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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  Best for the money - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By alli - April 14 - 9:53 am

  The Yaris was like driving a bubble, the Fit was nice but cost too much, my Versa is bigger has more power and better MPG. The only thing I would change would have been my color selection (2) which did not not make my head turn.

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  Review - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By JCH - April 14 - 12:50 am

  it has been enjoyable. The only items that have been replaced on this vehicle in the nearly 9 years of ownership, are normally replaceable items. It has been a very solid performer. I have no regrets.

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  Drove the hell out of it with no problem - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By U. Schacht - April 12 - 1:56 am

  I work in the oil patch driving in the worst conditions. This truck has been on back roads, winter ice roads and where there are no roads and NEVER let me down. I now have 140,000km worry free. The only problem I noticed is that when it gets to minus 40 degrees for some reason it accepts fuel only at a very slow rate. Still no squeaks or rattles like the north American products, great re-sale. The lease is up next Oct. and I will be getting another one.

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  Nice vehicle - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Headhunter - April 11 - 11:03 am

  I planned on driving a number of SUVs before purchasing one. The first one I drove was the Xterra and I loved it. Bought it on the spot and got a great year end deal. I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for a smaller more rugged SUV with plenty of power. Upgraded from a Jeep Wrangler. 100% would recommend.

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  Nice Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By MyFrontier - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Frontier new with 22 miles on it. The computer went out from water running in it by a pinched condensation tube from the AC, Nissan fixed it with no hassle. My frontier is paid off now and I just put in a new battery. Other than that no worries from this great little truck.

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  Fun to Own - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By George G. - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Do to the short time of owning this vehicle I can not give a long term review, but I can say that it has delivered everything the company advertises. I have yet to use it Off- Road but I expect it to handle just fine for a stock vehicle. The mileage could be better, but I still think it is a winner.

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  Second Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By John F - April 8 - 5:23 pm

  Overall, a very good car. Smooth and quiet motor, handling excellent, fun to drive. Several minor issues start to add up, though. The light grey interior and titanium trim really reflect off the steep windshield, impairing visibility. The lumbar support is too high, and the seat is hard to get comfortable in. The $1,000 option Bose radio is not as good as the stock radio on my previous 97 Maxima. It has a "tuned EQ" for the car that cant be changed, but just sounds boomy. There is a lot of very noticable torque steer. Also, Im not convinced there is any advantage to a 6 speed manual transmission over a 5 speed. You spend a lot of time shifting.

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  Tough truck - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By joebeau - April 8 - 6:13 am

  2nd Pathfinder I have owned. Sold the 1st one due to high miles (175+) and body rust in the rear and on the rear floor. This truck is tough, powerful and practical. It does really well off road (I go off road several times a year)

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  2006 Nissan Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By EX - April 8 - 2:06 am

  I owned a 94 Camry for 13 years prior to this and needed a better vehicle to haul camping equipment and handle forest roads. I loved the style and power of the 06 Nissan and it got the best SUV of 2006 award so I went with it. I bought it with 17k on it at a pretty good price at that time ($20800). Before 18K, it needed the valve covers replaced! Though they were under warranty I was not impressed! The plastic interior is wimpy and heaven help you if you have dogs! The exterior paint is lame too! Gas mileage is not as good as they claim in the city (more like 12) but the highway is pretty accurate at 21. The wet cargo area above would be better served by a sunroof.

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  Better than Expected! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By TALL IN THE SADDLE - April 7 - 9:46 pm

  I got this Rogue on Dec 1st, as a company vehicle. I drive on many rural roads as a sales rep, so needed good clearance & the AWD is great. I was used to V6 engines, so it took a bit to get used to the 4 cylinder. I think the CVT is great. I average about 25-26 MPG, when driving normally. If I really drive it hard (80 MPH) on the interstate, mileage drops to 22-23. I like everything about it except the visibility out the rear window. I guess thats why they put mirrors on vehicles. The wheel design on the SL model seems to hold snow & mud that freezes in the winter causing vibrations like the wheels are out of balance as well. Not a problem now that summer is here.