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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  SE-R - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Dale - April 24 - 12:20 pm

  If you have not driven an SE-R before you bought a normal Sentra, you have missed out on a great small sedan. With the larger 2.5 engine out of the Altima and the 6 speed paddle shifters it is great fun to drive and yet we have averaged 27.4 mpg to date in suburban type driving. It has good low end torque and will cruise effortlessly at 80+. Be sure to get the upgraded stereo system. Try it and you just might be hooked like I was.

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Pat - April 24 - 10:16 am

  Its a pleasure to own this vehicle it rides well accelerates smoothly handles great around corners and handles well in snow. I have had some minor issues with the low tire indicator, outdoor temp sensor but thats it. I have put a lot of miles on it by making lots of trips and its been a great car. Gas mileage is great i have averaged up tp 29mpg at 75mph.

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  5 Star Car! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By tobysunny2 - April 23 - 10:56 pm

  We love our Nissan Altima. It is so Low Maintenance and Reliable. We Highly recommend it.

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  100 miles and counting but Nissan cheaped out on CD Player - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By clintjohnsonnc - April 23 - 6:58 pm

  Just picked up a 2013 SL on Friday and have 111 miles on it. For unfathomable reasons, Nissan gives you a 6-CD player on the entry level Pathfinder, but only 1-CD player on the more expensive models!! The mileage so far is around 18.8, but I hope this picks up to promised 22 combined. I have not yet taken it on a flat highway to see if I get the 26 mpg promised. Happy with it so far, but the 1-CD changer is irritating on a car that lists for more than $36,000. Another puzzle at first was the radio no longer has the "SAT" button, so, at first, we thought we didnt have XM radio.

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  Rating of Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By love the Murano - April 23 - 11:20 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I previously drove a Nissan Altima so when in the market for a new vehicle, Nissan was the clear choice. I test drove many others but this one was the smoothest ride and definitely the best looker. It still turns my head!

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  Nice Car, "Service Engine Soon", light came on at 82,000 miles - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By mdscarlata - April 23 - 12:14 am

  I just bought this car used, yesterday and I love it. It is very fun to drive. I traded in a Mercedes Benz 240C, which was powerful, but drove like a tank or a boat. The only issue is that the, "Service Engine Soon", light came on before I even got it home from the used car dealership. I brought it back today and they said it was indicating "High Idle Speed". Well at 82,000 miles I hope that this is all that is wrong with it. I will keep you posted.

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  The Most Fun to Drive for under 30,000 - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Erich Wolmart - April 22 - 7:33 pm

  It is an awsome vehicle, I trade my 1998 740il rocket for this and the only thing i realy miss is the interior space. But I will buy another one in a hartbeat.

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  Happy new Owner - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Krystal - April 22 - 5:10 pm

  I am replacing a 2002 Nissan Sentra (which I LOVED) and after test driving several competitors I came back to Nissan. I also drove the mid-level Sentra and the Versa has a much better interior layout. LOVE my bluetooth phone and intelligent key. As a small business owner, this feature is a lifesaver and worth every cent! The ABS upgrade has also paid for itself with a $300 per six months savings on my car insurance over the old Sentra. Car is peppy and ROOMY.. almost like the fabled Tardis.. way bigger inside than it looks! I plan to drive this car for 10 years and think it will be a happy love affair.

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  4 Door Sports Car? - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By 4 Door Sports Car? - April 22 - 4:43 pm

  The CVT should never have been put in the car. It is no longer a sports car.I have a fully loaded SE, and the build quality is excellent. Excellent interior space,The bose system is the best in the industry. I traded an 05 TL. I drive mostly in the city the gas mileage is around 16 mpg which is poor. If you dont run premium fuel in it. It will ping, and run poorly. Overall the car is still an excellent value, but the CVT has taken all the bite out of it.

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  Wish I got the 3.5L - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Ginny - April 22 - 5:50 am

  Id been in love with this car since a boyfriend had the 2.5SL in 2005. I convinced my next boyfriend to buy a 2008 and I loved the design in that year. So when I was looking to purchase a 2010 of course I wanted the Altima. I drove the Malibu and the Fusion and I considered the Sonata and the Accord. But my heart was set on the Altima. I ordered it FULLY LOADED but for some reason ordered the 2.5 instead of the 3.5 and I`m not happy with the lack of power on the pick up. Especially starting up a hill. It`s a nice car but I`m not as in love with it as I thought I would be. If pick up is important to you get the 3.5.