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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  Little Bit of Everything - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Mr. T - February 19 - 6:46 am

  Was looking and test riding CRVs and RAV 4s. Stumbled upon the Rougue and found it to be every bit as good as a CRV which I previously owned and better than the Toyota. Toyota and Honda would not deal but Nissan came down $6K off the list last August and that clinched the deal. About 12Km now and no complaints other than gas mileage not quite as good as I expected it to be. Its versatile and fund to drive both in the city and on the highway. Always admired the looks of the Merano, this shares many of those good looks and makes RAV 4 and CRV look dated.

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  fun to drive, just dont watch the gas guage - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By mick3613 - February 18 - 11:29 pm

  The juke is alot fo fun to drive. Its very manuverable and has loads of power. You pay dearly for the powr it produces though. The epa ratings are extremely off. The sad truth is real life city ratings are 19-21 and if you drive very conservatively you may get 25-27 on the highway. Poor gas mileage and the high octane fuel recommendation makes this one rather expensive to drive. The rear seats are useless for adults, only very small poeple will fit back there.

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  Excellent and fun to drive! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Hawks Rogue - February 18 - 1:46 pm

  The Rogue is a very fun to drive crossover SUV. Bose system. Smooth and refined. Good handling. Strong brakes. Swift 4 cylinder, the Rogue is faster than all 4cyl SUVs. Good fuel economy. Excellent build quality. Decent quality interior. Fat steering wheel with controls. Over 15,000 miles and absolutely no issues. Quiet. Its so smooth running, almost mimicking an electric motor.

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  Great - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Roy - February 18 - 6:10 am

  Great pickup, i love the stick, and there have been no problems. The interior is below average. Its horrible that i couldnt seat more than two people.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By NoNissanForMe - February 17 - 10:10 pm

  I bought the Sentra 1.8 Special in April because I got married and needed a good gas mileage vehicle for my upcoming communte. So far, I am sorely disappointed with the car. I have had it in the shop now 5 times in 5 months. To me, I did not get my moneys worth at all. I traded a Ford for this vehicle and I am soon to be trading back into a Ford. The biggest problems that I have with the car are the lack of power (especially going uphill), the loose bumpers, and the loud exhaust, and the gripping brakes and roaring rear axle. I thought I was getting a good car, being my first import, but boy was I wrong. I am going back to my Ford ASAP!!!

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  Itza great car - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By nicecar - February 17 - 9:00 pm

  My previous autos were an 08 TL TypeS, an 06 Vette, and an 05 Charger Daytona. I know performance and quality. The 370Z has more of both than any of my previous vehicles. Shes perfect for hotrodding around town and a great interstate cruiser at 79mph (yep, in the summer). I ledfoot it all the time and have never seen my oil temp gauge above 225(& I live in Central Georgia). Build quality and finish are outstanding. Heat isnt an issue unless you take it to the track. And if you intend to, at its price point, whats the big deal about putting an oil cooler on it? Worried about warranty? Dont race the car! After 14,000 troublefree mi, the car is simply without peer cost/value/performance.

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  Most comfortable in its class - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Tyler N - February 17 - 7:55 pm

  Moving from a FWD Ford Focus 2012 to a 2017 AWD Rogue was a great decision! I tried the MX5, Escape, CRV and RAV4. The Rogue was by far the most comfortable and quiet. If youre someone that isnt concerned about 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and is looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive, comfortable, roomy and loaded with tech...this is your pick! The Rogue has the best tech features. the 7 inch display is nice at the SV level. Be sure to go with the Premium package and you get the best bang for your buck. You dont get the adjusting cruise control and lane assist (thats only on the SL) but you do get Blind Side Warning and full navigation. Im almost 2 months into driving this and Im still excited every time I get in. It handles excellent in the snow and the ambient sound in the cabin is almost non existent. I usually drive this in ECO mode and have been getting about 27 MPG which is lower than advertised but I feel as though that is always the case. Ive been getting about 30 on the highway. I bought the 6 year 100K warranty and should be in good shape, though Im not anticipating anything going wrong. I will continue to update!

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  Awesome 3.5 V6 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Lorretta - February 16 - 11:23 pm

  The 3.5 V6 Altimas is such an awesome car. I have friends that own BMW, Mercedes, etc., and they compare to their car, and say this Altima is just as good as their automobile. Its pick up is awesome, the comfort & roominess are superb. It is overall better than the Accord, which I also considered. Thanks Nissan for making a great car at such a reasonable price! I am thoroughly enjoying this car.

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  Happy Murano owner - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Big Bob - February 16 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased the Murano SL AWD in November in Seattle. Shortly after purchase we had a major snowstorm and long lasting icy roads. The Murano was magnificant! I could not get stuck, even when starting uphill on ice! I was surprised the car felt very steady and perfect for the conditions. Heated seats were a plus.

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  Give me a Brake! Please. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Kids Limo Service - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Four months of driving and the front end shakes violently when you apply the brakes. Nissan says it is safe. As a mom, I say if it shakes dont drive it. Repair parts are in short supply. I love the room in this SUV. Great for a large family and all the required sports and school gear. Nissan is having trouble with the roof supports and some electrical systems as well. If your DVD system vibrates take it in before it falls off on to your kids. I am betting on this being a great vehicle in the long run. We should have waited for year two, so Nissan could work the bugs out.