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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  Just a comment - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Targetseeker - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 17 miles back in September and I consider myself to be an agressive driver. I also put a lot of mileage on this car as I am already at 11,900 miles a week short from 6 months. The car is awesome and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. It response quickly and no Civic, V6 Mustang or any other car in its class can come close on the highway. There is a downfall though. All this fun vanishes when it rains. I give the Continentals a zero if I had to rate their performance in the rain. The car simply does not stop on wet pavement and skates on the white lines in front of the traffic lights.

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  You may want to look elsewhere - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MCITV08 - July 16 - 11:50 pm

  Overall, the new 2008 Altima is much larger, more stylish and much "different" car. The Altimas CVT is something to get very used to; not hearing the shifts or feeling when the car is shifting makes the car feel like its constantly whining. However having that constant thrust of flowing power is also a positive. Personally, Nissan never lived up to the expectation of Toyota or Honda, but this Nissan (especially the coupe) may have Honda buyers look at Nissan. However, take one ride in a new 2008 Honda Accord, and you wont ever look back at Nissan.

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  love my cube!!!!! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By janzoo - July 16 - 5:43 am

  Back in October I was given the cube to drive while husbands car being serviced. When I looked at it I said, "You have got to be kidding!" Well, after driving it for 36 hours - I was in love! Traded in my 3 year old Civic and have not regretted it once. This car makes you happy! Fun, kwirky, economical and smart - this is an under-sung great little but roomy car! Also, it was a real champ in the snow this past winter. Am thrilled with my gas mileage as well. I average between no less then 31 mpg and up to 35mpg - which did seem to increase after the 3,000 mile mark. In my 40 some years of driving I have never loved a car. I do now.

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  Love it - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ilsponge - July 15 - 7:56 pm

  Compared this and being a loyal Honda fan (we have 3) I defected. The crash test rating, mileage, and this car will be my work car until I retire had a huge impact on my decision. This car rides better than the reviews and the room is the same as my first Accord (86). Great sound system and hindsight tells me to add the alloy wheels. But this is a commuter car. I will say the review from the person rolling the vehicle was very huge in my decision. Great value!

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  Great Craftmanship - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By hhcroftt - July 15 - 7:56 am

  I really enjoys driving it. It feel like a Sport and Work Truck all in one.

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  Import reliability ? - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Tayrob - July 15 - 1:13 am

  I bought my car off of the first owner (personal friend) who meticulously maintained it for the first 41k, it was a peach, after that it all went down hill, the cel is pretty much always on for one reason or another (it eats 02 sensors), fuel economy is terrible, the best I have managed is about 29 mpg hwy and thats shifting at 2k, the trans mission grinds 3rd gear, and the paint has started to Peel at 65k, Peel! And my car has always been garaged! Still, it does have some perks, great handling and torque and great in snow but not much else, this will be my last Nissan

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  Great - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By rupeycakes - July 14 - 1:53 pm

  I am very thrilled to be the new owner of the 2009 Nissan Rogue. It has a super slick exterior look. Although the interior could use some spice. Really miss the extra storage spaces that my old car had. I upgraded to the leather seats and highly recommend it. It is fun to drive very similar to my old car as far as how it handles. Very quiet and good gas mileage. The back window could be larger to help with vision, however the side mirrors are a good size, so I just need to get used to using my mirrors more. Overall great car and highly recommend it!

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  Be warned - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By snicky - July 14 - 3:30 am

  I have had so many problems with this car. It doesnt start some mornings, they tell me this is normal. I also am not getting good gas mileage whatsoever. I cannot believe that people are having good luck with this car, I have had nothing but problems.

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  Wonderful car... when it works - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Barticus - July 13 - 6:16 pm

  Bought the car 2 years old and have had a constant stream of problems. Over four years of ownership I have invested $3-4000 NOT including $3000 worth of tires and brakes, and I still have close to $2000 of repairs outstanding. Im never buying another Nissan. A list of things repaired include transmission, daytime running lights module, heater control electronics, air temp sensor, exhaust temp sensor .

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  still in love - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By jj - July 13 - 4:13 pm

  We are still in love with this vehicle as if we just took it home. It is powerful,comfortable, and easy to load and unload and great head turning appeal. Love my rear sensors for parking/backing up as it is difficult to fully judge backing distance or objects low to the ground[especially if a child/animal walks behind you suddenly] Seems to accumulate a great deal of break dust so difficult to keep as clean as wed like. great bang for the buck in our view!