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:

• 

  Transmission Problem - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Sludge - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle replaces a 1995 Quest Van. This is a nice vehicle which drives smoothly and has good acceleration. I presently have a problem with intermittent failure of the transmission to shift after starting. The vehicle has twice started in 3rd gear and refused to upshift or downshift. I took it to the dealership who called Nissan for help in solving this problem. According to the service manager Nissan says this is a known problem which they do not have a solution for yet. I reserve judgement on this van until I see if Nissan can fix this problem. On the bright side, turning the vehicle off and restarting restores the transmission to normal function.

• 

  Titan is an appropriate name! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mikeandbrandi - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I had towed my 9 year money pit Dodge Ram and bought this after reading many reviews. This truck is the best truck Ive ever owned. My only knock on this King Cab model is the doors closing. Sometimes, you have to slam it or it wont close. All those complaining about fuel economy - its a pickup truck for Gods sake. The power is incredible and the features are as well. You wont find a more affordable, powerful truck anywhere. I have not had any of the radio problems others talk about but their problem might be the feature on the stereo that changes volume with speed which can be turned off. Nissan hit a home run with their first full size truck!

• 

  What a fine car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By new2Nissan - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Tested the Accord V6, Camry XLE, and Altima. Although the Camry got the nod in the fit, finish and overall comfort, it was no contest in the performance test. (Accord was close, and it does have XFM.) Having driven the Altima for about three weeks now only confirms the choice. It is a blast to drive. Solid on the interstate, in the city, and winding roads (CO 93 from Boulder to Golden). My wife absolutely loves it; she cant believe the performance and handling. It has instant power all throughout the range. The seats are really comfortable and I just cant believe the amount of interior space. The front passenger area is especially cavernous. What a fine car!

• 

  Everything you want in an SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By John - April 30 - 5:20 am

  This is everything you would want to have in an SUV. I went for the fully loaded LE with the DVD entertainment. This vehicle is very quiet and is really fun to drive. I put on the billet grill which makes the front end look awesome. Next the 20" Rims are going to be put on.

• 

  New Suv owner - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By twotallsixfeet - April 30 - 1:54 am

  Ive been a pickup owner for over 20 years. Now I wanted to have a more car like ride. I did a lot of research online for SUVs and went out into the field to try them all out for test drives. Rogue ended up being my top choice. Finalists in my choice were Mitsubshi Outlander Sport, Ford Escape, and Forester. There were many other contenders that I tried out/drove/& compared price on. I ended up with a Rogue. Ive not been disappointed.

• 

  Great so far - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Patrick Dolan - April 29 - 9:27 pm

  This is my 4th Altima. I drive them for 8-9 years and then buy a new one. Ive only had my 2016 for a month but so far it is the best by far. My only complaint is the USB port wont work with my iPhone. Nissan says it will be corrected and is due to an upgrade to the IOS by Apple. Not sure why that would happen if they had good programmers but as long as it is corrected soon its not a big issue to me.

• 

  The Problem Car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By momadukes - April 29 - 6:27 pm

  My car was making a roaring noise so I took it to the dealer. The just about replaced the whole front it. The problems with the air condition was exhausting they had to replace the compressor, condenser and found out it was the intake sensor. Now the car is making a squeaking in the back which now it means it need shocks. This car has to many kinks in it that wasnt worked out.

• 

  Very fun car, and practical - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Ryan - April 29 - 5:43 pm

  This has been a great car! It will do every thing from haul the kids to blast through the corners.

• 

  Real American Workhorse - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By big country - April 29 - 2:00 pm

  Ive owned trucks for over a decade and this is by far the toughest, most powerful truck Ive ever been in. It can tow, haul, and go offroad like nothing Ive ever seen. It can stand up to harsh off road and farm life. Best truck in its class by far.

• 

  The Best of Trucks - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By The Truck of TRUCKS! - April 28 - 9:40 pm

  I really love this truck. I test drove other trucks,( Ford. Chevy, GMC, Dodge, and of course Toyota. This is the truck of trucks. Quiet engine and smooth transmission shift points. Gas is no problem because you get what you pay for; POWER and TORQUE!!!