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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  Fantastic car! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By eewell - December 26 - 3:50 am

  I bought this car about a year and a half ago and still love it! It is a Nissan so quality is excellent and the car performs great! Its got a lot of pick up so for those of you who want something with power, this is your car! Its great that its a four door because you get a powerful sports car without having to pay sports car insurance.

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  Awesome Gas Mileage - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By ToddinAZ - December 25 - 9:06 pm

  I have three words that describe my car "I love it." I purchased the 5- speed and it has pleanty of zip around town, the color is awesome (Blue) and I have the added spoiler on mine with the tinted windows. It amazes me how many people have complimented me on my new "cheap" car purchase and thier willingness to share their stories of driving their Sentras 100K +. I commute a 100 miles everyday so I am really appreciating the incredible gas mileage. I am averaging close to 35 mpg in mixed driving! Took it on a trip to Palm Springs and averaged just under 40 mpg! I find the car to be a great place to spend time, and find the cruise control to be right on.

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  3 Month Review - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick - December 25 - 4:26 pm

  After 3 months, I continue to be very happy with the Versa. I enjoy the extras (MP3 plug-in, etc.), but the basics of the car are great (ie: automatic tire pressure warning). I get 25-30 mpg depending if I have been using the AC. No problems driving in the recent snow. Its no sportscar, but I definitely notice good pick-up off the lights compared to almost all other sedans on the road. Overall, a great value.

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  Victim of Nissan - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By victim1 - December 25 - 2:56 pm

  Got the car in 2008 with 28,000 miles on it. These are the things that went wrong in the first month: Every rim was bent or warped, glove box fell out, muffler pipe needed to be replaced, bad battery, the window regulators were obviously starting to fail, and, most importantly, the car does not want to start in hot weather. This last reason is a mountain of a problem because, even though we went through with an extended warranty, the dealership cant get the car to have start up issues. Either thats my luck or theyre lying so they dont have to fix it, despite the fact that I know its the fuel pump. They wont fix it under warranty unless they can "diagnose" it. Nissan is trash.

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  nissan pathfinder armada - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By justin lozada - December 25 - 2:53 pm

  excellent suv very comfortable and plenty of leg room.

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  I love mine too! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Karen - December 25 - 1:50 pm

  I had been admiring this model for some time in a parking garage, so externally I already loved it, but then when I sat in one, I was "all in" visually. Shopped around looking at other models, then walked in to a dealership to test drive. Let me say I came from a older Honda CR-V which was practical but with no pizazz, so I was ready for something more "dynamic." The seat comfort is quite nice, love the sound system, the ride is quick (I love that!) when I need it be be, and smooth all the time. Prior to my SUV, I have owned some pretty nice luxury cars in the past, but I have to say this one has it all for me. I read every single review for this car on this site, which was helpful. Thanks!

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  Very Fun to Drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By brewboy13 - December 25 - 4:20 am

  First of all this is the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. I have some minor complaints. I went from a 95 Max to this. I expected a better upgrade with some features. The int. is poorly laid out & semi-poor quality. In some ways the 95 Max had better quality features. The Bose has weak bass & the radio reception is awful. My wife has an 04 Accord which is far more comfortable but not as fun to drive. I guess I would love it if I could trade interiors with her Accord. Also the ride could be smoother on the SL model. It rides a little more stiff than it should feeling every bump. My 95 Max was just as smooth which this one should superior. With that said I still love the car.

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  Great product - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Lhud - December 25 - 12:48 am

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  Defective Timing Chain - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By candu238 - December 25 - 12:42 am

  Forget the concept of Japanese quality if you purchase a Juke; because it doesnt apply.

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  GREAT SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Bobito the Elf - December 25 - 12:00 am

  Ive been driving my Nissan Murano for a while now and Im just loving it. Its sporty and quiet and smothers bumps great all at the same time. I cant believe that people will spend thousands of dollars more for a Lexus. Ive had no major problems with at all(At least I would hope not, considering the amount of miles I have on it).