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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  Great MPG, Quiet, Comfortable, Quality - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Kraken - January 23 - 8:10 pm

  Brand new 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6L / 5spd Sedan. Miles per gallons is underrated. With a combination of freeway and city street driving we are getting over 40 miles per gallon as an average. 400+miles with only 10 gallons of gas! So on the highway the mileage is probably well over 40mpg. This 1.6L sips gas even with the A/C on. Not only that but this 1.6L engine accelerates pretty well for its size. Is surprisingly roomy for its size as well. Fits 4 adults comfortably. Handles well, very much like a VW Golf or similar. Quiet engine and quiet ride.

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  Never going Nissan again - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Pissed in Idaho - January 23 - 11:50 am

  My first car was a 1985 Nissan Maxima and I ran it to death from the years of 2003-2008 when I bought our Versa. Since then we have had the fuel pump replaced THREE TIMES and it keeps failing. We recently had it replaced but notified Nissan of us declaring lemon when the part breaks again, I just hope I get all the money I put into it as we are a few hundred dollars off from paying the entire 16k we paid for it.

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  Most Fun Mobile Device Weve Ever Had - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Ira - January 22 - 6:36 pm

  I never submit reviews. Never. But, this car (mobile device) is such a revelation that I felt it warranted my two cents. One week in and were getting stopped daily by people who just want to stare at it or sit in it or want to find out more about it. And, weve been happy to answer their questions. Actually, I think we sold 2 or 3 based on how people respond to the roominess, styling and just coolness of it. The ride is wonderful. Soooo smoooth. The CVT transmission is great. And, with the Ginormous package on our S, it is a real head turner.

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  pleased owner - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By 16 year nissan owner - January 22 - 10:50 am

  We have enjoyed the nissans we owned. I believe the quality is great, some of the design issues are lacking from year to year, but that is same with all auto makers. Nissan needs to keep features included in cars or as an option. We have had no issues with the car and if we did, it was under warranty. Rear senors are standard with Nissan, look at competitors, high end only. Want to buy or lease new but $ is not in budget $500 plus is for a sports car not a van.

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  love my minivan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ann - January 22 - 2:46 am

  I love my minivan! Even though my kids are older now and have their own cars, I still cannot think of getting a different/new car! Everyone who rides in my van, thinks we are in spaceship :) The interior room is incredible. The back seating has unbelievable space. My 62" son has no problem with his leg space in the back. The heated seats are great in the winter! I have only replaced standard things (brakes, struts,tires, etc) and have over 80,000 miles. Cannot even think of trading this van yet! Great for taking my kids to college too! The power of this car is great on acceleration.

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  Gets me and my stuff there - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By sivartk - January 21 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my truck new for about $13,000. The only "upgrade" that it has is the color keyed body moldings. Minor repair work has needed to be done before 18,000 miles....squeaking front bumper and already had to replace the 3 belts in this little 4-banger due to squeeking. Other than that it is rock solid. It takes a while to get used to the look of the "rubbermaid" front end, but a simple grill insert improved the looks and protected my radiator. Use it to commute to work (2.2 miles) and average 23MPG w/o the AC. On the highway I have got as high as 28MPG. Great fuel economy in town even compared to some mid-sized sedans, plus you cant haul a sheet of plywood in a sedan.

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  I own a truck? - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Zeek - January 21 - 9:06 pm

  Bought the truck recently, and have, from the 1st drive been very impressed. Kept in low rpms the truck is sedate and quiet, but above 3000 it moves - and growls. The interior is the best made of any recent Nissan, even on my cloth SE every surface is nice to the touch. Lots of cubbies and drink holders, too. The exterior looks great, again, even on the SE you get a good amount of nice Chrome. The standard spray on bedliner and 4 wheel disk brakes are great features. Finally, I got this V6 4wd for best same as a best offer on a 4cyl 4wd Tacoma. It wasnt even a competition.

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  Would not buy another one - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Zane - January 21 - 6:10 pm

  I have had the Versa for about 4 months; I would not buy another one. This car has been back to the dealer several times to fix small problems. It has several flaws that are important to me. One the AC is undersized for Florida, when out in the heat you need to put the air flow to recycle to keep the cabin cool. Although the noise level when running is the lowest of the other cars I test drove; it is the loudest car I ever be in when you accelerate. Last but not least. The driver’s side window wiper is about twice the size of the passenger side, and it throws its water on to the passenger side. Thus in the rain the passenger side is never clear.

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  Great Buy! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By gerschman1 - January 21 - 12:36 pm

  Originally I wanted an SE, but one ride in the SE-R changed that! This car is one of those "sleepers" as I like to call them. Roll up next to a pre-05 Mustang at a stop light and you will REALLY suprise them!! All that boy- racer stuff aside, this car is quite comfortable and practical (being a sedan). Great looks, great performance, at a price that beats the competition easily!

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  Getting What you Paid For - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob the Builder - January 21 - 2:00 am

  It is what is is ... a small truck, as opposed to full sized trucks. A great truck all around. Sound design and feel.