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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  Cons - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Christine - December 28 - 10:26 pm

  Ok.. I had this thing for a week. All the Cons everyone is saying I dont find it with the one I purchased. The Engine isnt sluggish it isnt noisy.. I cant hear the dang thing run.. Nissan is one of the better quality cars out there at a re seasonable price. This Car does have a lot of pick up an go!!. This one customer is extremely happy. Ive had Nissans before an Ive never been happier owning them in the past.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Adele - December 28 - 1:00 pm

  Drove a 94 Thunderbird for 13 years and thought I wanted a car with a V6 engine. Tested a Ford Fusion V6 and the 4 cyl Camry. When I drove the 2.5S Altima I couldnt believe how strong and powerful the engine is. It can keep up with everything on the road. I love the gas mileage. It gets 35 mpg with all highway driving. With all city driving it gets about 22 mpg. The cvt is smooth and responsive and the car feels solid and sure on highways. The seats felt a little too firm at first but now Im used to them. Im very happy with this car and just love driving it.

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  New owner - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lfefernandez - December 28 - 3:33 am

  Even though this is my first day with my new 2005 pathfinder, this SUV is perfect size, perfect shape. I have the LE and is everything you want in a vehicle, its got power, room for 7, video entertainment system, independent suspension (which makes it way comfortable), 6 CD changer with a BOSE audio system, heated seats, dual temperature control, sunroof, lots of storage, and a little better gas mileage than my previous 2000 Nissan Xterra. I have nothing to envy other SUVs, this is what I wanted Nissan to bring to the market and 7 seater, not so big, afordable, awsome SUV.

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  Maxima 17 Platinum - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By John Jimenez - December 27 - 3:50 pm

  Great car but expensive to maintain

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  LOVE MY MURANO! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Vickielynn - December 27 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? The Murano is an awesome looking vehicle. I traded my Dodge Durango and have been very pleased with the Murano. Its the most fun car Ive ever had. The ride is smooth and handles very much like a car but has the roominess of an SUV. The CVT transmission is nice. I personally dont think it detracts from the engines performance. It still has pep! Afterall, its not a race car. I love everything about the Murano.

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  Great Sports Car at any price - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By alow13 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Have a had the car for little over a month and it is crazy fast, comfortable (64") and rides just as well as my 2002 A4. Overall great car regardless of the price

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  04 Maxima - WOW! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DrJ - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The Maxima is an exceptional car and a has a real WOW! factor. The SL ride is significantly better than that of the SE, and compares to many luxury cars. For its actual dimensions, it has good interior and trunk space. The driver preferred option package for only $700 adds loads of handy features, like power tilt/ telescoping heated steering wheel, and heated memory seats. Overall, the 04 Maxima is a real winner.

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  Would have happily paid MSRP- Great Car! - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By ryanclowe29 - December 26 - 10:13 pm

  About the 1.6L engine- Here in the U.S it is positioned as the less attractive engine for the lowest trim levels. But the truth is, the 1.6L is the largest engine in a family of engines that excel in fuel economy, and most Versas around the world (called Tiida elsewhere) get the thrifty 1.6L(including all Canadian sedans). The 1.8L isnt related; its a de-stroked Sentra 2.0L. The EPA ratings for the 1.6 seem artificially low. I consistently get 36 MPG combined. A light foot brings 40-42 MPG hwy @ <70 MPH. Ideally Id want more top end HP, but the torque curve is better than I expected. 5sp gearing gets you to 45 MPH quickly. Smooth little engine with nice exhaust note makes this car fun

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  Glad I waited - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TY - December 26 - 7:26 pm

  I did not like the last version of the Pathfinder and was not sure what I would buy next. I have driven Nissans for years and still had an old model (93) Pathfinder in the family. The Armada was more SUV than I wanted, and I looked at the Infiniti FX but did not like the interior. Then Nissan releases the 2005. I bought an LE and was happy to see it came fully loaded. The only real add ons for the LE are Navigation and DVD. I have only had this car a week, but I have not found anything I dislike so far...I am glad I waited

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  Exhilirating Ride with 175 Ponies - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Betty G. - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine 4/13/02 as my first new car. Whate a rush :) I was considering the 3.5L SE (more power) but changed my mind when I test drove the 2.5L S. Very smooth ride and with todays gas prices cannot beat the 32 miles per gallon on the highway. All models have the same interior unless you get leather. I am extremely happy with the purchase and I totally recommend it, especially for a young woman, you will turn heads, I was told that it looks like a new Lexus.