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:

• 

  V8 Power! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Joe - August 10 - 5:56 am

  When considering this vehicle, the V8 32 valve engine is what convinced me - not to mention the utility of it. Ive put 62,000 miles on it. Love the torque power but have dealt with too much inconsistent quality issues that im considering trading it in. Some of the failures of it were poor brakes (9,000 miles started to shimmy. Dealer repaired it. Not to mention I learned how to repair my brakes afterwards), electrical wiring to a/c blower failed. Door locks froze badly, dealer recall. Differential oil would leak on inner wheel, something not all dealers willing to repair esp. if warranty is up. Gas mpg not accurate to sticker. Ave 12-14. And thats with babying it.

• 

  2007 Nissan Altima: A+ - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Altima 3.5 SE - August 9 - 7:40 pm

  This car is definitely a challenge to all eurosport-type sedans. It definitely belongs to a bavarian autobahn, not NJ turnpike.

• 

  Love It! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Rusty - August 9 - 4:53 am

  I love this car! Overall I think it is excellent. I have the new color, interlagos fire, and it is a real headturner. I have owned 5 Nissan in my life, and this one is by far the best.

• 

  Gets the job done - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By ks5guy - August 8 - 8:33 pm

  Purchased new in 98. Engine could make more power. Had a 93 240SX with the same base engine (different intake, computer, etc) and it made much more power. Air Conditionong compressor clutch seems to be on its way into the sunset. Plain styling. Interior is reasonably nice for a $14K truck. With a tonneau on the bed, get 29 MPG on the interstate at 75 mph. Like the 240, this truck does make good power once the engine is running in the top half of the tach.

• 

  Review - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By RS - August 8 - 4:26 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. Acceleration is surprisingly good with the smaller 4 cyl engine with excellent gas mileage. My only complaint is the limited choice of interior colors to match up with the available exterior colors. I chose the Winter Frost exterior color but was stuck with a black charcoal interior as the standard offering. I live in Texas and believe me the black charcoal interior can feel like an oven if left out in the sun too long.

• 

  Quiet Lexus-like ride is the 2013 Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By hondaccord09 - August 7 - 4:24 pm

  This car is like the Maxima, Lexus or Infinity, with the quiet, soft, comfortable ride with high mpg rating. Gas prices are not going lower. Its around $4/gallon as of today. I dont know whats is going on with the deal. This car has the qualities of a Lexus or Infinity but is priced a tens and twenty thousands dollars less! The suspension is not stiff at all. The 17" wheel base gives the car a good, quick, controlled ride on the highway. The interior comes with very comfortable seating and everything is laid out nicely and vertically.

• 

  GottaGet1 - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By GottaGet1 - August 7 - 5:20 am

  I test drove the Murano, a Toyota Highlander, and a Honda Pilot. I was so impressed with everything that the Murano had to offer! The CVT transmission was so smooth and accelerated with ease. The interior is plush and so comfortable. The exterior is sharp and eye-catching. The sound system is top-notch. The interior leather package is luxurious, but practical. I cant say enough good things about this vehicle!

• 

  Love it - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By tool4ritz - August 6 - 11:20 am

  Been looking at trucks for a while. Decided on Nissan because of build quality, passanger space, and power. Mileage is low in the whole spectum of cars, but for V6 trucks its on the higher end. If you want better mileage, go get a sedan. Seats are very comfortable, I have not found myself shifting around at all in them. Things i splurged on and am glad i did: moonroof. your head sits fairly close to the ceiling and the moonroof changes the whole interior dynamic. Dont waste your money on anything else becasue aftermarket is much better.

• 

  Very happy with my SUV - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By france01 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with this vehicle. I have always wanted one and I have not been disappointed. I will probably buy another because my wife and I fight over who is going to drive it. The computer and manifold gaskets have had to be replaced, all under warranty, also Im feeling a slight grind in the front wheels.

• 

  Good Used Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Trunks - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Nice reliable truck for my teenager.