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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  2 Dr. KC 2WD XE - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Joeeick - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Nissan Frontier XE for a no-frills truck. I looked at every truck in its class and for the money it is the best. Handles well, so-so power, and good looks.

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  beautiful! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ceez - November 28 - 10:00 am

  looks like a lexus, but half the price, what more could you ask for, excellent car

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  Cure For Common Car!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Kiranrdy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  ItÂ’s True to the Slogan "Cure For Common Car" I like the design and Space inside and awesome power for V4. Stick shift is so much fun to drive in Altima.

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  Not worth the money - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ubie - November 28 - 10:00 am

  If the Altima truly wants to compete with the Accord and the Camry, then Nissan has to stop adding on all the extras, that already come with on the Accord and Camry. I love the engine and the color but thats about it. The BOSE system that came in most of the pewter colored cars that had the other features I wanted is definitely not worth the extra $800. I paid for it.

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  Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mad mad person - November 28 - 4:56 am

  My car 2008, Nissan altima 4 dr put 80k on my car. 2 days ago I was driving my car and it started on fire through my air filter I have never heard of that a car starting on fire through air filter they have my car now been waiting on what happened not happy with car so everyone be aware. They probably will be charging me with the damage to the car oil change every 3000 miles and all parts kept up to date.

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  07 max - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By marty boren - November 28 - 3:26 am

  This is my third max, I like the dash set-up over the 06 but still getting used to tranny. the exhaust system is louder and sportier. I opted for the SL but had dealership put SE tires and rims on. This gives a fuller wheel well look. The horse power seems to be the same but is sluggish in take off. I run around 50k to 80k miles a year. I had no prob. with 06. hope the same with 07. Add k/n air filter youll see why!!!

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  Best performance for you money - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ALFONSO - November 27 - 8:23 pm

  So far i have experienced great enjoyments and near death encounters with this vehicle. I take it to the extreme when i run my car in the curvy mountain slopes in hemet, ca.

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  America wake up - stop buying shoddy SUVs! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Alvin - November 27 - 9:37 am

  Not all SUVs are created equal, and not all SUVs are worth buying - yes you can buy this car new for under $20k but a great price does not mean it is a great deal. I had the opportunity to drive the Rogue and, in todays competitive crowded SUV marketplace, the Rogue is simply outclassed by most of its rivals and for $20k, you have MUCH better options such as the RAV4. The Rogue lacks some basic amenities such as bluetooth or a backup camera. The powertrain, while meeting basic needs, is severely underpowered in todays turbo-charged world. Nissan clearly hasnt been investing in the Rogue while America makes this the #2 selling vehicle in the US (YTD November 2017) - I feel bad for the 300k consumers who have purchased this vehicle because it lacks refinement, power, convenience and checks a single box which is "SUV". Do not make your purchase decision on the fact that this is an affordable SUV because that is the only thing the Rogue has going for it.

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  Love my car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bmartellaro - November 27 - 7:30 am

  I wanted this car for over a year. I was driving a 2004 Sentra and passed that down to my husband for his econo car. The car handles great, looks great, and the gas mileage is better than what is on the sticker. My 17 year old son says the back seat is very comfortable. I would recomend this car to everyone I know. It has been a dream to own. When I need to get another car I plan on getting the fully loaded 3.5 SL maybe in about 4 or 5 years. I still need to break this one in. Billie Martellaro

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  Our last Odyssey - 2014 Nissan Quest
  By believe - November 27 - 1:49 am

  We have ALWAYS been pretty much Honda customers. In fact, since 1977 when we purchased our first new car we have always for the most part purchased Honda. Well times have changed. We decided this time to take the Quest for a drive. It is simply the smoothest, best looking, best interior, at least in our honest opinion. We were fortunate enough to catch the St. Pats day sale and purchased the SV model for approx $8k off MSRP. That has to be the best deal we have ever made, but aside from that, the Quest is so comfortable. Neither the Sienna or Odyssey felt as good as the Quest. BTW, our last two vans were the Odyssey. BTW...we purchased this van for retirement. We didnt need 8 seating.