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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  A Real Race Horse! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By wylygt - August 16 - 8:10 pm

  I bought the "S" model with all the options of the "SE" except the fog lights and expanded sound/CD option. This SUV runs like a race horse! When you push on the gas, you can really feel the 265HP go! Ride is like a truck but not real bumpy... takes the dips excellent and bumps good. Rides like a car on the highway. 4WD is outstanding! In 3 weeks I have driven over 2000 miles with about 100+ in 4WD. It will go just about anywhere off road or in mud. (I have not driven in snow, yet.) Tracksion is great, especially in 4WD LO. I feel very secure going to my favorite camping/fishing location. Really fun to drive!

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  What a bargain - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By pofromchgo - August 16 - 3:50 pm

  I picked this car for my parents, this is not the sentra of old, we traded in a 95 sentra gxe that was still going after 100,000 miles, we bought this one for $1000 LESS than what we paid for the old sentra with ALOT more features. This car has more horsepower than the old one, and alot of great new features that the old car didnt have!

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  First Truck - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Dapoet - August 16 - 3:43 pm

  This is my first truck after years and years of owning luxury vehs (2 Jaguars XJ8s) and numerous other vehicles. I needed a vehicle that was functional, reliable and had power to boot. Although this truck may not win awards on gas mileage, it does fairly well if you drive like you have some sense. I opted for the flex fuel model, and I love the fact that I am paying just at $2.00/gal for gas!! I would def recommend this vehicle to others. And I have driven just about every model of truck out there due to my job. Strong toss between Titan and Tundra... with rebates and styling, Titan won!

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  Pleased at 16k - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By slingshot - August 16 - 9:36 am

  Bought car 3/08 and now have over 16k. So far no trips back to the dealer. Getting 24mpg in suburban driving and averaging 30-31 highway at 70-75mph. Very happy with gas mileage with all this power. Continental tires have provided smooth quiet ride to go with extremely quiet engine, which compliments a great sound system. Have found seats very comfortable for long drives. Gauges and buttons easy to use/follow. Trunk plenty spacious and nice having fold down split rear seats. Worth having the leather seats (heated - works great) and the other additional options like heated mirrors. Worth it. Debated between the 4 & 6. Worth it to pay for the 6 for the quiet and powerful engine

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  Great car for my boys and dogs! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By bluedog - August 16 - 8:53 am

  I have always had an SUV but had to get a sedan when I had children. The car life was killing me. I have two active boys (camping, hiking, soccer, football, fishing) and two dogs that were tearing my car up. So far we have gone camping in this and to one long distance tournament. It has been a great vehicle so far. Nobody in my family has had one complaint yet. Love the extra compartment on rack for dirty cleats and stinky fish. The back cargo area cleans up great too. There is plenty of leg room in back for adults and growing children. I got the bumper to bumper 100,000 mile warranty to cover the vehicle through note and then some. Co-workers is 250,000 miles with no problems.

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  Terrific value and FUN - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By rob - August 16 - 2:03 am

  Bought new in late 96 and have enjoyed this car every day I drive it! Smooth and powerful engine, quiet, decent gas mileage ~24 mpg, reliable and fun to drive. What more could you ask for? Also, very cheap to maintain as it has a timing CHAIN not belt. I feel that these older models had better quality materials than subsequent years, as Nissan ran into trouble not long afterwards and lowered material quality to cut costs. I know because the wife has an 00 Maxima and the interior materials used are of a lower quality.

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  Versa (Tiida) in Oz - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Andrew in Oz - August 16 - 1:16 am

  Drove one as a high car here and was looking for a vehicle to buy. Tried a few vehicles not really considering Tiida but kept comparing others to Tiida. Great in traffic - nice to shoot off from the lights while the V8 boys cant afford to shoot off anymore. Comfortable to drive as plenty of adjustment in seat (including height) and steering wheel. Was only going to be a second car but cant really justify spending twice the price for little more than a badge. Read so so reviews in Oz but good to see owners rate this car.

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  2004 Xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Tustinman - August 15 - 4:03 pm

  I was lucky to find and buy this Xterra with LOW mileage, so far runs great and I love it and in excellent condition!

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  Incredible Truck for the money - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By wolfpk1 - August 15 - 10:50 am

  Recently purchased a SE Kingcab v6. It rides great with plenty of power. I was surprised how quiet the interior cabin is and how smooth the ride is. The only drawback is the turning radius is rather large. Gas mileage is decent for a truck - about 18-21 mpg. Visibility is great, making the truck very easy to drive. Was considering the Tacoma or the Frontier but chose the Frontier because it drives just as well but had more features for the money.

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  1999 Nissan Pathfinder SE - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jd sands - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great 4 wheel drive. I owned a 1993 Pathfinder and stepped up to the 1999. The vehicle runs smoothly and the interior is comfortable and convenient. The off road capabilities are exceptional considering that this vehicle drives and rides like a car.