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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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By asdasf - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is great and reliable. I love to drive my car to work now.

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  Compact Tank - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By PirateJake - June 15 - 6:23 pm

  My car has not had an easy mile in its life. From destroying a deer going 65 mph to some mild offroad drifting (rock crawling?!?) this car has been virtually invincible. We got this about the same time we got a Suburban, and this little car has worn its abuse much better. I have the SE model with the SR20DE and an automatic tranny. This car isnt pretty after its 7 years of abuse, but it sure runs like a top. Im in college and commute over 40 miles every day and I expect this car to be there for me for another 100,000 miles. It has carried my 16 foot canoe hundreds of miles without a problem and has done dozens of trips to all the midwest. Do yourself a favor and get the stickshift.

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  Fun To Drive - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By CHARLES - June 15 - 4:10 pm

  This truck is the most fun to drive truck that I have ever driven. With an eight speaker stereo, 315 horsepower, five speed auto, all of those tie down locations in the bed, BF Goodrich mud and snow tires, disk brakes all the way around, they have given you everything that you could possibly want in a truck. Did I say that it is really fast for a four wheel drive truck? As a truck its all good no bad.

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  retirement car - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By smalltown - June 15 - 2:56 pm

  Picked up a metallic blue SV with Convenience package four days ago. I will be retiring next year and was looking for something to replace my 2007 Mini Cooper. This rides much better in town & on back roads. Although does not handle as well as the Mini, behaves more than adequately in normal driving, meaning predictably. Has more than enough conveniences for my needs. High in utility--can put my bicycle or a large dog inside & enough room for taking a short trip with my wife. The controls are much more intuitive than the Mini Cooper & easier to use.

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  Good UTILITY vehicle; gets the job done - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By alfalfa - June 15 - 9:26 am

  This has been my daily driver for a year and a half and enjoyable for the most part. Its spacious, with plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down (Ive hauled big screens in it, dogs, even an auger). Has a ton of power so you feel comfortable driving it on the highway and uphill (the engine rarely sounds strained). Gas mileage is what I would expect from a 4.0L. I tend to be a bit more aggressive on the gas pedal and get about 18.5 mpg (mixed hwy and city). Contrary to others distaste with the interior, I like the rugged plastic and overall interior design. If you want something fancy, then look elsewhere. If you want simplicity and utility for a good price, take a look at the Xterra

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  Big Little Car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By CLeopold - June 15 - 8:30 am

  It is a big little Car. Fun to drive with the CVT. Great for freeway driving. Lots and Lots of trunk room. A little tight in the back seat for tall people, but very comfortable for larger drivers and passengers in front. Great family car. Great suspension and cornering. Very good pick up and maneuvering in traffic. We highly recommend it.

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  A Bit Disappointed in Nissan - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Kim - June 15 - 4:10 am

  Reliability has been great and it has definitely hauled a lot of items for me. Very easy to steer and turns on a dime. However, Im very disappointed in Nissan craftmanship. Front grille immediately faded within 6 months. I was told by dealer that this was part of the "rugged" look and they wouldnt replace it. Seats are very hard and uncomfortable for travel. Windows have poor insulation - wind is howling. No mirrors even on the visors! Back seat doors are made for people smaller than a size ten (and younger than 50) to squeeze through to get into the backseat. But I guess you pay for what you get.

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  Great Value - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jimmy_jam_2012 - June 15 - 1:23 am

  Leased the SV with Black on black. Nissan has some great owner loyalty incentives going on right now, so I got a great deal that blew away all the usual suspects for new sedans. The car is a fantastic value and has so many positive attributes.

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  Excellent Value. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Walter Smith - June 14 - 8:53 pm

  Since I drive 3,000 miles per month, I get to know a car quicker than the average driver. I also drive in all conditions, and find the Altima to be a very satisfactory car. It does most everything very well, if not outstanding. The power is adequate, but not exhilarating. Although, its gas mileage is an excellent 34 hwy, with a combined average of 31. Trunk space is excellent, and although the interior is a bit spartan, it is well thought out and comfortable.

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  So far loving my car... - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By lilmiss34 - June 14 - 6:53 pm

  I have had this car for just over a month and have over 1300 miles on it and thus far have had no issues. I drive highway about 60% of the time and between highway and city I am averaging about 26-30MPG. Came from a V-6 Honda Accord Coupe which took some getting used to with the change in HP, but this Altima has got some good power to it for a 4-cyl. If you can do it, get the Bose sound system, difference between that and the standard radio is very noticeable. The rear camera is very helpful too. Only tire noise I have noticed is on older highways, not an issue with the radio on low. Also, check your ins company for GAP coverage, it is hugely cheaper than the one the dealership offers!