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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  Outstanding - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Rachael - November 3 - 12:56 am

  This is the biggest van I could find. I searched them all and this one was by far the biggest with the most upgraded standard features. I love this van. It runs great and the kids love it. Its very comfortable and we have so much space to move around.

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  nice suv - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By sledhead - November 2 - 11:53 pm

  Fun to drive in all weather conditions. Four wheel drive works great. Engine has plenty of power even with 3000 lb trailer in tow, still accelerates uphills with no problem unlike our past v6 explorer. Somewhat of a stiff ride but that is what we like, its a truck not a car. Just put 10,000 miles on it with no problems so far.

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  Good Civic Corolla alternative. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ZYZEX - November 2 - 5:16 pm

  Roomy-ness and comfortable interior in small car for tall people describes the overall driving experience. The quality of Nissan is much improved than I remembered. I feel the effects of the merger with Renault. There is a blend of European design cues mixed with Asian. Front seats are high of the floor like in a Jetta. You comfortably sit with your knees bent, not straight like in a sports car. At 63" I find plenty of head room. Did not come with a stock radio for $1k more. Install a way better one, for not even half.

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  Muscle Man Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Mikey2002 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. Crew Cab SE with the upgrade Rockford Fosgate Stereo system. Ive owned other compact trucks but this takes the cake. I get more complements than anything Ive ever driven. To me, it handles and accelerates with the best of them and I do not regret not getting the super charged engine. Dont hesitate if your thinking about getting one. They are a blast to drive (due to strength) and fun to boot...

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  Engineering at its best - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Chris Savarino - November 1 - 9:02 pm

  The performance vs MPG is unsurpassed especially given the fact that it is only a 4 cylinder. Typically exceed the 39 MPG for highway driving all on regular unleaded. This car moves. No issues whatsoever when merging onto highway or passing. The CVT always makes sure there is plenty of torque either from a dead stop or highway speeds. The new styling makes it look like a mini Maxima. Love this vehicle. One of the better navigation systems I have owned. Simple to use and usually right on the mark. Bose sound system is amazing and pounds when you turn up the dial without distortion. Heated seats and steering wheel are features found on more expensive vehicles.

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  JT - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JTravis - October 31 - 11:33 pm

  excellent truck, I do not regret making the choice. A titan is what I will purchase for the next purchase.

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  Luxury SUV without the cost - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cmj15 - October 31 - 8:53 am

  Just got back from the first road trip to the mountains. It was very comfortable for myself and my passengers. It has a very smooth ride and is very fun to drive. I dont think I could have picked a better car. I love the way it looks, rides and feels. I have even had 2 adults seat in the 3rd row of seats and say it wasnt bad. There is good leg room throughout.

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  Never left me stranded - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By kriley50 - October 30 - 5:23 am

  I love this car. I bought it used in 2006 with 77k on it. I drove it for 5 years and just sold it with 160k on it. The car is fast, gets good gas mileage, looks good, and is super reliable. Over the course of 5 years I replaced 2 sensors in the car and that was it. I liked the car so much that I went out and bought another one. The new one is a 2003 as well with only 60k on it. I cant wait to drive this car another 100k.

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  Performance and Luxury all in one - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By John Newmark - October 30 - 1:56 am

  The new Altima is completely redesigned and looks better than ever. Although a little shorter in length the horsepower is 270 and faster than most midsize sedans with its CVT transmission. The navigation system is touch screen and the intelligent key and push start are just a few of the luxury features.

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  Well worth it - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Nissan Lover - October 29 - 5:36 pm

  I got a fully loaded version about a mopnth ago. Gas mileage so far is 33.6 MPG, consistent with what they publish. Having the gas engine cut out at low MPH takes some getting used to but the car still has good acceleration (consider it has more HP than the V4 Altima). Also is a very comfortable ride and looks sharp. Not only is it better for the environment, but the cash rebate makes it comparable in $ to a similarly equipped V4 and with the tax credit of $2,350 and the better fuel efficiency, this seems like a much better deal.