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:

• 

  Not What I expected - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By G. B. - May 28 - 7:11 pm

  I was actually looking at purchasing one of these prior to renting on. I am in a new dealer supplied rental. Interior lacks shoulder and seat space. Cup Holders are in an awkward spot as you have to bend your arm funny to reach your drink. Needs more USB ports . Very loud drive train. Sounds like it should be racing around, but actually barely moving. Extremely underpowered. Wind bounces you around more that you would expect in a vehicle like this. And the car feels like it would go out of control very quickly. Steering wheel is great if you have long fingers. I struggle to grasp the size and slickness of the wheel.

• 

  Maxima SE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Nick - May 27 - 10:43 pm

  This is my first car and was only $4000. The car runs like new and has 135,000 miles on it. A great value. I would recommend it to anyone that is in the market for an awesome used sedan,

• 

  Greening Up My Life - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By getting greener - May 27 - 9:16 pm

  I decided that it was time to reduce my greenhouse gases and spend also bit less on fuel. At the same time, I didnt want to have to give up my enthusiastic driving habits. To be sure, the Altima has delivered on all three fronts. In mixed driving, I get 33 mpg. I can do a little better on the highway, pushing 36 or so. But between the August heat (air conditioning required) and living in the Worcester foothills, I doubt Id see anything over 33 mpg even if I babied it!

• 

  06 Nissan Frontier SE Automatic - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By rowdycowboy85 - May 27 - 6:36 pm

  I LOVE this truck! The only thing thats a slight downer for me at this point is gas mileage (only cause gas is so high. It wasnt so bad when I first got it) but its still great for a truck. The power of this thing is almost beastly. Its light rear end can make your tires squeal easily, especially in the rain. Push the pedal and you GO with this baby. Its especially quick on the highway between about 70 and 90. Ive never had any real problems with it at all. At least nothing to speak about. If you can afford this vehicle and are in the market for a great truck then Id highly suggest you buy one.

• 

  3rd Altima and the Best - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By flightnurse - May 27 - 6:12 pm

  As the title says, this is our 3rd Altima and by far the best. We have 3400 miles on the car and have taken a trip in the car and are still amazed on the overall design, and comfort this car has. The MPG has been stealer, combined we are averaging 33, and on our trip to California we got 38 on the highway. No trips to the dealer and no mechanical problems.

• 

  Reliability at its best - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By SDC - May 27 - 12:36 pm

  This has been a great car at currently 130,000 miles. It has excellent power for a 4 cylinder. My only problem was the alternator needed replaced twice. No big issue and overall inexpensive to maintain. From what I have been hearing about newer cars and $$$ repairs, I cannot complain. Handles great on the highway. I made several 1,000 mile trips with no problems. For anyone that needs an inexpensive used car to get around in this economy, I would highly recommend this one. Because of the reliability, I am not even tempted to buy a new car yet.

• 

  Hope you dont mind replacing rims - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By lecount630 - May 27 - 8:26 am

  In the last two years I have spent $1100 to replace tires and rims. I bought two of these vehicles to save on fuel. The alloy rims and Firehawk tires are unfit for the road. I have replaced three rims and tires due to damage from normal driving, and recently found out a fourth needs to be replaced. I have owned 5 Sentras. These will be my last.

• 

  Beautiful Car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By mark - May 26 - 11:36 pm

  I traded a Mercury Cougar for My Rogue and so far I love it! The car is beautiful and a joy to drive. The sound system is first rate and I love having satellite radio and will actually keep it after the trial period. The cargo area is big and roomy. I wish a car cover would have come with the car. I have no garage and want to keep it pristine because I plan to keep it for a long time. So I am saving for a car cover!

• 

  Needs work - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Kevin Edwards - May 26 - 11:16 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. And may I add, no help from Nissan. I was lied to by the salesman on the towing capacity prior to purchase. DO NOT believe the gas mileage that is listed on the sticker. You will be in for a rude awakening. Problems I have encountered; Transmission slips on occasion while towing. Nissan will not attempt to fix as they cannot duplicate. They never tested it while towing! Speaker had to be replaced. Horrible AM/FM reception, head replaced but did not help. Have replaced the front brakes at 7300 miles. (YES they went bad at 6800 miles) Back seat is a horrible ride. Just remember it is a very expensive vehicle to operate!

• 

  BEST SUV EVER - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JC - May 26 - 7:43 pm

  I always owned Nissans. But this is my favorite ever. It looks awesome from the outside, and interior is cozy. Well, it is a little thirsty, but you gotta expect that when you buy an SUV. It is very powerful, handles like a car. I would recommend it to anyone.