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 2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By LoveTheAltima - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I must say I have only had this car for a week but I really like it. I am a little concerned by all the "issues" I have read about like the MAF sensor going bad, and I have already experienced the warm air coming thru the vent even when on the coolest settings, but I must say I still love this car. There are some kinks still but the styling and the performance with fuel economy have sold me. As long as I dont get stranded or have any major repair bills I consider this the best car I have purchased to date. Time will tell.

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  Awesome Good Time - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By pillpounder - May 9 - 11:56 am

  I bought my Spec V almost a year ago. I got it in the super black color. It matches well with the black and red interior. I owned a Sentra Spec V 2004 model, which I adored. I love my new car even more. I will be a Spec V fan for life!

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  Great for the money - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By running1201 - May 9 - 1:33 am

  This car is exactly what you pay for: lots of room, great gas mileage, peppy engine, and great looks for a car at around $20k. I got the Premium Plus option and have everything I need without paying a fortune. Loading this baby up gets pricey real quick, and the 2.5 gets it done adequately, although it may sound a little loud with the windows down. The CVT is really smooth and takes some getting used to (cant notice the shifts). Great on the highway with ample power for passing.

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  Great small car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Roberto - May 8 - 6:30 pm

  Although being small, the car is roomy. It doesnt feel powerful, but it is very pleasant to drive and it has a very smooth drive. The trunk has space for two big pieces of luggage and there is room left for some other stuff. Fit and finish is great. It has lots of headroom.

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  Update at 19k from 4/20/10 - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By drive a lot - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Update from 4/20/10. Have read all of the reviews of this vehicle and they overwhelming positive. The "negatives" I feel are minor, especially the wind noise of the moon roof, open the front windows a crack and it helps a lot. I sometimes drive 450 miles in a day and I have never had more comfortable seats. Ive owned SRX, Audi, Subaru, Mitsubishi and a Maxima over the last 10 years. No car is perfect and I was able to get a heck of a deal on mine. The only thing is that the day after I bought it, 3/31 at 9:30 pm the next day went to 0%. I was a bit annoyed at that, felt dealership should have been honest, said they didnt know, but I think they do know.

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  My HOTTT Maxima - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Rio Brown - May 7 - 10:10 am

  Ive been driving my 2010 Maxima for 3 weeks now and i absolutely digggg it. I was a previous owner of a 2009 Acura TSX, but its night and day, compared to the Maxima. The Maxima styling is incredible from fit to finish and the power, oh that power, is incredibly impressive.

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  Love it! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Chelle - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my X! Ive always driven SUVs and love them. My last SUV was a Trailblazer, which was ok but it was an automatic. I love the 6 speed X. It drives like a truck (Im told its a full frame not a sub frame which im sure makes it drive a little more like a truck), but it hugs the curves. It drives real tight, its firm. I didnt like all the play in the steering that the trailblazer had. All I can say is test drive one and youll fall in love. I never thought Id drive anything other than General Motors, but purchasing the XTerra X was the best move ive made so far. Give it a try....see what you think.

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  Better than expected!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Brandynana - May 7 - 7:00 am

  Love it! The Versa was the best deal with options for the price. Gas mileage hard to beat. Rides smooth, even on bumpy roads. Lots of bells and whistles. Great interior room, lots of leg room in both front and back. Love the 6 CD player and iPod connection.

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  mid sized monster - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By jose - May 6 - 2:40 pm

  lots of added power this year that will suprise owners of earlier models.interior is roomy and is nicely laid out.exterior has a full sized truck look to it.

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  Love the 2013 Nissan Juke! - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By ldkoebe - May 6 - 11:22 am

  We have only owned the vehicle for a month, but so far I like it better than the brand new Ford we purchased. Nissan definitely knows how to build a solid vehicle. Other than rear wheel well road noise, it is hands down a much better vehicle than the Escape. I purchased the Juke for my daughters first car. If it works as well as it has been even with high miles on it, I will be getting rid of the Ford and purchasing another Juke.