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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  this is great truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By 10 speed - March 8 - 5:56 am

  this is my first owned pickup truck but have driven many at jobs that i have had. it is a very good truck and i have an average gas mileage of about 17 and a half around town and highway if on highway only i get about 20 mpg if i set the cruise control and let ride. have not had any trouble with it except the seat belt lite keeps going on and off and have had to have the switch replaced already and is now doing it again. would recommmend this truck to anyone. family or single. needs some more power under the hood but runs good. i got a great deal on it over 6 thousand off the sale price, when purchased new. fun to drive and even my buddy likes it to drive and ride it.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By LLP - March 8 - 4:33 am

  Love the styling, comfort, power. The room is sufficient for daily Dad Duties, including coaching. Mileage is not up to rating, but not by much. Leg room is critical, and ample.

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  Quality in the perfect sized truck. - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Derrick - March 8 - 1:03 am

  Purchased this truck to replace 00 Sonoma. The difference is night and day. The quality of build is fantastic. It is very sturdy and refined. The 4 cyl of course is not as fast as the 6, but I cruise effortlessly at 75-80 mph. I have driven it in the mountains of Arizona and it has plenty of power going uphill. This is complemented by the excellent handling and nicely geared transmission. I average about 24 mpg without the AC and 22 with. This truck is the perfect size as it provides realistic space for short term rear passengers without compromising the bed, and still fits in a standard garage.

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  Pathetic Fuel Economy - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Sorrybuyer - March 7 - 7:30 pm

  I traded in my 4Runner thinking that I would get better fuel efficiency based on the advertised 23/31 mpg. Its giving a dismal 18 mpg in the city and a pathetic 20.5 mpg combined. And yes it is the 4 cylinder 2.5S. My 4Runner was giving me just a mile or two less with a 6 cylinder engine! Besides the poor fuel efficiency its a decent car but if you are looking for better mileage, look elsewhere. My last Nissan purchase!

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  Big Disappointment! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By bruin in Ottawa - March 7 - 7:10 pm

  This car has given me no confidence in the Nissan brand. It has a horrible fit and finish. This is going to catch up with Nissan just like it did with the big three.

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  Love my truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Derwood_Tom - March 7 - 5:16 am

  The kids are almost out of the house, and my wife encouraged me to replace my econo-box with a truck (had a pick- up until kid #3 arrived 17 yrs ago). Love this truck, right size for urban driving, but seats 5 if needed. Lots of power, but rides really well, remarkably easy to get into the seats, and takes turns at highway speeds like a sedan. Wish gas mileage was a bit better, averaging around 18 mpg. No complaints so far (first 2,000 miles).

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  Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Armani - March 6 - 11:30 pm

  Very good and comfortable crossover. Very good quality in finishes. Could improve in rear suspension.

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  Great, so far - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Ken in MI - March 6 - 6:23 pm

  Have 3000 miles after 3 months. No defects (that is the way all new cars should be). Getting decent highway mpg - last trip about 34. Quiet, roomy, comfortable seats, easy to reach controls, nice instrument panel layout, adequate acceleration, intermittent wipers and washers front and rear - nice! adequate a/c, bright headlights with excellent width/range. Engine quiet at idle and not too noisy during acceleration. Seats four adults comfortably without needing to adjust front seats (awesome!) Standard speakers in stereo not so good - have not been able to adjust treble/bass good enough yet. Cloth seats are lint magnets - will need to get a lint brush.

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  exhaust dangerous problem - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Ripper - March 6 - 9:46 am

  If you are buying a 2007 Titan. Be SURE to go around to the right side of the truck where the tail pipe comes out under the fender, follow the tail pipe towards the muffler, INSPECT the first tail pipe clamp back from the muffler for security. This is the weekest part of the exhaust system, This clamp rusts and fails. When it does, the tail pipe will fall away leaving the muffler side tail pipe pointing directly straight up. If the truck is operated in this condition, the hot exhaust gasses will be directed onto the underside of the truck bed. The excess heat will melt and short out ALL wires going to tail lights ect of truck box.

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  Wonderful First Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Anon - March 6 - 9:03 am

  This car is wonderful, it has lots of power, great pick up, nice exterior design, many standard features and more. If I had the choice between the Altima, Camry, or Accord I would buy the Altima with no hesitation. The interior could definitely use a change, especially some of the material that is used. But at this price, who could complain? Brakes wear out quicker then some other cars, but that is just wear and tear. Engine is great, first thing in the morning it does sound louder then usual, other than that I have not had any problems with this car!