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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  Lemon - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Lawrence - February 5 - 9:56 am

  Purchased the car in 07/2007. Its been in and out of the shop the whole time I have it. Issue has been truned over to the (BBB) better business bureaus,inc. The rubber molding on the back door had to replaced, the drivers seat had to be replaced, the transmission had to be replaced and now just had to replace the air/fuel ratio sensor and sensor asm. Who knows what will be next on this car.

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  I like it! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By ScottChase - February 5 - 7:43 am

  Enjoy driving this much more than I enjoyed my Ford van.

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  Yeah, a good choice. - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By paul1944 - February 5 - 5:22 am

  Traded 2010 Tucson Limited, what an upgrade! RAV 4 too much black plastic on ext. Weird door panel design on interior and felt smaller. Ford Escapeescape looks like a Tucson and Ford Touch not easy to use, I have it in my Mustang. Mazda C5 just too small, lacks refinement. Rogue just has a very classy look and it seems larger. Rogues Lexus like interior really well done, tasteful and comfortable. Most Knobs & dials within easy reach. Apps,sound system, blue tooth, touch screen very easy operation. Raised rear seats nice touch, rear passengers can see where we are headed. I rated reliability avg. because it is new. Fun to drive? Not a sports car, but a refined, comfy ride.

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  Quirky and Cute. Love it! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By Ra - February 5 - 1:00 am

  Ive loved my cube since I picked it up from the dealership. I was originally interested in the similar Versa, but I couldnt get the cube out of my head and when I compared them side by side and discovered they were much the same, my decision was made. Driving it is a blast. Its easy to drive, control is good. The interior is surprisingly roomy for a car of its size. It does get some funny looks driving down the road, but I cant say I mind. The audio quality is really good for a car in this price range. I love the standard iPod and Bluetooth integration. Ive had my cube for about two months now, and Im completely in love with it! (mileage is just an estimate)

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  The Greatest of the Great 350z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Bells ARE RINGING - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The turning power! I LOVE IT! sHE HUGS THE CORNERS

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  buy this car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By rio man - February 4 - 10:00 am

  if u r looking for a cheap reliable car with great gas milage look no further. the only thing u r going to have to do is get rid of the firestone tires and go with performance yokahama. they r not cheap about $100 a tire but its like driving a different car.i also like getting 31 to the gallon on the highway.

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  Great car at a great price - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By whudiz - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Nissan Sentra XE in April 03 used with 11,000 miles on it from a dealer. I really love the car. It drives great and is very comfortable. I drove it to New York and it was a very comfortable ride. It also handle the tough New York streets beautifuly. I heard this car was good but I didnt think I would get such a wonderful car for a good price. Its basic, no power windows or locks but it does have AC, CD, and AM/FM. Basically, it has everything that I need and nothing that I dont. :-)

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Maganga - February 4 - 10:00 am

  At 58000 miles the car is great. Never been to a delear for repair.

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  Nissan Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By vbxterr - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I Find the Xterra is fun to drive. It outclimbs most other cars on the hills and find the it is a very smooth ride on the freeways... I find one piece of equipment missing in the vehicle though and that would be an oil pressure gauge.. I would much prefer this to the standard idiot light that usually tells you when it is too late. The service through the dealer has been outstanding too. I would buy another one if I ever need too. But I feel that my xterra and I will be together for a long time...

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  Blown Engine at 3700 miles!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By J.S.S. - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Took the vehicle in for the first oil change at about 3700 miles and left dealer 40 minutes later. Drove about 5 miles and had the engine blow up. About a week later, a brand new engine was installed and found out that a connecting rod had come loose, gone through the oil pan and caused all engine oil to leak out, causing the engine to seize up and blowing a hole in the engine block. Had to argue with the dealer just to get a loaner car while the vehicle was in the shop. I was told Nissan does not give out loaner cars, but eventually one was given to me to drive for 11 days. The dealer was Rosenthal Nissan in Tysons Corner, VA.