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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  best car <$30K - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By maximaguy - January 18 - 3:53 am

  Had a 96 with almost 100K miles on it--no problems whatsoever. Sprung for the 2002 since they had the rebate and is worth it for the amount paid.

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  Shes a trusted friend! - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By cathionwhidbey - January 17 - 2:40 pm

  I have had my Sentra for 10 years and couldnt ask for a better car. In those 19 years we have replaced the normal stuff, brakes, tires, and the alternator twice. She had over 140,000 miles on her and I still get 32-33 miles per gallon. I bought a Hyundai Sonata 2 years ago and was only getting 22 miles to the gallon. The luxury was great but with the rise in gas I am back to my Sentra. I spiffed her out with bright red flames and she is feeling young again!! I can pay a lot more but couldnt ask for a car that has been more reliable and cost efficient.

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  NISMO Z Best Performance Value - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By NISMO Z - January 17 - 10:20 am

  I read the professional reviews by Edmunds and was a little concerned where they stated the car was not a daily driver, etc. I loved the styling much better in person than pictures. The body and added performance bits were for me though. I have been driving the car for a year now (and in the winter with winter tires and different rims) all I have to say is that this is definitely a daily driver car and I live in NE Ohio. The Sport suspension and killer looks never fail to impress. Added the NISMO intake kit and wow what a sound. As good a ride as any performance car. Go figure... It all depends what you like. I have driven 14K miles in this car.

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  A good buy for your money - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Abbyt - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been great to me. Its very reliable, you wont get stuck with this one. Its fun to drive and definitely a great first car.

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  Nissan Frontier - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Nayar - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new, now 80000 miles. Very reliable and reasonably comfortable for a truck. Handling not bad, winter driving excellent. I get about 21 miles to the gallon in mixed driving. Had trouble with the AC in the first year, got it fixed under warranty. One of the front wheel locking hubs has become hard to turn, but still works. Hope to keep it at least for another five years. It has the largest truck bed of any pick up - can haul a lot of stuff. Mine is four cylinder, five speed - not much power, but enough for most jobs.

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  My new Pathfinder - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By vistashawn - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Though I just recently purchased this car, I have to say it has been the smartest purchase I have ever made. This SUV is smooth, powerful and great looking. No need to talk about the reliability, this is my third Nissan and the oldest has over 175,000 and still going strong.

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  Shirleys Still Smillin - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Shirleys Still Smill - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive my Xterra.Handles very well.Cant wait to take to the Outter Banks.If I can afford the Fuel.Terrible fuel mileage.

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  I love my Sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ScottBriggs - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car...excellent room and handling

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  Excellent MPG with Mobile 1, K&N - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Big Ben - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Black SE AWD First oil change, I put mobile one and a K&N air filter. My mpg went up by 3-4 mpg. Now I get 27-28 mpg average on the highway at 62 - 65 mph. (30 at 55). You guys have to try it, you wont believe the difference.

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  Wife loves my Titan more than me! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Scaler - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Its easy to tell that Nissan put alot of thought, money, and effort into developing the Titan. What an awesome truck! Easily the best vehicle period Ive owned or driven. Smooth power. Lotsa power. Great suspension with my off road pack. Comfy, quiet (except for the head-turning V-8 burble}, Excellent interior layout. It goes on and on. My only beef is with my column mount shifter. Without fail when shifting to park my hand comes down and turns on the wipers. Obviously it is a minor quirk in an otherwise great truck, especially for a first effort. Can you imagine what the 2007s will be like after all the tweaking gets done?