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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  Ford has found its match... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By T Powell - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely satisfied with my new Titan. Sticker w/ Popular package was 27,200, Invoice was 23,800, and I purchased for 22,100 including $1500 rebate, and before TTT&L fees. The truck has a commanding road presence, drives like a dream, can pull a bus, and is full of innovative features. Before you buy a Ford, Dodge, or God Forbid, Plastic Rattle Trap GM, 3 of which Ive owned, do yourself a favor and at least drive this truck first. I guarantee you will favor this vehicle over the any of those trucks. The domestics are built on ancient technology..the Ford is definitely comparable, but overall, the Titan prevails. The best bang for you buck

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  great - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By rae139 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun, Fast, Super car.

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  Great Small SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By bradwesley - February 24 - 3:10 am

  This was a great buy. I am very impressed with its great mpg. I get about 23-25 mpg in the city and about 29-30 mpg on the highway. I am also impressed with its acceleration. I have no problem passing on the highway. I really enjoy the CVT. It is smooth and very nice. The interior is very nice and functional.

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  300,000 Miles and Counting - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By jlundin - February 24 - 3:05 am

  This has been a daily commuter for many, many years and there has never been any major issues. I have replaced the clutch 2x and done the normal maintenance over the years. Never once has it failed me. It gets great gas mileage for a truck. Just recently I passed the 300,000 miles mark and it still made a 2,000 mile trip to Arizona and back. The only complaint I have is that it is a gutless 4 cylinder. I have to put the pedal to the floor when turning onto a street and it still takes it time to accelerate.

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  Great car - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By kaz - February 24 - 2:26 am

  Great car to drive, great wd system, safe due to the ways it sits high

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  I would love to love this truck... - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By desant89 - February 24 - 12:46 am

  I am stunned reading these reviews. I have had more small problems than ever. Windows rattle, sunroof rattles, cheap plastic interior creaks all of the time, ride is a little rough, poor fuel economy. I have been to the dealership as much as an employee. A friend has one, and notices the same annoyances. Funny, when I get in it, I still love to drive it! Trips to the dealer are killing me though. Too many annoyances for something in this price range. Nissan has to do better than the plastic interior in this vehicle. If noise does not bother you, this is an excellent vehicle. What is with the cable driven windows?

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Lola - February 23 - 2:23 am

  A nice and roomy vehicle with a cool twist. Great on gas, yet not too small of a vehicle. The body on the altima has improved and so has the drive. Nice and smooth!

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  fast - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By victah - February 22 - 5:00 am

  this car is very fast fun to drive with leather inside full loaded cd player the sound system is amazing alsome i love the ts system 29 mpg great car and heated sets lol this rocks.

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  British Columbia Driving - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By prenp - February 22 - 1:20 am

  Overall nice vehicle to drive &own. town mileage kinda sucks w/ stop and go, highway mileage is good. I can get 900 kms on 1 tank ( filled to the brim!). Dont like the low! front air scoop for AC rad, it seems to collect road sand and gravel in the winter and thus subject to damage IE: bent colling fins. All styles should have a rear spoiler to mitigate the rear window vaccum debris and grime which sticks to it. I seem to lose the rear wiper frequently also, cant figure out the cause? Kids like it, gives lots of room inside.

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  Rock Solid Fun - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Dean - February 21 - 9:20 pm

  This is actually my second Maxima and I am a true believer. Having owned Toyotas and Hondas which are also great, these are the best sedans made. The style is attractive and fresh despite its age (10 years)! It has great acceleration and spunk, but I average an easy 25+ mpg. in combination driving. After two years and nearly 35k miles, I have only replaced the alternator, tires and oil. The interior is plush and refined, but can handle kids, spills and mud always cleaning nicely. The engine and transmission show no signs of slowing down, and I have no strange clanging noises or tired groans. The body refuses rust and the doors still thump shut like new. I just could not be more pleased.