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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  luv my Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By ron - May 25 - 4:40 am

  Great handling. Good gas mileage, quiet ride. Brakes need improvement. Hard to make smooth stops. Overall great car for the money.

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  Love my Versa!!! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Blanca Castello - May 25 - 2:51 am

  The only bad thing is that it only has one car charger. Having phone charger, GPS charger or other people in the car it makes it tough.

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  from the big guy - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Robvd - May 24 - 12:06 pm

  I am 62" 300 lbs, I like the fuel economy of a compact pickup for in town driving. I have plenty of room and comfort in the truck.

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  3 year review - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By clubber - May 24 - 9:33 am

  This is my second Maxima. The first I kept for 12 years and the engine ran beautifully until the day I traded her in for my current Max. The smoothness of the engine with all its power is my favorite perk. The car has never failed to start. I have the Bose sound system and it is great. The black color still comes up with a great shine. Interior is a bit spartan, however but instrument panel is easy to locate.

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  A surprise package - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By subcollector - May 24 - 4:40 am

  After looking at the Accord, Camry, Lexus ES and the Hyundai my wife suggested the Altima. At first I thought it would be too small, but I was surprised how roomy it turned out to be. After driving it I was also surprised how well it drove. It was smooth riding and had adequate pickup for a 4 cylinder. After purchasing we are now very pleased. I dont miss the hard riding Infiniti I30 I just sold. It may not have all the bells and whistles but it does the job. Very satisfied.

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  Nissan Versa Dream Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By nissan versa 09 - May 23 - 12:33 pm

  I got a Nissan Versa 09 in Aug 08. I love my car. I have purchased 4 cars in the past 10 years and was looking for that perfect fit.

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  Appearance is great but... - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Patrick - May 23 - 9:56 am

  I purchased a 2.5S Coupe (Precision Grey) and had 2 problems already. After having it for 5 days, the car would only start after pushing the start button 15+ times (which the service technician claims its a defective battery - well see) and the a/c compressor has to be replaced (was making a rattling noise). Ive had an altima since it debuted in 92 and had no problems with its previous versions. Im hoping that the new coupe doesnt prove me that Nissan is now marketing more on design and failing on overall reliablility.

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  Brake failure - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By anadeau2 - May 22 - 1:06 pm

  I was driving at 30 miles an hour and my new versa with 7000 miles. All of the sudden my computer went off and i could not use the brakes. I was lucky to avoid an accident. I said I do not feel safe in this car to Nissan and Lokey of Clearwater and they said they will just repair the car. At first they didnt know what was wrong and then they fixed the ABS chip and recalibrated the computer. I drove the car and one week later I was going 50 mph and the brakes were all the way in and they were barely stopping. Luckily I avoided the accident. I called Nissan and they ignored me and said that there is nothing they can do for me. So now they fixed the master cylinder. I feel very unsafe driving.

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  WOW, life is more fun with my X-terra. - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By MomoV - May 22 - 12:33 pm

  I have had my X-terra for 2 weeks and have driven it 1100 miles (went on two trips with it). I am amazed at the design of this SUV. It is very well thought-out, with everything you need and nothing you dont (like they say in commercials). I went to Great Sand Dunes NP last weekend and tried to get it stuck in deep sand. I engaged the 4WD/LO and rear locking differential, and it was awesome! No problem getting out of deep sand. I bought my X-terra at Boulder Nissan (Colorado), and that was the most pleasant car-buying experience ever. Those guys are amazingly nice.

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  proud owner - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nyan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  When i bought the auto, it was like brand new with only 21875 miles on it. It was so mint that the smoothness of the paint work was like new. It surprised the dealers. I live in Alberta, Canada and the winters up here can be very treacherous for driving - icy roads at minus 25 C. So when it was in 4 wheel drve, the drive was so controlled and the feeling of security is wonderful.