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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  An eye-catcher... Definitely - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Michael the Psycho - February 12 - 6:10 am

  I will have to say this car is extremely smooth to drive. I have driven a few cars before but the acceleration on this vehicle just blows everything else out of the water (and I only got the 2.5S!). In fact, if I dont pay close attention, the majority of my drives are at 20 over the speed limit. If you want a beautiful, sporty car with the price tag of a mainstream car, this is most likely it. I got to say though, the back seats are really not comfortable. Ive seen some reviews say the rear space being mediocre in comfort; I think thats an understatement. My roommates children (both under 10) can barely fit but I guess the target demographic of this car was never for "family" passengers.

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  wife needed awd now has a 2015 rogue sv premium - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By james a mcmahon - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Wife loves her new rogue great in snow, looks good ,cvt very smooth , roomy and nice in inside

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  happy to shutt my sister - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ramirez - February 11 - 6:43 pm

  got my nissan 3 years a go same time my sis.(lincoln) happy with the little car no major repairs amaze how much after market parts to upgrade the car are available my sis was =( after lots repair on the first year of her luxury car,even for a 4 cylinder car is enough for city and travel (arkansas to florida) not much tech. for the year but my phone does everything this days well done paying the car thinking trading for a xterra so review please the quality before you buying just bcse is v8 and has airshocks doesnt meant is better .. thanks

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  Great small car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By me - February 11 - 6:40 pm

  Got this car to replace my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. Wanted something more fuel efficient and smaller. I really love this little car. It is fun to drive and I really appreciate better gas mileage. Love the Bluetooth! Nissan packs a lot into a small package with this one.

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  It has 200,000km and lady-driven (which also means lady-maintained...lol). - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By avroarrow - February 10 - 3:22 am

  Bought this car from a family member for $1000 so the price was right but it did need a lot of TLC. Things that Ive replaced so far: CAT at manifold, knock sensor, MAF sensor, 02 sensor, rad, complete rear brakes. Other problems: Leaking A/C system (hopefully Ive fixed that) wiring defect in the spoiler light (Ill fix that soon). The oil filter is impossible to change without putting the car on a hoist, over a pit or on jack stands/ramps. The PCV valve is hidden under the intake manifold and will require hours to change. The shifter light also needs replacing. If I wasnt a DIYer, Id be broke, but I am a DIYer and now that Ive done these repairs, it will go another 200,000km for sure.

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  Great car but the RPMs run high - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By TIna Kline - February 10 - 2:26 am

  I just purchased a 2008 Versa hatchback, so far love it! Averaging 33 mpg, not bad condsidering I drive 50 miles to work, and hit 32 lights along the way. Im a little concerned about the RPMs running high, in 6 sp, 62 mph Im running at 3000 RPMs. Other than that great car!!

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  it s ok - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By NV - February 9 - 10:03 am

  Overall I love it very much.Its a nice looking truck. But so far I had the problem that make noise under the hood.I brought it to the dealer and they fixed right the way.But I dont know later it will coming back again or not.Do they will cover it when it was out of the warranty . The brake kind of vibrate and make noise really loud on especially on wet weather everytime you brake or stop at the traffic light .I dont know if outside the people could hear it or not, but inside its very loud and vibrated,feel the car is shaking. When you ran over the bump dont try to step on the brake it seem like it loose or something is out of place. I notice dealer they said It maybe the ABS sys.

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  Best Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By sarjarm - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sentra! Its never given me any problems & is very fun to drive. the only complaint I have is that sometimes parts are pricey. But compared to other imports, I guess the price is pretty good. It has very good fuel economy. All around, I give it a 9.5 out of 10

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  Good One - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By sbjtn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Good tight feel. Great for teenagers.

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  Wait a year or two - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Once Burned - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This may be redundant to the other 100 or so reviews, but Nissan really designed a lousy car this time. Parts replaced include fuel pump (wouldnt start in the cold), exhaust system (cat converter hanging when purchased), front wheel(bent rim),& many others. Doors rattle, dash rattles, seat belt adjuster broke, pop out window motor loose. 12 trips to the shop already! Dealership at a loss for how to fix everything. Theyre overwhelmed, but trying hard. Nissan USA is USELESS! Scrapped my complaint after 30 days because no activity even though it was unresolved.