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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  After one year - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By David M Johnston - October 29 - 1:13 pm

  A good looking, good driving van. It draws compliments wherever it goes. Fit and finish is good in and out but interior materials seem cheap to me. A vehicle that sells for over 30k shouldnt have to use a prop rod to hold the hood open, Air conditioner works well but fan is noisy. Heater is barely up to the task.

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  Great styling - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By CW in COS - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking, and fun truck. I have had the truck for two years now and have found it to be very reliable. It performs very well off road and is good for hauling small loads.

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  New Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By swanny123 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Very well equipped. Engineers did alot of thinking to add the details of the features.

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  2004 Nissan Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sushi96720 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The Quest has more power than the american counterparts however the engine noise is rather loud as compared to Dodge Caravan. The seats are not as comfortable as I initially thought. You dont get the feeling of support from the seat.

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  Rah Rah Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By dsmith9066 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Greatest fun to drive since my 65 Mustang. Nothing has gone wrong. It turns heads because of its exterior design.

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  Excellent tough suv - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Goran Tomic - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent tough suv with smart interior design and excellent performance. Looks meet performance!!

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  02 MAXIMA SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By kkitchens - October 26 - 8:26 pm

  The car is the compromise for a sports/luxury/family car. I love the car esp. the power. The front wheel bearing went out at 34,000 and I know someone with a little over 100,000 on his 02 SE and it has went out 4 times. It makes me think I need to get rid of mine. My O2 sensor went out the next after my bearing. Thank God it is still under warranty. Nissan needs to try to fix this problem. This is my only gripe about this car. The customer service you recieve could be improved by leaps and bounds.

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  Great Performance - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By YoYoMan - October 26 - 6:46 pm

  Been a Great Car so far. Fun to drive, great for road trips. 33 MPG on the highway! Love the engine, friend has a 2005 Mustang GT and the Max gives it a run for its money. Looks spectacular with tinted windows and 18" Chrome Wheel Package.

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  A solid CUV - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By terrancesneed - October 25 - 2:24 pm

  I purchased my Rogue in June of 2013. So far, it has proven to be a reliable, comfortable, and fun to drive vehicle. I test drove The Jeep Patriot, Toyota Rav-4, and Ford Escape, before choosing the Rogue. The Rav-4 and Escape were nice, but were pricey. As for the Patriot; no comment smh. The Rogues smooth ride, decent acceleration, nice handling, and fair asking price were what sold me. The CVT does take some getting use to, but it serves it purpose. MPG ranges between 23.5 and 26.7. Only issue I have is I wish it was just a bit larger. The cargo space is modest but I knew that when I bought it. Overall its a good vehicle, although I think a Tucson or Sportage gives more bang for buck.

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  Overall a very good car - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By JayLaw - October 25 - 10:00 am

  rode 81000 miles, a very sound car in good weather. corners well for class. Im a big guy, so i have pissues with room. the excelleration is very good. ive reached 115 MPH performed well. Now the bad. The brakes, while very good, in need of ABS. Stop short, you will skid. the chirping sound when I pull off in the morning, until car warmsup. I have had problems with the dealer and the company. my oil dipstick head broke, and now the stick is in the oil pan of the car. the cost of getting it out is 500. got a bad deal from the dealer, 1st new car, I will know better next time. i will stick with nissan, if i could find a dealership i feel comfortable with