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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  Love my Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By JazyJc - January 31 - 4:13 am

  It was between the Versa and the Honda Fit. I was impressed with the Versa from the beginning. Interior space and overall comfort cant be beat. Everyone who rides in my car comments on the comfort, even in the back seat. The ride is smooth and quiet, the interior feels high end. Plenty of power on fwy and hills. Sound system is good. Love the safety ratings. Didnt get the suggested MPG until about 900 miles in, so hang in there. I am very happy with this car.

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  08 Frontier SE 4cyl 5spd - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By 20Frontier08 - January 31 - 12:56 am

  Bought the truck brand new w/400 miles on it. I have 19,435 on it now (still low miles). Gas mileage is great and I love everything about it. I am a tech for Nissan at the dealership I bought it from and they treated me great! I upgraded the exhaust to an IMPO side exit exhaust and added a K&N air filter and it really helped it a lot. I drive the interstate every day, 40 miles round trip just to work and it handles great on the highway. Everything about this truck is so pleasing and fun to drive too.

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  Cute and Reliable - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By SingleMom - January 30 - 5:53 pm

  I bought this car new because I loved the sporty look and the horsepower on the 4 cyl. I still have it and it still runs awesome. At first I took it back the dealer because of a couple of recalls but since then have only had to do routine maintenance. Its the perfect car for a single mom with lots of room, options like auto head lights, temp and trip computer and is really comfortable. Car seats fits snug and securely in the back with plenty of room for a passenger. The trunk is huge and fits two strollers plus over night bags.

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  Best Car in its Class - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Vijay Yadlapati - January 30 - 3:00 pm

  After doing extensive research before I decided to purchase the Rogue, I found that the Rogue costs less, has more room, has a better engine, looks better, and has better fuel economy than other cars in its class such as the Honda CRV. After test driving both cars, it was very clear to me that the Rogue was much more superior than the CRV in almost every category you can think of. I am very happy with my purchase!

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jeff - January 30 - 9:13 am

  I only looked at 2 cars, the Honda Fit and the Versa. However, my local dealership wanted nearly $2K above MSRP for the Fit. I walked out. The Versa is an excellent alternative to the Fit. The exterior is better looking. The engine gets "buzzy" at high revs, which is expected for a car in this class. Being nearly a foot longer, it had much better back seating than the Fit. The car leans more than the Fit when cornering, due to higher center of gravity and more compliant ride. Gas mileage is good but not great. Im averaging 25 mpg in the city. Maybe it will improve as the engine breaks in.

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  Great step up over competition - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By LewisC2639 - January 30 - 6:26 am

  Nissan really stepped up this year with the redesign of the Altima. Not only does it far surpass comfort, features, and technology of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but it surpasses its own 2006 model. To have the option of Navigation in a 4 cylinder model and to have standard intelligent key is genius! The fit and finish of this vehicle is that of Lexus, Mercedes, and Infiniti. Far FAR above Toyota and Honda. Great job Nissan!!! And Don Davis Nissan in Grapevine for the amazing treatment

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  My Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By sdk - January 30 - 3:50 am

  Great little car with a high fun quotient. The car is well made and very responsive. Overall, this car is a winner and I have been very pleased with my purchase.

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  titan 4 door - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By ben armstrong - January 30 - 1:16 am

  I wanted this truck when I first laid eyes on it. Titans are by far the best looking trucks on the road, and having owned many Nissans prior to this truck I knew the quality would be impecable. It is roomy, well laid out, comfortable, and powerful. Towing with it is wonderful. Lots of power, and very smooth.

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  Great Truck.... Not so Great MPG - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By DK - January 29 - 4:00 pm

  I have owned them all.... so far this is the best truck and one of the best vehicles that I have owned. I traded a Nissan 350Z convertible in (now that my mid-life crisis has passed). It is very roomy and comfortable. I put over 2K miles on it in the first week of ownership. Drove from TN to AL and only averaged 13 mpg. Was expecting about 17 mpg. It may get better with the summer fuel mix and a moderate break in. Easily cruises at 85 mph. Hmmm... did I say that I get poor MPG? I do have the Off Road and Big Tow packages so that accounts for a lower gear ratio which probably hurts MPG a bit. But YOWSA!!!! This thing will move down the road!

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  Good looker but dull - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By nicole_b - January 29 - 12:03 pm

  I got a 2.5S for my daughter. We test drove a few other cars and the Altima was the most expensive of the ones we tested. The interior is nice but not exciting. The 2.5S is not a luxury car and it doesnt feel like one. Everything about the car is pretty much just "good" and driving it is not particularly fun or exciting. However, the exterior is very attractive and makes the difference. The exterior turns a dull family car into something worth buying.