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:

• 

  So far so good - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By racerx - February 18 - 2:20 pm

  Id have to say that over all, its a pretty solid little car. Good interior space for the segment, especially the back seat. I got the 6 speed manual and boy does it require a lot of shifting. Im in 6th by 45 mph. The fuel mileage hasnt been what I had hoped for at about 29 mpg with a mostly highway commute. Maybe it will get better with the engine completely broken in.

• 

  Pretty good car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By IGGYPOPPER - February 14 - 11:30 pm

  Lease since Sept 2007. Car is good, roomy enough, no arm rest which was terrible, had to buy one online. No power at all though, put foot completely down on pedal with the AC on, has no pickup at all. Must be careful passing people, make sure you have 50 free car lengths before you do. But car is dependable so far, stereo ok, look is cute, rides good.

• 

  Pretty satisfied with my first car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Enoch - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Good used car for a student. As reliable as Honda and Toyota but costs you much less. It had 108K when I bought it 3 1/2 months ago. Engine and transmission are running great so far.

• 

  X-terra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Kunal Ghosh - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride. Sun-roof a little noisy

• 

  The most features in its class - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By CarDude - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the features provided with this vehicle (165 hp/ABS/Side Air Bag/4 wheel disc brakes/alloy rims/audio package/cruise control on steering/...) the most in its class. The car is very quick with good low-end torque. Took a while to get used to steering wheel stiffness; wish it was stiffer at higher speeds. Good interior design (I disagree with many car reviews). If the car hood had more character then the exterior design with the tail fin is better than the competitions. I wish this car had the SE-R sports-tuned suspension. Major complaints: uncomfortable seats, too much noise entering the vehicle at highway speeds.

• 

  Can be improved - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By shrek - February 13 - 9:03 am

  Ive driven this car about 20K miles in 16 months. OEM tires not so good, even though better ones are available for less. The drivers seat clicks when the car turns. The steering wheel vibrates when accelerating and / or stopping hard - takes some fun out of the driving. Fuel economy is very bad in city, though much better on the highway. Car interior uses cheap plastic in some places. That aside, the car has terrific passing power (shoots to 100mph easily) and corners extremely well. Intelligent ignition, heated steering wheel and bose music system are great. Cars exterior design is quite different. Folding rear seats are a plus. Leather quality is also good.

• 

  Pretty good for the $$ - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By William Dodd - February 12 - 2:00 pm

  This has been a good and reliable car since purchased about a year and a half ago. Gas mileage and passenger space is good. Handling, especially in strong winds, is not the best. Tiring to drive on long trips.

• 

  06 XTerra- A Great Buy for the money - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Scott - February 11 - 9:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle less than a month ago, and its been wonderful. Gas mileage has been mediocre, bit overall it suits an active lifestyle. Ive been very pleased with it pretty much everywhere. Handling and maneuverability has been quite nice. And Im very much looking forward to really taking it off road. Everything on the interior is very convenient and being 6 3", Ive been pleasantly surprised how much room I have in headroom and legroom. Long trips are comfy as well. Im looking forward to many years of ownership on this SUV. The Rockford-Fosgate sound system rocks as well!

• 

  Brute power - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By "Nice One" - February 8 - 12:26 pm

  The Armada packs a punch. The 2004 Lincoln Navigator I drove last year was comfortable and stylish, but doesnt compare in the performance department. The Armada tows my bass boat through the Smoky Mountains with ease. Its first off the line at traffic lights. Handles well for such a giant. Entertainment system is tops.

• 

  Mini Muscle - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By sethy - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is just flat out fun, and with many practical qualities such as 4 doors, great head/leg room it really is a great bargain. I have had the car for 12,000 miles now, and I have taken advantage of many of the aftermarket parts available. The list includes intake, header, exhaust, air/fuel computer, Tein SS suspension, and now Nismo front and rear sway bars. I believe the money I saved on initial purchase has allowed me to buy aftermarket goodies that have put the car in another class in power & handling. One note: I wish I had bought the Spec-V only for the Limited Slip Differential.