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 07 Altima is Amazing - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By GS Browning - September 7 - 3:10 am

  This is my third Nissan Altima, and once again, I am another satisfied customer! The new 07s continuous transmission is truly a different experience...no waiting to shift. The 4 cylinders gas mileage is unbelievable, out performing the prior models, and this car also has less road noise. The car handles and drives with class and style.

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  Mileage - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By wayne - September 6 - 7:43 pm

  Just returned from a vacation. Got 29.5 mpg at 65 mph interstate driving w/cruise on, level terrain. Very satisfied with fuel economy. Exceptional performance w/93 octane. Runs fine on 87. For 20 cents per gallon more, Ill stick to the higher as recommended by Nissan.

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  Great car for the money! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Bruce - September 6 - 1:16 pm

  Have had the Versa SL for almost a month and am loving it. The CVT transmission is super smooth. The just checked MPG was almost 37. The seats are comfortable and the interior is well finished. The interior is midsize roomy with lots of leg and head room. The convenience package makes a nice addition. My dealer experience with the local dealer in Oceanside was super.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Best Ever - September 6 - 12:46 pm

  Bought a new 98 Maxima SE 5spd to replace a BMW 525. Ive driven 215k miles and the only non-wear item replaced has been the alternator! Still has the original clutch, second set of spark-plugs, and second set of brake pads. I drive mostly highway and average 26 mpg. It seems to have a perfect blend of economy and performance, and I couldnt be happier!

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  I love this little/big car!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By CubemanRI - September 6 - 8:40 am

  I traded in my X-terra for the Cube. Have always liked the Nissan Quality, I fell in love with the look and was shocked at how big the interior was. I do not like the feel of driving a sedan which is why I had the X-terra (second one I have owned by the way. The car has the feel of a much bigger car and Love the look. The first day I drove to work there was a crowd checking out my new ride, Gas bill is now cut in half. Best car this 47 year old professional has ever owned. Take a walk on the freaky side, buy a cube now!!

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  One Outstanding Truck!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Eric - September 6 - 8:03 am

  One Outstanding Truck! Very FUN to Drive. Great for towing my boat.

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  Great Pathfinder replacement - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By dave - September 6 - 5:10 am

  Replaced a 2002 Pathfinder since its usually just me on the road for work or my wife and me on the weekends. I looked at the CR-V, the CX-7 and Rav4 but wasnt pleased with any of them. We happened to pull up next to what turned out to be a Rogue at a stoplight a few weeks ago. I now own a full-tilt model AWD SL. The interior, particularly the heated leather seats, is great. Ive had several Accord coupes in the past with wonderful leather interiors, and these are equals. Very smooth, great Bose sound. AWD feels solid.

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  Great But - 2011 Nissan GT-R
  By johnny - September 5 - 11:06 am

  Ive had this for 4 months now and absolutely love it. However, many things need to be changed, before you think about purchasing, figure out what you care about. First ill start with the bad. The ride is very very harsh! The comfort setting does absolutely nothing to make the ride more comfortable. I live in the Midwest Chicago, Milwaukee area and the roads are horrible. Nissan needs to add a true comfort setting. The sound deadening is nonexistent because I can hear tons of road noise, gravel, rocks, exhaust, & transmission noises. No backup camera or parking sensors! Or memory & cooled seats! An $85k car should have it! Why they skimped on that it beyond me. A real launch!

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  Best Motor - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By sam - September 5 - 10:16 am

  This has been probably the best all-around car we have ever owned from the standpoint of durability/reliability. This is the best engine in any car weve ever owned. Smooth as silk, lots of torque, but with great mileage. We can get near 30 mpg highway if we use cruise and stay at 70mph or under. Hard to believe its a V6. Wind noise and ride quality are a little dated, but overall this is a better car than the current Maxima which is too soft and a big disappointment.

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  More Pros Than Cons - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By j Hudson - September 5 - 8:30 am

  Saw this car while on vacation in Florida and fell in love with it. Its a very competent road car, with powerful acceleration and a roomy cabin. Styling (other than grille) is top notch. Had to replace front shocks under warranty and now there is a vibration in steering wheel. I hope can be remedied with tire balancing, but have read many complaints in the past about wheel/tire issues related to this. Overall, have been very happy with car and its the best one Ive ever owned.