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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  GRRRREAT! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Candice - April 10 - 8:20 pm

  I went for the Armada, but it was to pricey. I FELL IN LOVE with my altima. It picks up faster than most cars. My friend has a mustang, and he drove mine and fell in love with it as well. I love the new body of the altima, and design. It makes you feel good driving in it.

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  nice but id pass on it - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By pelt - April 10 - 7:10 pm

  i would have enjoyed this vehicle if it werent making this humming noise when going slow or approaching a stop. i took it to the dealership 9 times and they could not fix the problem. they apologized many times. but dealing with nissan has now been the worst experience ever. the car would have been great but still makes some strange noise.

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  Better that I anticipated - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Jeff - April 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle surprised me with its the way it drives. Granted it may be a little rough if you are used to a car but this a truck and I can say it is not as rough as I expected. It has a smooth transmission, comfortable seats, and a pretty good stock stereo. The best feature for me, and the main reason I bought it, is I can transport my bikes with ease in the large cargo area. I also plan on purchasing a kayak soon and getting the accessory for the roof rack that will transport it.

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  Murano a Great Car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By lcrnext - April 9 - 3:13 pm

  The Murano is a great car to drive. Not too big, not too small. Handles like a car, but has the comfort and space of an SUV. Love the fast acceleration and smooth handling. Interior features are good, too.

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  Im writing this to help you make up your mind! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By R. Phillips - April 9 - 1:53 pm

  If youre like me, and you are in the market for a midsize SUV, youre doing your research and reading all the reviews from reputable sites. Before I bought my 2017 Rogue SV AWD, I was driving a 2012 GMC Terrain (just so you understand where Im coming from). The Terrain was a solid but unspectacular vehicle, and I really did not want to venture too far from that size of a vehicle. It gave me just enough trunk space for my German Shepherd, and enough back seat space for kids and adults alike, even those who are vertically gifted. I read a lot about the Rogue not having much power or pickup, and how the steering is sluggish. I also came across reviews where people said the sight lines are poor or they had trouble seeing. Ive come to believe that these people were trolls from another car company! Ive had my Rogue for two weeks now and Im extremely impressed. It has all the space I need, it has fantastic torque off the line - so I can pass people when I need to - and I have not had any issues with vision or seeing out of the vehicle. The interior is luxurious, and it almost feels like youre sitting in a Lexus. I bought an SV AWD with the premium sound package and moon roof package. Honestly, I could probably do without both of them, but theyre nice to have. The vehicle itself is fantastic and I want to encourage everyone to at least test drive one! I think youll be as impressed as I was. And I hope my review helps, there werent many about the 17 Rogues so I want to make sure I get the good word out!

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  Extremely happy with purchase! - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Eric - April 8 - 8:25 am

  I took a long time researching cars before I made my purchase and so far have had zero regrets. I was looking for a fully loaded car that was both economical and reliable. With 54,000 miles and after over 3 years of ownership I have had no issues whatsoever, consistently obtain over 40 mpg, and am very satisfied with the comfort and handling. The only negative I can think of is storage between the front seats is a bit lacking. I like the fact that routine maintenence is quite simple if you are the do it yourself type of owner (oil changes, cabin air filter, and engine air filter). Great job Nissan!

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  Lovin Every Minute of it - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Matthew P. - April 8 - 2:10 am

  I have had my Armada LE for about 2 months now and have nothing at all negative to say about it. I am completely satisfied and reassured that the vehicle will be as great five years from now as it is currently.

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  Id rather chew glass then buy another Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By applesanni - April 7 - 3:31 pm

  I bought February 2009 brand new, April I already started the CVT problems...the noise NOONE could here BUT me...1000 miles and I had the trans replaced, August 2009 AGAIN the trans had to be replaced, then we have the love Tire Press Light that no matter how much I fill my tires it never went off...again it was ME who was crazy. I just hit 40,000 miles and so far 2 Trans,4 Brand New Tires for $1k,front brakes $400, rear brakes another $400...n now my remote key stopped working, the "fixed both the key and spare....still not working, bluetooth never worked either! Thank god I claimed the Lemon Law or Id really be unhappy!!!! Save your $$$$$$$ nothing but a headache!!!!

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  window needed on back passenger side - 2015 Nissan NV200
  By Wendy Cloud - April 7 - 12:36 pm

  I have windows in the back, but there should be a window built into the back passenger side. Not to open and close...just to look thru. Would be a lot safer. Nissan should do a recall and put in the side window. The gas gauge is frustrating because I dont know when Im at the beginning of a bar or near the end. I like the old-style vertical, linear gauge. Again, the spare tire should be inside the vehicle or have a lift-up at the end of the bed. I had them put it inside so the tire guys wouldnt have to go to a lot of hassle to check it and put air in it. I do not use the air indicator at all because it flashes on and off like all the other lights. If something needs attention, that light should stay on. I just get the tires filled once a month, like usual. There is very little room in the passenger seat and glove compartment...they should both have more space.

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  Happy Then, Scared Now - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Paul - April 7 - 5:16 am

  Well, I bought my Maxima used and I loved the way it handled the road. Fuel economy is great. It has great power when I need it. I have come to some problems with the car though. I have had the transmission fixed on it with just 41,000 miles on it. And it hasnt run the same. Had the BOSE radio replace because CD didnt work. Im scared there will be other problems ahead. Turn radius is terrible. I had a 2000 Maxima and the turn radius was great in that one. Road noise is bad but, thinking its the standard OE tires that are bad. Other than that it is a fun car to drive.