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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  Surprised and Love the Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By akepley - November 7 - 11:50 am

  I drove the new Accord, Camry, and Altima. Bottom line, the Altima drove the best and had the best mileage. I now have 9000 on my 6 speed manual, 2.5S with convenience pkg plus and it has be a blast. Steering is awesome, its comfortable, roomy, I get 35-38 mpg, no lie!!! With all this, it was much cheaper than either the Accord or Camry. The 6 spd manual is hard to find, but worth the search for sure.

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  FIRST SUV AND LOVIN IT - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By MARLCARL - November 7 - 6:30 am

  We are senior citizens and bought this car for the ease of getting in and out and wanted to sit up a bit higher when driving. This car surprised us with how much fun it is to drive. It is very smooth handling and so far great on gas, getting the 27 mpg it was said to get. It feels like you are driving a much smaller car. We had a Honda Accord before and this one handles much nicer believe it or not. You will not be sorry if you buy this car. You will love it.

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  2012 Versa Good design & great value - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By medmann48 - November 7 - 2:44 am

  We purchased a 2012 versa SV sedan about 2 months ago & love it so far. I already have a 2009 Versa Hatchback & have had Zero problems with it this last 3 years & drive it EVERY day. I like the design of the new 2012 sedan & chose it because so many sub sompacts are made to be small & sporty. The 2012 Versa sedan is like a small family car with lots of room. It may not be sporty but it has lots of room & the price is right, we have 2 6ft sons who hop into the back seat with no problems, try that in a Yaris or Fiesta, good luck! I still marvel at how nice this car looks, kinda like a smaller version of the Altima or Maxima.

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  If only it had better mileage - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By daviedmx - November 6 - 7:53 pm

  I have been thoroughly pleased with my purchase of this truck save for the dismal gas mileage. Ive taken 3 trips since my purchase back in May and the best that Ive been able to get on the highway is 14-15mpg. With gas prices steadily creeping towards the $3 mark, I may have to start considering an alternative.

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  Yes Sir! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By phillip - November 6 - 4:10 am

  Hey, let me tell ya gals and boys, this is one tight ride. Im shocked how smooth of a ride this truck is. When I take my fiancee to the mall to get a bigger size pants and shirt, Im sitting up high with a slurpee and a cool tune on the sterling CD player. Great job Nissan 2 thumbs up! I will try this truck offroad and give her a thorough test, but Im not scared

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  Excellent Car, Still going strong - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By reclark - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 97, and is has been a great experience. 150k miles and have never had it in the shop for any repairs, other than brakes, tires, and general maint. This has been a great car, the best I have ever owned.

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  30th anniversary CAR - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By cestob - November 5 - 10:00 am

  What I like best about this car is that all models (GXE, GLE and SE) were treated equally, at least engine wise, which is where it matters. It has a very powerful 235hp V6 engine for all models, and its wonderful to feel that red line to the top. It handles wonderful too, it has a sporty look on the front, so if someone ahead of you sees you from their rearview mirror they see the muscle car front of your car. But once you pass them all they see is a more classy kind of look of your car. I purchased this car cause being a 30th anniversary car I knew the workers at nissan would do a better job, and they certainly did, not a single problem since I bought it.

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  Still like it after 3 years - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By danmcgov - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I leased this new in 9/2001. Its now 9/2004 and I still enjoy driving this car. Ive owned many new cars and after 3 years, Im normally anxious to get something new; not this time. Ill purchase this when the lease is up (a couple of months). Having only 20K miles on it helps. The ride is much quieter than I expected with the low profile 17" tires. I never feel cramped and there is plenty of room in the back seat for two kids (when I decide to leave the Odyssey in the garage).

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  As Good As it Gets - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By C3plus1 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Great looking SUV!! Love the interior design and awesome handling for a big SUV. Hard to outgrow this one. Test drove just about every other big SUV out there and the Armada simply excelled in all aspects. The V8 has enough horsepower to accomodate any task you have in mind.

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  awesome car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By j garton - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Probably the best all around vehicle I have ever owned! Functional, economical, luxurious, yet fun to drive.