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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  Excellent SUV - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By coker4 - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Xterra for 10 months now. I have completely enjoyed this vehicle. Gas mileage is not what I like, but the overall fun of the vehicle more than makes up for this. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  A little dissapointment - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By MOD - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car, not even a month, found out the car has a minor oil leak. The car vibrates as if its going to die after driving a few miles. Going to take it back to be serviced. Cant believe Nissan would allow this car to be off the production line.

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  great - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By gubernator - June 21 - 10:00 am

  this car is great, it has lots of power and is fun to drive. It cruises at 70 on the highway, but probably wont hold its value like Civic. Under the hood is bizzarre, lots of strange wires everywhere.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By nice car - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Test drove all of the competition and this was definitely the best choice for the $. Build quality is excellent a solid engine and room for four adults. Heated leather and steering wheel, memory seats.

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  Read this Review - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Sam - June 21 - 9:16 am

  Great. Car. Great Value. I got a fully loaded Altima MSRP 34,910 for 31,100. $500 Cash back, 0.9%, and $2350 tax credit. Even though the Ford Fusion gets better gas mileage, you cant compare the value. You just cant. Fords Sync system is cooler, but not worth the money you could be saving. All I can tell you is, NO regrets. None. Best value and fun for your money. Nissan also Offers a 8 year / 150,000 mile warranty bumper to bumper warranty. I got mine for $2,100. That made a huge difference. Think about that warranty...its an excellent deal!

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  109K Miles Down, Looking forward to 100K more! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By buldog60 - June 20 - 9:57 am

  This truck has been amazing. I have had no complaints at all. I feel safe with driving my family around in it. I do not worry that it wont start or will die on the road. I got it with 40K miles on it and have never wanted anything else. I am averaging 20 MPG with mostly hwy driving. Adding the K&N Air Filter was a great call. All my friends want one like it, and I highly recommend it to anyone. I am actually looking at another one as a second vehicle.

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  Cool Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By halfcar - June 20 - 1:33 am

  The 2005 Nissan Frontier far exceeded my expectations. The truck has a lot of great features for the value. My previous truck was a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Compared to it, the rear seat is a bit small and the bed is slightly shorter. However, it accomdates both my children in their car seats comfortably. I know some people are asking for a long bed version, but I think the bed is the right size for every day use. The truck could be improved in the interior. Over all I think Nissan did its homework accomodating praticality and value. I give it an A+.

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  NOT BAD. - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PEDRO - June 19 - 3:46 pm

  I was going to buy a 4Runner Limited , but after driving it, we were unimpressed. So decided to give the Pathfinder a drive. What a difference. Much better ride, more comfortable inside and cheaper price. The fuel economy I get is about 17 city 20 hwy, and I have a heavy foot.

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  Just buy it! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Brian - June 19 - 1:50 pm

  I drive 36,000 miles a year. I go through vehicles every couple of years. After wasting countless time and money on the other guys, I decided to go with a foreign truck for the first time. I couldnt be happier. The reliability, performance, handling, quality, and dependability are insane. I am on the road all day for business, and I sometimes haul and tow to capacity, and the Titan has never let me down. And its never needed to go in for warranty. Thats something Ive NEVER experienced with my American vehicles. I buy USA first, but after buying USA first with several USA vehicles I had to trade loyalty for quality.

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  Great design - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Art Brown - June 19 - 8:32 am

  Please with the SR purchase......Great car.......Great interior........