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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  Nice little truck... - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By jsan - March 22 - 1:10 pm

  Excellent for in town driving and for carrying light cargo. Offers decent comfort and convenience, and outstanding reliability for a reasonable price.

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  Awesome Truck! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By scottb - March 22 - 9:03 am

  Just got my Frontier a week ago, and Im loving every minute I get to drive it. Very powerful and the Rockford Fosgate stereo is great! The leather feels great too!

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  disappointed - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By will - March 22 - 1:43 am

  Purchased used at 101k from dealer who picked up at auction. I heard that the 3.5 engine is indestructible so I bought it. To date. I have replaced typical parts for high mileage (front axel/cvboots, power steering pump, starter, ignition switch, and master cylinder recently which brings me to my dilemma. (brake equpt.). I have spent about 3k in 5 yrs and 89k miles. Bad gas mileage and reliability. Cheaper parts than Toyota

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  good car but could use improvement - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Nancy - March 21 - 2:50 pm

  I bought my Versa hatchback in 9/06 after looking at the Matrix, Fit and Mazda 3. I have never had a problem starting the car, and I find it quite peppy and fun to drive. There are, however, the "little things" that have bothered me about this car that even an economy car shouldnt fall short on: 1. the tire pressure warning light has been on since day 2; 2. 4 wheel covers have fallen off due to low quality plastic pins; 3. the interior cabin gets quite hot from (im guessing) engine heat coming thru the ventilation system; and 4. trim pieces have come unglued. Finally, like other reviewers, I have also been disappointed by the gas mileage from this small car: typically 27 city; 30 hwy.

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  Great car! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By StephanieHenry - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car shortly after totalling a 96 model. I feel completly safe in an altima! Great performance, no major issues so far. Some small issues: drivers window a little off track but no motor problems. A little road noise but if you want a soudproof car you need to spend a little more. Some vibration on hwy, but I think its more alignment and balance due to the stiff suspension. Great car for a low price and it will get up and GO when you want to!

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  Nissan Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By DJUecker - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Love it - handles well in town & on road. Excelleration great - looks good - finish good. Only complaint - rattles: in front door panels, steering column & console. Dealer working on solutions.

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  Saved our lives - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By E Beltz - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We recently totalled our Armada on a roll off the road going over 65 mph. Not only were we quite unhurt our unseatbelted cat survived. Side airbags work. Love our Armada and will buy a second. The ride is better than our old Navigator, and the storage is superb. We tow a 32 trailer with no effort at all. It is the best riding Suv we have ever owned. Would recommend it heartily.

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  My all Purpose Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Family Limo - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Ok where do I start. I think Nissan did a great job with the design of this vehicle, just a poor job putting it together. Within the first month my Transmission started to slip, My tires keep loosing air pressure, my door handles get stuck, air keeps coming in from my windshield. Twelve months later my tires are all chopped up with 10k miles, air still comes from my windshield. I have had a Nissan since I was able to drive (20yrs) This has been by far not my best experience. Got another 24 months with this misery!

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  AMAZING - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By TEAWD35 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I WAS GOING TO BUY A NEW MAXIMA UNTIL A FRIEND TOLD ME TO DRIVE A MURANO. I DID AND FELL IN LOVE. NOTHING BUT PLEASURE. 20 MPG. CITY AND HWY. I LOVE MY MURANO. IT IS JUST RIGHT FOR WHAT EVER THE OCCASSION. DONT LET ANYONE FOOL YOU, DRIVE BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT VEHICLE. IT IS TRULY WONDERFUL. NOT TO LOW OR TO HIGH JUST RIGHT. ENVOY GETS ABOUT 12 AROUND TOWN.. FOR THE PRICE AND MILEAGE MURANO CLEAR WINNER. DO NOT LISTEN TO ALL OF THE MPG COMPLAINERS THIS IS TRULY THE SUV WITH BETTER THAN SUV GAS MILEAGE

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  NISSAN SENTRA 04 RATING - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By FYRLOVER - March 21 - 10:00 am

  SO FAR I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 4 MONTHS AND I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR MEACHANICAL PROBLEMS 3 TIMES NOW. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT AXEL BECAUSE IT IS CROOKED WARPS THE ROTERS AND BRAKES AFTER 1000 MILES. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. FOR ALL THE CARS I HAVE BOUGHT USED AND THEN BUY THIS ONE NEW BECAUSE I DIDNOT WANT ANY MALFUNCTIONS WHILE I AM ABOUT TO HAVE A BABY, BUT I BELEIVE THAT I WILL NEVER BUY A NEW CAR AGAIN! THE FUEL IS NOT THAT GREAT, IT IS BETTER THAN MY TRUCK BUT IT IS NOT AS GOOD AS MOST OTHER 4 CYL.