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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  fast Spec v - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By suave0007 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Spec v in Jan. of 2003 that is the best car I have ever owned. The speed the car has is great. Its a quick car and good on gas. Just the wheels are very weak.

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  reminds me of my dads 74 maverick - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By z-man - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new as a left over in January 2001 for my wife as a "reliable" vehicle. First year was ok, second year the read end sounded as if it was going to drop out of the car if I went over a speed bump. Dealer ended up replacing bushings on the read torsion bar.....common problem Im told !!?? Then the pulley for the fan belt blows out the bearing and the belt falls off leaving my wife and daughter stranded on the interstate.....bottom line, had to tow the car and the dealer fixed it N/C. The Firestone tires that came on the car are almost bald at 30,000 miles.

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  Best SUV in price range - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By WRC - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Shopped around and researched the Internet for several months before purchasing my 03 Xterra. This SUV provided the most bang for the buck and looks great. Contrary to some other reviews, I really like the interior comfort. If you are looking for a truck type SUV, this is your vehicle. Well- built vehicle with lots of add-onÂ’s for the $$.

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  Week 1- I still like it - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By pk - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Likes: styling-its been a head- turner; I dont get fatigued driving long distances; initial quality has been near-perfect;front cup-holder is an accident-waiting-to-happen; gas mileage could be better (17-22 initally-Im hoping it will improve); rear visibility is so limited, Im having a back-up warning system installed;passenger room is ample; cargo capacity is adequate (barely); power-wise, its not an FX35, but its got plenty of off-the-line zip and passing power. Overall, I am more than pleased.

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  a good car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By katie - May 24 - 10:00 am

  this is a wonderful car its sporty looking and very comfortable at the same time. i have had little to no troubles with this car.

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  2 yr/35,000 mile update - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By zoolander1 - May 24 - 2:37 am

  After driving this car for 2 years I thought itd be fair to update my ownership experience. I still like the car, I dont think I love it anymore. Its a fun car, but thats it. When you want to have fun, it delivers, when you want to just drive, it lacks a bit. I went to the dealership for a "check engine" light and they replaced my engine. The A/C makes a split second grinding noise the dealer cant figure out/reproduce. The trust factor is gone, I dont think I want to keep this car past manufaturers warranty. I cant get over 27 hwy mpg. Ive tried it many ways, on many roads, on the AZ flat desert and cant. Its got a lifetime MPG of 25.8

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  Nice Alternative for Small Business - 2015 Nissan NV200
  By George Milev - May 23 - 6:39 pm

  I bought the NV200 SV with the navigation and appearance package. The NV200 is based on a car platform and feels more like a car than a truck. it has good fuel economy. Makes easily tight turns and has a lot of holes pre-drilled in the interior so you can install racks and stuff without the need to drill. Its probably the only light commercial truck with a 5 years, 60 thousand miles bumper to bumper warranty. Now, what can be better: the engine is under powered. It needs at least 20-30 more horse power. The voice command system is useless as it mis-interprets command all the time, the audio system is archaic, the tires feel flimsy and the back up camera doesnt have a sonar.

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  Vibration and Rattling Noise when Driving - 2012 - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By J Weimar - May 23 - 11:54 am

  Car vibrates due to engine movement. When the AC kicks in, it gets worse. See Youtube videos on vibration. Ive never owned a car designed to vibrate. Its a reason only by itself no to purchase a Rouge. Its a design issue in which Nissan says its working as design.

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  Great Value on and Off Road - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By xterraoffroad - May 23 - 11:23 am

  I went from a Frontier to upgrading to the Xterra Off Road and WOW. This vehicle is an incredible performer on and off road. Its filled with everything you need like hill-descent assist, locking diffs, 4X4, lots of space and cargo hold, and nothing you dont. The seats fold completely flat, the roof rack has plenty of room for the kayaks, and the awesome 4.0 V6 has more than enough power to tow my 26 ft sailboat. I cant say enough about how smooth this truck rides and how well it conquers terrain off road. Surprisingly, I have been averaging 20mpg. I thought I would have done much worse, but it just makes this rig that much sweeter. Nissans 4.0L is indestructible. Highly recommend!

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  great truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By john - May 23 - 11:03 am

  I love this truck!! It has plenty of room inside. Also has great pick up and go when needed. I can cruise nicely on the freeway or give it some go when I need to get passed people when needed. I got the 4x4 for hunting and camping. And the bed has the sprayed in liner, great forwhen I need to haul stuff. I dont have to worry about scratches. I havent had any problems, knock knock. Cant wait to see how it pulls the trailer when we get it!! I do wish the seats in the back reclined a bit. My kids fall asleep and their heads fall forward. It also has the side airbags for the back too!! Makes me feel safer for my kids. They love the truck too. They like the windows,have minivan too.