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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  Same songe, two Versa(s) - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By DD - December 21 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my son a 2007 Versa Hatchback about a week ago; I loved it. I bought one for myself two days ago, a 2009 with 6k on it, with every option but a skating rink! (No fog lights, really.) The car has smooth acceleration and deceleration, good cornering, and is wonderfully quiet. Of all the small cars I looked at--Matrix, Corolla, Scion XB, XD, Nissan Sentra--the Versa has the very best leg room in the back. I just filled up yesterday, so Im not sure about gas mileage Ill get.

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  Traded in my Lariet for it - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By RodneyV - December 21 - 8:40 pm

  Wife wanted a few more of the bells and whistles, but for what I spent I got more than my moneys worth

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  2nd Maxima - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By 2010 Maxima SV-Sport - December 21 - 8:36 pm

  This is my second Maxima, previously I had a 2007. No mechanical problems with the previous one, but at least they have improved the turning radius. I love the look of the new one and the performance.

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  Fourth Nissan car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ACORRADO - December 21 - 4:56 pm

  This will be my 4th Nissan car. I have had a Sentra and 2 Altimas and got them all new and now a 2009 Versa! Never had any problems with any of them, general care, tires @ 70,000 miles and old change on a regular basis. My Versa car was purchased for the price and gas prices for driving to work. Its just me and my husband. Versa base model with no extras no power locks,no power windows, etc. I researched all the other types of small cars in this area with about the same conclusion. Versa! 500 miles great car. Design area: No place to put your right arm while driving. Light in car not good for front light for people in the front seat. All in all good car for the price and gas needs.

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  Shimmy - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By madagaro - December 21 - 7:20 am

  On the day of the delivery I experienced steering wheel "shimmy" or vibration at two different speeds and despite 4 trips to the dealership, some improvement but not complete elimination of the problem. I understand steering wheel locks may be an issue (found that on the Edmunds site) and will try that....love the car, dislike the service I experienced.

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  My 3rd Maxima! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack Schoen - December 21 - 7:12 am

  None of my Maximas have had great acceleration; ride could be better given that these are Nissans flagship cars. Otherwise, dependable, comfortable, almost luxurious interiors; great for short or long drives; reasonable mileage; never a major repair - all routine (brakes, tires, wheel barings (after 150 K miles), struts, etc. Very happy with Nissan.

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  Nice truck - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Grouch - December 21 - 12:06 am

  Lots of room inside, though difficult to get in and out of rear seats. Confident and sure footed ride. Really enjoying it.

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  Rogue - great small SUV choice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By srauhala - December 20 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned a 08 Rogue AWD SL w/ premium,leather, & moonroof for about 3 weeks now and I love it. Traded my 03 Ed B. Explorer to get something with better mpg. I have been getting around 27-29 mpg in mixed driving. My Explorer I was getting 19 mpg max. Love the "solid" feel, smooth CVT, smart key, Xenon headlights, Bose stereo, trunk organizer, interior quality is better than my Ford It can be hard to see out the back but it isnt too bad once you get used to it. I tilt the large side mirrors out a little further than I would have in the Explorer and it seems to work well. Reverse sensors would be nice though. Overall, very pleased. Great value for what you get

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  Excellent truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jeff S. - December 20 - 11:10 am

  I purchased this to haul our 4 horse trailer since the standard iterations of the domestic vehicles were not even close towing wise. This truck has exceeded my expectations!! It is able to tow 7500 pounds without a problem. The ride is like a luxury car and the cabin is super quiet. I am looking now at buying another car and they are so loud compared to this thing. It has the most comfortable cab I have been in. The downside is that the brakes did need to be replaced under warranty. The brakes could also be a little more powerful. I see about 15 mpg overall and have seen 17.6 mpg HWY.

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  My 2000 Xterra SE 3.3 liter V6 - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By jerrymax - December 20 - 8:03 am

  I bought this car almost two years ago and have put 15,000 miles on it. It is great in snow and ice in 4 wheel drive mode. Easy to shift from 2 to 4 wheel drive system. The 3.3 liter V6 is adequate, not fast, but you dont get an SUV for speed. Valve gaskets had to be replaced at 154K. Only complaints; no dashboard clock and dashboard instruments are very dark. On a sunny day if youre wearing sunglasses you cant read them unless dashboard lights are turned on. Vehicle is very rugged. I actually think this 1st generation Xterra looks nicer than the 2nd generation. 4 full doors and great visibility make it more practical than the FJ Cruiser. I would highly recommend this vehicle.