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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  Loving it!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By john2216 - January 29 - 9:30 pm

  Ive had it for about 6 months now and approaching 5100 miles. Lots of room when compared to the honda fit or the scion xa....mileage isnt bad, Im getting about 31 mpg.lots of engine noise though especially when ac is on. every now and then I do feel something strange with the suspension especially when making hard turns. Best sub compact on the market today for the value.

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  6 mos review: still doing great! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By white knight - January 29 - 8:10 pm

  This is about 6 mos of use and 5,600 miles on the odometer. Turning circle is rather large but this is do in part to the longer wheel base and that is what helps provide a smooth highway ride. Still very comfortable on long trips. Very quiet interior, with little road, tire, or wind noise. I have averaged 24 mpg on regular fuel since I purchased this 6 mos ago. Mostly highway driving.

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  LOVE my Armada, great family car!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Adrienne - January 29 - 4:56 pm

  Overall, this SUV has been GREAT. We bought it soon after we had our baby end of last year. There is so much room- leg room, storage space, trunk space (when you fold down 3rd row). I couldnt be happier except for one thing- the brakes have needed resurfacing twice so far, and are about due for another, and weve only had the car 8 months. I dont feel unsafe, but it is a pain having to bring it back to the dealership to have it worked on every few months. However, the positives definitely outweigh the negative. I didnt want a minivan, and this is the next best family type car. Also, my husband said if he was going to drive an SUV, thats what he would drive, b/c its also very "manly".

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  6 year review - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By Evgueni Minev - January 29 - 2:50 pm

  It is really comfortable and easy to drive car, but up until 80K. After 80 K, nothing but problems. We bought the extended warranty, so the cost is minimal. The van is at the shop frequently. The dealers excuse - you have driven 105K, what do you expect??? Transmission died at 89K. Towed. Solenoid valve at 91K. Replaced. Engine sensor died at 105K. Non stop at the dealership. It has been serviced at the same dealership since purchase. Luckily, we still have a year left on the warranty, we will trade it in as soon as it expires.

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  Electrical Problems - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Sue - January 29 - 2:43 pm

  Im still happy I bought this car...I think. Ill be taking it in for the forth time to replace the ignition switch, and have the rear window defroster repaired.

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  Well rounded suv - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Jeffvibe03 - January 29 - 8:43 am

  This vehicle has surprised me every time I drive it. It has superior handling for a truck based SUV and is extremely powerful for a V6. On a recent 1500 mile trip averaged 23 mpg. Was extremely comfortable, even if the ride is tuned on the sporty side. Overall I would recommend to anyone looking for a rugged and fun to drive SUV to check it out!

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  First Nissan 4X4 - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Fronty - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck in June 2003. I have put almost 9000 miles on it since then. I have had no problems at all. The gas mileage was poor to start, but a K&N filter changed that. (17-21)(15- 17 before)HWY. The Rockford Fosgate system isnt all what its cracked up to be. The factory stereo in my 02 Trailblazer sounds better. Overall I am pleased with the performance and ride.

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  *RIP ALTIMA* - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Christen - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Altima in June, and was in love with it. The minute I saw it, I knew I had to have it. The 2.4L Engine, 150 HP sounded great to me, and I did some performance mods which were great. Dropping just a few hundered dollars in the right places really made her fly. Aparently too much, because I took a turn wayy too fast, and wrecked. I crashed going about 70 MPH, and my airbags deployed but I never felt a thing. I walked away without a scratch, but unfortunatly my pride and joy..was totaled. Right now Im in the process of trying to find another 97 Altima in my area because I was so pleased with this car.

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  Glad I got it! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By zlot - January 29 - 2:00 am

  While I was at first a bit hesitant about getting a relatively high ended vehicle the Murano is everything I was looking for and more. Im real pleased with the purchase. Dealerships may leave something to be desired, but the car is a go.

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  The last car Ill ever buy. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By msimon - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Roomy interior gives one the sense of driving a full size auto ie. plenty of leg room, head room and view of the road. Drives like a true sports car should. Great handling, no slop in the steering. Holds the road goes where you point it. Instant power no hesitation at all gears. Very smooth breaking. I take the top down even when it is 35 degrees outside and feel nice and comfortable. Very quiet when the top is up. Havent had any blind spot problems. Going to do a route 66 experience this summer with my wife.Trunk space will be more than sufficient, just plan on sneakers and jeans. Sound system is first rate even with top down and cruising.