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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  Great Little City Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Felipe - March 17 - 3:30 am

  Traded my old MB station wagon in for this great little car. Used to get 17 mpg on premium, now 30 mpg on regular. Peppy and roomy for city and expressway usage. Well built with no creaks and everything seems to fit well. Easy to get in and out of.

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  Stay away - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By rafboy - March 16 - 8:30 pm

  I bought a brand new one on 01/31/08. Has been in 4 times for repairs (including replacing the water- pump and also replacing the whole front passenger seat due to airbag sensors malfunctioning). The car has less than 3,000 miles on it. Simply unacceptable. Im looking into pursuing legal action. Be forewarned!

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  Beautiful! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mark - March 16 - 1:30 am

  I have owned an MX6 and a GTO (1966) as well as a couple of Vets and and MGB. By far the greatest driving vehicle I have ever had the pleasure to drive is this 350Z. It drives like a cloud.. so responsive.. you almost think it through the turn. Truly a wonderful automobile!

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ron Field - March 15 - 11:33 pm

  Having had a top of the line 2000 Pathfinder our new Pathfinder, with all the bells and whistles, has been a true joy. We now have two young grandchildren and they love to ride,in the spacious back seat where , have they can easily see out the windows,have their own heat or air, and watch their favorite videos. The dogs are quite content to sit in the third seat or to have the whole cargo area.

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  Our "Quest" is over - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By fossilfinder66 - March 15 - 8:46 pm

  We bought a new 07 Quest last weekend. We liked the looks of the "un-minivan" but choice for an entry level model was very limited. They really move these models so you dont get much selection. The interior room was light years ahead of our 1999 Quest. Power was nice also. Did not get leather but cloth interior looks cheap and probably prone to catch dirt in the waffle pattern.

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  READY FOR ANOTHER RECALL - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By wadhwa - March 15 - 8:32 pm

  Have only 16600 Miles.The Car already has a recall for stalling problems. Looks the Dealer just raised the accelerator level since the engine makes high level transmission noise while coming down slopes. Now the ABS and traction lights has come up. Upon Dealer inspection they found the ABS connector wire is cut off. Its a skinny ABS cable which is not properly covered from end to end with some thick plastic/tape and can get cut/damage easily from any object on the road while Driving and hanging like a Cradle. Nissan should understand that ABS is a major part of the braking system and Nissan Customer Service is not helpful. They should recall the Cars for replacement of ABS connector.

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  Godzilla - 2011 Nissan GT-R
  By GTR - March 15 - 8:13 pm

  Incredibly quick and quiet during massive acceleration, gearbox is fantastic, interior design and nav really nice. The car is heavy though, noisy drivetrain, and the run flats make the car ride stiffly even in Comfort mode. Chassis gets very upset over potholes and railroad tracks. It is a supercar at a reasonable price and cant be beat. It could definitely be improved though. Gets tons of attention.

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  Better than any Jeep available now - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By xterrable - March 14 - 1:36 pm

  Ive owned several Jeeps from 1951 to 2001 models. This Xterra has the newer jeeps beat hands down.

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  Sturdy, Reliable SUV - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Hiker / Camper - March 13 - 8:30 am

  Just returned from a 3-week Colorado vacation. The S Trim XTerra performed admirably and was a pleasure to drive. Handled easy back roads with some rocks, pot holes, ruts and washboarding well -- was reluctant to try anything seriously challenging due to inexperience. Best gas mileage was 26 mpg. Mileage varies depending on driving technique, etc. Best to have a "light foot" on the accelerator. Had to replace in-cabin air filter upon return -- very dirty from dust. Since purchasing, have added skid plates, fog lamps and wind deflectors. Good investments. Happy XTerra owner.

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  Everything I wanted - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By versaslowner - March 13 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car to replace my two door Honda Civic. So far it is spacious, fun to drive, and everything I was hoping for. Im not sure yet on the bas mileage, but it seems to be what I expected. Front seat has plenty of room. The keyless ignition and other features on the premium package are awesome!