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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  Titanic - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By capturedword - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Great truck real head turner. Powerful Capable Comfortable

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  Amazing!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tri Guy - July 7 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. Second Maxima (96 is the other). Had it a week and it is amazing to drive. The cornering is tight and responsive. The interior is quiet and roomy. Lots of trunk space. Amazing amount of pick up when the accelorator is pushed and I havent even opened it up yet. The gas mileage isnt even close to what I was told I would get, but I also have been playing with the gas pedal so far, so once I get into the groove of the car, I would imagine (hope) it will go up. I recently put an aftermarket air filter on it and the torque has imporved as well.

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  Not-a-full-size-sedan. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Richard/B - July 7 - 1:46 am

  I dont have enough use of this car to comment on how good it is. Never attempt to drive over a speed bump! In the few months I have owned it, I have encountered speed bumps in strip center parking lots, and on interconnecting streets on large hospital grounds between its buildings. The first instance, even with usual slow approach, resulted in it high-centering until I could roll off it. The next was on the hospital grounds, and with the usual caution, was unable to overcome the high-centering, so had to back off and find another route. At the dealers shop, lifted on the car lift, scrapes were noted by the technicians along the bottom. No telling how bad, should someone drive it, not expecting the problem. Just what would happen on high water, deep snow, dry weeds/grass in fields, and two-rut roads with high center media? The front body-finished metal, extends so low, that often at curbs and parking stop blocks it gets concrete scrapes (and sounds), and who knows how much reshapeing is done?

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  My first Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By pickles - July 7 - 12:08 am

  This is the 2nd Nissan I have had. I had a Murano which I loved but it got totalled in 2007 when a 17 year old hit us head on. Very safe car. I hope the Rogue is just as safe. It does need more cupholders. Otherwise, I love it

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  2008.5 NISSAN TITAN LE - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By nomad_1956 - July 6 - 11:26 pm

  This is one "great" truck, hands down. You have the feel of complete control with this truck. The performance reminds me of the 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix I once owned. Runs like a "scalded" dog. The comfort and room in the cab is not touchable by any truck maker today. "THE BEST TRUCK ON THE ROAD TODAY BAR NONE".

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  A lemon - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Greatly Disappointed - July 6 - 8:30 pm

  2003 Murano has had nothing but problems. Have replaced hatchback lock, rear wiper motor/blade, transmission, radiator, headlight, transfer case for a total of $6,000. The transmission was still under warranty. If it hadnt, that would have been another $4,000. Powertrain only warrantied to 60,000 so transfer case cost me $3,700. Nissan and dealership refused any assistance on repair cost despite well-documented history of these known problems for this model year. Dealer told me I should have bought the extended warranty when it was offered to me.

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  08 Altima Hybrid, 38.4 mpg Mountain Hwy - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Bob - July 6 - 3:36 pm

  This car is my second hybrid and is a real road worthy sedan. Returning from Carson City, NV to Novato, CA over the Sierras we averaged 38.4 mpg and legal highway speeds. This trip was 210 miles over 4 hours on a quarter of a tank of regular gas. I am very pleased with the cabin and trunk capacity and enjoy driving this vehicle.

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  2001 Nissan Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - July 6 - 3:06 pm

  I thought Nissan was the better deal compared to a comparable Accord. Boy was I wrong. In the past year Ive had to replace the rear calipers and the check engine light comes on randomly. At the time it first came on, the car was covered under the factory warranty. The Nissan dealer replaced what they said was a faulty oxygen sensor. The check engine light came on about 3 months later. By that time the warranty had expired. I had another shop determine it was a catalytic convertor. For now Ill just live with it.

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  2008 Armada LE - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Chris - July 6 - 2:36 pm

  Just picked up my loaded 08 Armada in smoke color and we love it. I have all the bells and whistles and it all comes together really nicely. Nav works great. Traded in an 05 Pathfinder and it was an easy tranistion into the Armada. Shop around as they are offering great incentives to buy the Armada.

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  Nice Appearance - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Rita - July 6 - 6:26 am

  We always drove a Ford until 2006 when we decided to try a Nissan and have been very satisfied with performance, comfort and style. We like the steering wheel controls, the roomy trunk, the nice wide opening of the 4 doors and the doors are much more water tight than our last Ford. Our next car will most likely be another Nissan.