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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  The Real Poop On the 2013 Sentra SR - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By billwunder - September 15 - 4:37 am

  Ill get right to my point. I just purchased a 2013 Sentra SR. Originally looking at Optima, Sonata, Altima and Accord. Optima and Sonata dont come with spare tires?? Ruled out. I liked the Altima better to drive but ruled it our due to additional cost and size (fitting in my garage). The Accord was just too boring. I am a retired Toyota Salesperson. I have driven most cars in this category at one time or another. Was introduced to the Sentra by a neighbor. Read every road test and drove a demo 3 times. Every professional criticized the car for noise and acceleration. In a 0-60 mph race the Sentra beat the Corolla and Civic. The performance is about the same as the Corolla I

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  XTERRA - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By DD214 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH IT EXCEPT THE GAS MILEAGE WHICH IS 14-15 IN SUMMER USING A/C. GETS ABOUT 20-21 ON THE ROAD W/ AIR CONDITIONING ON. NOT GOOD FOR SMALL WOMEN OR WOMEN W/SHORT LEGS.

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  needs traction control - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By syd - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This SUV needs traction control.Spun tires an intersections with the front half of the vehicle in the way of oncoming traffic many times. Also doesnt handle well on wet roads. Was very fast but almost too fast for what it was (a light rear wheel drive truck) Used the 4WD in the rain. Enjoyed the truck at times and thought it was fun and sporty to drive but didnt feel secure in it. Didnt hold the road well. Also not roomy enough for our small family of 3 plus dog. Gas mileage wasnt great either for such a small truck. Just got rid of it after 7 months and moved on to an 02 Explorer. Much different ride. Wont miss the Pathfinder.

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  Durable, Functional, and a Great Ride - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By kdeprey - September 14 - 2:00 am

  After test driving the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and sitting in a myriad of its competitors, I chose the Xterra for its durability, funtional interior, REAL 4X4, and masculine good looks. This is a truck and can be used like one, yet the ride is suprisingly smooth and comfortable. Something to note, the Tribute and Escape may seem to have "smoother, car- like rides", but in a world of Midwestern pot-holed streets, the Tribute and Escapes short wheelbase and compromised suspension leave the driver bouncing up and down constantly, in a choppy fashion. The Xterra soaks up bumps, distributing them through the solid truck frame.

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  great - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Tim nicholas - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Great truck for off roading, but it drives like a truck....great music system........

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  Great Deal - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Cory - September 12 - 11:56 pm

  Driving Impressions: CVT is something well have to get used to, steering/suspension are a little tight, very good gas mileage, accel. is very good considering its a 4-cyclinder. Interior is decent, trunk space kinds folled me, didnt realize there was a hidden compartment at first. Vehicle was purchased for my wife, she likes it, even though she preferred the Scion.

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  My baby red is a lot of fun to drive. - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Diana Roman - September 11 - 8:40 am

  My kids and I love "Baby Red". It doesnt feel like you are driving a small car because have good movements and is very roomy inside. I feel like a "cool mama" driving this car. The only negative thing is not too stable while applying the brakes. The poor thing is taking a beating traveling around 70 miles a day and is holding up like a champ.

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  Great suv - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Ben Killion - September 11 - 7:43 am

  Bought with 90000 miles and its now at 185000. And besides a driver window switch that I bought from eBay I have done nothing but routine and preventative maintenance, i.e., timing belt replaced.

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  Overall good, but... - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Dennis Texas - September 10 - 1:26 am

  Great overall vehicle. The interior styling and comfort are excellent. The stylish exterior is very nice. Sound system and controls are top of the line (except the driver will never hear the 2 subwoofers in the rear). I love the auto headlights and wipers! The 160 MPH speedometer is counter productive - the distance from 50 to 60 mph is like a centimeter, making it hard to pin point 55 mph. The low end acceleration is WEAK. Like many car magazine tests, 0-60 cannot be reached in 8 seconds (more like 9.5 to 10). Mileage is 16 MPG for me driving mostly city. Great vehicle if you can accept the poor acceleration and mileage.

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  Its the engine, stupid.... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Brons2 - September 9 - 4:56 pm

  The engine on this truck is the best on the market. It also has a very roomy interior and a silky 5 speed auto. The mileage sucks in town, but hey this is a big truck with 300+ HP. Its not too bad on the highway with the 5spd auto though, 17-18mpg. The XE Crew Cab comes with power windows/door locks, tilt and cruise. I am 67" also and really liking the room both in front and in back With the $2000 rebate I only paid $22,400 out the door, right at TMV, sticker was $26,810. Mine also has remote keyless, 6 disc CD, overhead bins and floord mats. This truck was a steal for the price! Was going to get another F150 but I got hooked on the Titan!