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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  Love my new Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By New Roguer - June 25 - 5:56 pm

  I love my new Rogue! I have only had it for a few weeks but am in love! I was looking for a certain style and there was not a lot out there in my price range. I upgraded from an 11 year Altima and I am really enjoying the ride so far. I like being up higher than a standard car but didnt want anything too big and this is perfect! Definite blind spot but I can deal with it.

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  Good long distance driving car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Gatorgirl05 - June 25 - 12:23 pm

  Ive had my Altima for almost two years. Most of the miles on my car are interstate driving. It drives very well. The backseat is very comfortable. My dad is 64" and he was shocked that he could sit in the back comfortably. Overall I have been really pleased with the car.

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  Z35th Review - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Scott - June 24 - 12:06 pm

  Love this car! Excellent experience. Must have! So much fun to drive and the style is sweet.

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  Ill buy another Nissan - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By Saideh - June 24 - 6:06 am

  This was my second car. I bought it new 6 years ago, when I was a still a teen. Now Im thinking of passing it on to my little sis because it has been very reliable, never a single mechanical problem and has great gas mileage.

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  Buy It - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By cube love - June 24 - 3:40 am

  Purchased for reliability and gas mileage. thought I wouldnt like the design but now I love it. I can see from all angles, it drives, corners and parks very well! Im at 33.8 mpg avg. The sound system is great. Some reviews had 3 bad issues. 1. engine noise on acceleration is no worse than any other 4 cyl engine Ive had. 2. highway noise at 45 mpg is true and I have not driven in strong wind. ( turn up the radio and its gone) 3. reflection is true and very freaky, still trying to get used to it but it doesnt bother my husband so maybe its personal. It is very comfortable and the 64" husband has at least 8" of head room. Yes I get the "what the H?" looks but oh well!

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  The Very Best - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Kris Shockley - June 23 - 10:00 pm

  Bought the car brand new and never had any major issues. Just totaled the car a week ago and walked out with little injury. Very Safe! Now looking to replace the best car I ever owned! 103k and was still running as strong as the day I drove it off the lot. Normal wear and tear issues. Tires and brakes seemed to need replaced alot..could just be me. Fun to drive, loved everything about it.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Jo Stevens - June 23 - 6:28 am

  I had never owned a Nissan in my life but saw the Maxima and loved its looks, so I pulled into the lot and ordered one to my specifications and have never regretted doing so. It is the best car I have ever had. Never had one minutes trouble from it since the day I got it in Feb. 2008. I have only had to change the oil every 5,000 miles and put two sets of tires on it in the 8 years Ive had this car.

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  Nissan Frontier SE 4wd - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By civallero - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable truck to own. Offroad capabilities are fair. Recommend 31x10.50x15 offroad tires for better traction and appearance. Currently have driven 106k mi since new. Great truck! I

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  Polished Pewter - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By TA McGuckin - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Entered dealership for service and struck up a conversation with one of the salesmen while waiting. Chatted about the Murano being a hybrid and went for a test drive and was sold. So,I traded in my 1996 Nissan Pathfinder for this amazing vehicle. Totally looking forward to taking the Murano out in inclement weather to see how it performs. Has so far handled exceptionally well in heavy rain and is amazingly comfortable to drive.

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  7 months in - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By cubfool7 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Supremely comfortable,one of very few vehicles where I can fully extend my very long legs. Very spacious. Leather seats offer great comfort. Amber gauges recall the magical glow of antique radio dials, while still high tech and futuristic. Engine is incredibly strong and smooth. Shiftless transmission is a pleasure. Mileage is great while commuting, but disappointing on long trips....like overdrive gearing was forgotten. Concerns...I hit a bump last week, and the alternator went out. Overall, the package rates as best vehicle I ever owned. Highlander rides better, but otherwise cant compare. Braking, handling and engine have to be tops in class.