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 Versa so far# - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By adrianne phillips - April 6 - 12:29 pm

  I recently purchased my 2008 Nissan Versa SL. So far I love it. The acceleration is adequate and cvt shifts smoothly. Just had to fix a broken low tire pressurs sensor, but my mechanic checked it over and it was in great shape.

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  2007 crew cab review - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By sdhk - April 5 - 1:40 pm

  Wanted a four door pickup to get me to work, pick up groceries and occasionally haul a couple of 2x4s or a couple to dinner. Truck is too big and overpowered for my needs, but a compromise and the best overall choice for me compared to a Tacoma, Canyon, Sport Trac. Lots of minor irritations in the interior design, but the Nissan reputation for reliability was a big selling point for me.

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  Very nice truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By ken - April 5 - 11:06 am

  This purchase has been a very good one for me. It feels so cozy inside while driving that I dont feel like getting out. The drive is nice b/c of comfortable leg room and elbow room. Gas is good while traveling, but not in the city. Im still glad I purchased one. For a big vehicle I dont have any blind spots b/c of the design of the vehicle and big mirrors. Trust me you will enjoy the power the beast has.

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  Nissan Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By GREG - April 4 - 10:56 am

  On balance love the vehicle. Very comfortable. Would like a little better gas mileage. Bose stereo is fantastic. Environmental control a little weak

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  Nssan Maxisauras - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By eddie - April 3 - 10:30 pm

  I prchased a 2000 Nissan Maxima when it was brand new. I owned it for 16 months and sold it. I did not always use recommended premium fuel and it caused the engine to exhibit gurgling sounds especially in between gears or going up hill slowly. The turning radius was terrible as was the economy. 40% of epa. Cheap leather and interior materials. Like most maximas it burns headlights

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  Curiosity - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By anasity - April 3 - 9:23 am

  I have just purchased this vehicle within the last week. It hasnt quite been a week yet. Ive only driven it around the city and have yet to test it out on the road. So far I like the way it feels when driving. The ride is smooth. I love the exterior design and the quality seems to be good. As far as the reliability, I will have reserve comments on that for now. I am satisfied with the interior design as well.

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  Kind of fun - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By madridny - April 2 - 4:20 am

  Purchased in May of 07, traded in a Dodge Dakota. Gas mileage is in the advertised range, about 31 with regular tires and 28 with studded snow tires, mostly highway driving. Vehicle really needs snow tires if you live in a very snowy area. All weather tires will not do it. Heater works great and rear defrost works fine. Car is a little noisy under heavy acceleration. When braking car lurches forward at times but I am told that this is a product of the CVT. Gas door needs to be opened from inside and does not work properly, usually it will not open and needs some extra "help". I am 66" and the headroom in this car is great. Not to sure about the benefit of the trunk divider.

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  If you like boring - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Art Hampton - April 1 - 9:46 pm

  this is the car for you. My motive for buying this car was to get the most reliable, economical, dependable transportation for my money. I plan to drive the car for about 15 years and get roughly 150k miles out of it. So far the car has performed perfectly (its new and it better!). Its quiet, has adequate power for the freeway, handles OK, its boring! Perfect.

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  Ok decision - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cathy - April 1 - 3:16 pm

  I bought my 03 Altima new and have enjoyed it except for the brake issues. Lots of squealing when applying the brakes. Got front pads replaced already but still squealing. Now getting back pads looked at. Pads appeared to still have plenty of wear left on them. Also had shimmy at approx 60 mph. Once rotors were turned when new brake pads were installed, shimmy stopped. Squeaks in drivers seat. Dealer cannot seem to locate or hear it. Service mgr said its because we have some bumpy roads & car not designed for that. I dont buy that! Had a 1991 Sentra that never had any of these issues even with 200K miles on it.

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  Good Overal Package - 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rob S - April 1 - 12:00 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 problem free years. It has been very reliable, comfortable, and worry free. It is big and heavy but that doesnt hurt the handling that much (I have upside wheels that help as well) but it does impact fuel economy. I routinely get around 16 mpg around town. I am happy with the purchase and would probably do it again.