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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  Good car, but needs some improvements - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By DVBs Daughter - January 18 - 9:20 am

  I really enjoy "Scarlet." The car is responsive and easy to handle (except in really strong winds). I like the design. Its quiet inside with the windows closed. The radio is surprisingly good, and the cabin is spacious and roomy. Overall, very satisfied, and the areas of improvement would make it a FANTASTIC car!

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  2009 Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Stan - January 17 - 6:46 pm

  We shopped through all of the crossovers and were most impressed initially with the room and options on the Murano. It drives very nicely and if you are not careful you will find yourself at 80 mph on the highway without realizing it. It is quiet and comfortable. I am 64" tall and I have plenty of room in the front and back seats. The acceleration is above average for the CUVs we tested and the vehicle handles well. Drive this before you buy any other CUV!

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Hogg810989 - January 17 - 11:46 am

  I bought my titan in June 04. Have to say that the horsepower is great. Gas mileage not real bad. Then again it is a V-8. Very comfortable and roomy. I am a previous nissan owner (2001) frontier, and the quality remains the same in the fullsize truck. Nissan gives you alot for your money. With other truck manufactures, you had to upgrade to get the engine power and options. Pricing is alot less then some of the competitors. You will not go wrong buying a nissan. The dealer that I purchased it from has great after sale service. Go test drive one and see for yourself. You will not be dissappointed.

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  Very Impressed Customer - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Andrea Murphy - January 16 - 11:06 am

  Our family is very happy with the purchase of our Quest. There is tons of room for our family and friends. The reliability of this van is A+. We never have to worry about going on long trips and having our vehicle break down as we have had in the past. Smooth ride, and plenty of entertainment for our children. Also, exceptional service at our dealer. Everyone that has rode in our van is very impressed. I am approached almost everyday by complete strangers about my van, on how impressive it looks. We are overall, extremely happy with our purchase of the Nissan Quest, and would highly recommend this vehicle or any other Nissan product.

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  Love at first site.... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nova - January 15 - 10:40 pm

  My wife had asked me to go test drive a new 05 Altima for her that she was going to buy. When I was at the dealership I walked past the show room and for the first time I saw a 05 Maxima. I could not keep my eyes off her. After I test drove the Altima, I asked the salesperson if I could test drive the Max. As soon as I put the car into gear I was sold. I could not believe that the way it drove out performed its looks. The car is just AWESOME. It is so fun to drive. It is extremely quite and when needed it "Gets up and goes" better then most vehicles. My buddy discribes it the best, "Its like riding on Ice".... smooth.

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  not too shabby, pros and cons - 2015 Nissan Versa Note
  By bastion74 - January 15 - 10:27 am

  as most people here, i was looking for a decent gas shipper. although im not pleased i had to buy the SV ( 2 levels up from base)to get power windows, still its a nice lil car. havent gotten that advertised 40 mpg yet, i average about 34. riding as a passenger i feel a bit uncomfortable as far as armrests since i end up sharing the drivers. but it does have better rear passenger legroom than most comparable, esp the COTY VWGolf which is $8k more. side window visors/guards a must as the rain water will drip in.be leary of servicing since Nissan chokes you into the CVT only being done at dealership.be smart and budget minded when buying as the normal nickle and dime stuff will pinch the wallet

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  SHIFT_Certified Babe Magnet! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Dr. Jones - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The 350Z is a car that looks expensive, but is actually reasonably priced. Styling is top notch. Handling is superb, and the steering is responsive and crisp. Acceleration is also very responsive in any gear. The interior is very roomy, at least in my opinion, and the seats are very supportive and comfortable. The car is fun to drive and begs to be driven. The car may have a few bugs, and being the first year for the 350Z, its common in any car.

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  Great car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Greg F. - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car mainly because I needed reliable transportation, and I have not been disappointed. I bought it new in 99 and it now has 75,000 miles. I havent yet had any problems with the car, other than a torn C/V boot. Ive replaced the front and rear brakes once, and the tires twice. Its very peppy for a 4 cyl non-turbo engine and it has a very stable ride on any type of road. The only downsides that Ive found so far is the iffy gas mileage and the excessive wind noise at highway speeds. Mostly I can barely get over 300 miles per tank with mixed city/highway driving, which is around 20 MPG. Other than that, its been a great car.

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  A few minor changes & it would be great! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By J. Ro - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my new 2003 Pathfinder LE for almost a year now and I love it. The overall exterior and interior styling is what attraced me to it most. Everything inside is easy to read and very easy on the eye. I also have a 17 foot Four Winns speed boat that it tows with ease. You can actually fold down the rear seats, tilt the front seats all the way back (right up to the rear seat) and you have yourself a very comfortable bed.

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  Love It! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By DebP - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only had the vehicle for one, week, I still thoroughly enjoy each time I get behind the wheel. I have three children, and there is plenty of room for their comfort as well. The Armada handles beautifully. Ive never owned a Nissan and now I am Nissan fan.