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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  first time buyer - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By NP - March 30 - 5:33 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Versa. Previously drove another Nissan and so was interested in buying another one. As a first time buyer did a lot of research on cars and found this to be the best. Initially I wasnt interested in a hatchback but this has more of a sporty look and that old timey station wagon feel. Comfortable car, features great, and good for road trips. As a recent graduate, the price was extremely affordable. I would pick this car again and again if I had to do it over.

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  Problems with Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Waterlogged - March 30 - 3:00 pm

  Bedliner bubbles, Water intrusion on passenger side interior after it rains which has caused entire interior MOLD issues, seats, carpet and more. Rain also causes doors to pour out water when opened. Rusting has appeared on front passenger tire as well as metal parts in the interior of the vehicle. Attempts to fix this have been unsuccessful.

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  Smooth ride and fun!! Great family vehicle! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kitten75 - March 30 - 1:52 pm

  Very comfortable ride, love the new design. Fun to drive and very spacious. All that you would want for an SUV.

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  My fun little turbo-juke - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Frank V - March 30 - 5:01 am

  I love my little juke - it flies along very nicely. Still aclimating myself to the cameras and using them for parking. Its a tiny car but, I have to repark to get it straight, when I use the cameras. reverted back to the mirrors. Mileage is awesome. This is a one-person car so the back seats rarely get used.

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  Maxima - Better than Accord or Camry! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Kim - March 29 - 11:36 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Maxima-SE withh Platinum Edition Package 3 months ago. It is the perfect combination of sport & luxury. It feels sportier than the Toyota Camry, and more refined than the Honda Accord. I chose the "SE" because I like the brushed aluminum accents (versus the wood-tone accents in the "SL"). I like the way the car handles - except it does have a larger turning radius than some other vehicles in this class. The Platinum Edition Package adds many great options. The heated steering wheel is great on cold mornings! Seats are comfortable. CVT keeps the ride smooth while accelerating. I even considered the Lincoln MKZ before deciding that the Maxima was the overall winner.

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  2008 Froniter SE, 4 Cylinder, Auto - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By amalik - March 29 - 10:00 pm

  My 08 Frontier SE, Auto, 4 cylinder in Black has great looks, rides high, and gives decent gas mileage. The bed is perfect size for weekend warriors. Love the 265/70R16 tires. They look great on this truck. The plastic interior could use some improvement.

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  Xterra Owner - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra owner - March 29 - 2:50 pm

  I love my Xterra. It has 100,000 miles and I have only had to change the tires, brakes and a couple belts. Nothing huge considering the mileage.

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  The 370Z car need an ENGINE OIL COOLER! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Prefecto2 - March 29 - 9:03 am

  I purchased my Nissan 2009 370Z Car on February 26, 2009. I have been very disappointed with my 2009 370Z Car, because you cant drive it over 4000 RPMs, if the ambient temperature is over 90 degrees. As a result, I only have 630 miles on my 370Z! The 370Z Car, without an engine oil cooler, will over-heat! The engine oil temperature reaches 280 degrees, if the ambient temperature is over 90 degrees, and it will do it in a very short period of time. When this happens, the cars engine RPMs are reduced from 7500 RPMs to 6500 RPMs, and if the engine oil temperature reaches 290 degrees, the engines RPMs will be reduced to 4500 RPMs, which is approximately half of the 370Z Horsepower!

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  Seats - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By 50 ish - March 29 - 5:56 am

  I have had my 09 SL for a week now and while I am very pleased with how it drives and handles, it has the most uncomfortable seats I have had. Besides poor alignment, even with power seats they are rock hard! If you ever have had had back issues, I would really take a 2nd look at this before your purchase and consider a more level seat. The design is very poor for lower back support. Also there are numerous blind spots that I suppose can be adjusted to. Its a shame because its a very cool car otherwise

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  Great Truck Except.... - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Terry - March 29 - 4:46 am

  I love the drive train and suspension on this truck - it drives like a sports car and is a blast to run the 2.5L 4 banger through the gears. My complaint? I cant find a comfortable position for the drivers seat. The door panel encroaches on my leg space, the front lip of the seat digs into my thighs, and the seat bottom/back is just plain hard. Im now considering options such as a custom seat, upgrade seats from a wrecked SE/LE, or possibly reupholstering. The uncomfortable seats are starting to sour me on an otherwise wonderful truck.