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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  go nissian - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By fvl - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second nissian I had a 2001 crew cab traded it at 60,000 and got a 2003 holds value well, I had not one problem with either nissian. Could not say that for the s10 pickups I used to own.

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  Life Saver - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By ReporterOKC - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After having relatively good luck with my Nissan, a 17 year old in a Saturn put a hault to its life. She pulled directly into my path and I broadsided her going 40mph...her Saturn was obliterated but my Altima held up quite well. The airbag deployed, and there was a signifigant amount of damage, but nothing that injured me...I truely believe that this car saved my life.

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  Armada Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Ronus - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent power, comfortable interior, good sound system. Problem with clock on radio not keeping time properly. Would like split 3rd row seating like Sequoia. Gas milage performing below rating, but SUV is still under 1000 miles. Tires were over inflated, and driving seemed smoother after adjustment to specification (35 psi). Stiff suspension makes for bumpy ride over rough road, but very smooth on highway. Fun to drive, throaty sound, size of vehicle makes it feel like you could drive through a brick wall. Bring on a snow blizzard.

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  handsome vehicle - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By james elliston smith - February 11 - 9:33 am

  We have had this vehicle for two months, and so far, more positive than negative. Exceptional gas mileage. Complaints on the car mostly concern its different transmission, the CVT. You just have to learn how to drive it. You wont win any drag racing from a stoplight, but normal driving, this transmission is really smooth. When starting from a standstill, accelerate as if an egg ere under your shoe. Gas mileage is about 26 around town. Very roomy especially back seat. Attractive interior, comfortable on long trips. Compared it to an Explorer which is 6 inches wider and 6 inches longer. Basically, it drives different and takes some getting used to.

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  My new Nissan - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Cindy - February 11 - 2:53 am

  My husband bought this car for me for Mothers Day. I really like this car but I do not love it yet. (I am used to driving a full sized sedan) It is great on gas and easy to drive (although I would have preferred a 5 speed)The biggest complaint I guess I have is that the backseat is rather small. It is great for the small kids but adults or older kids would be very cramped. I would not want to drive it on a long trip with the kids. Overall it is a great car for running errands on and driving around town.

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  xterra hot little number - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Skog - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The Xterra is definately a looker. It attracts attention from both sexes..... especially in the 20 to 40+ age group. The ride is very nice for a truck and the interior is great for the average consumer who wants sporty looks and a little prestige. I have not had any problems with it mechanically. As far as the noise goes with the roof rack, crack the front windows a bit. Also, does not feel tippy to me! Great rear room for alot of gear compared to other SUVs in its class.

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  Good Car - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Toni23 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new in 97, it has 67,000 miles, and it still is as reliable as the first day I bought it. The only thing that has failed (major or minor) is the ingnition coil in my distributor, which I was told is a freak occurance in any car. The only major drawback with this car is its lack of power which can get frusterating when accelerating uphill or passing cars.

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  Nissan Pathfinder - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bigmama - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I gave up 2000 Durango for my Pathfinder, thinking I was going to get better gas mileage, and to my surprize, the Durango had better gas mileage then the Pathfinder! I am very disapointed in the gas mileage, if I am lucky, I get about 220 miles to a gallon of gas, that is only 11 miles to the gallon. that sucks.

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  safty - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jim Grohn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  with such a larger vechicle as the Armada there should be side turning lamps. This vechicle also needs automatic locking doors, when the vehicle is but into gear.

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  Go ahead and buy it,its worth it. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Paul Bittner - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have to say so far no problems and japanese quality still #1.I would be happy for little bit more power but than I have to realize it is 4cil. Perfect handling on the road, really excellent.Definetly keeper.