety issue being overlooked.

• 

  More room in a car - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hunterbaby - June 14 - 6:40 pm

  We bought our Pathfinder only 9 months ago and traded it in for a regular car!! There isnt that much room in the Pathfinder for two adults and two kids with car seats. Never had a problem with it. When the kids get bigger - might consider buying another. They would have to do something about the gas mileage though!!

• 

  Can Look but Cant Drive the Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Unhappy Altima Owner - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Altima for 2.5 years and have had 2 major breakdowns. First off, the catalytic converter went out. This was under factory warranty. Next the fuel pump went out. These are the types of breakdowns that should happen to MUCH OLDER cars. Overall I am pretty unhappy with this car. The interior is cheap, rattles, it has had a LOT of recalls, and breaks down a lot. Overall it is a good looking but if you cant drive it, what good is it? I think this will be my last Nissan.