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:

• 

  Great car for my boys and dogs! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By bluedog - August 16 - 8:53 am

  I have always had an SUV but had to get a sedan when I had children. The car life was killing me. I have two active boys (camping, hiking, soccer, football, fishing) and two dogs that were tearing my car up. So far we have gone camping in this and to one long distance tournament. It has been a great vehicle so far. Nobody in my family has had one complaint yet. Love the extra compartment on rack for dirty cleats and stinky fish. The back cargo area cleans up great too. There is plenty of leg room in back for adults and growing children. I got the bumper to bumper 100,000 mile warranty to cover the vehicle through note and then some. Co-workers is 250,000 miles with no problems.

• 

  Nice rental but I wouldnt buy it. - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Craig Laughlin - August 16 - 2:33 am

  Ive had the 2016 rental 3 weeks while my car is getting repaired from an accident. I enjoy driving the truck as it has plenty of power and handles very well, but the mileage is nowhere near its EPA rating. Im getting only 12-15 mpg with 2/3rd of more of my driving on highways. A lot of full size trucks do better. What really surprised me is the lack of small features Ive grown accustomed to in my GM vehicles. The lights are manual - you have to turn them on and off. Cmon! I had a 2003 Chevy S10 pickup (base work truck model) that had automatic lights. This Frontier is a loaded model and it doesnt have this feature. It also lacks a vehicle travel computer showing instantaneous and average speeds and gasoline consumption, miles until empty, etc., nor an outside temperature readout. I read through the manual to find out if they are hidden behind some function on the radio/info center. Every GM vehicle Ive had since 2007 has all these as standard on every model and trim level. Also, it didnt have the rear camera, though the manual indicated some models have it. I expected it on a loaded 4wd full cab 4x4. Again, a feature that GM is making standard on all vehicles.

• 

  Terrific value and FUN - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By rob - August 16 - 2:03 am

  Bought new in late 96 and have enjoyed this car every day I drive it! Smooth and powerful engine, quiet, decent gas mileage ~24 mpg, reliable and fun to drive. What more could you ask for? Also, very cheap to maintain as it has a timing CHAIN not belt. I feel that these older models had better quality materials than subsequent years, as Nissan ran into trouble not long afterwards and lowered material quality to cut costs. I know because the wife has an 00 Maxima and the interior materials used are of a lower quality.

• 

  Versa (Tiida) in Oz - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Andrew in Oz - August 16 - 1:16 am

  Drove one as a high car here and was looking for a vehicle to buy. Tried a few vehicles not really considering Tiida but kept comparing others to Tiida. Great in traffic - nice to shoot off from the lights while the V8 boys cant afford to shoot off anymore. Comfortable to drive as plenty of adjustment in seat (including height) and steering wheel. Was only going to be a second car but cant really justify spending twice the price for little more than a badge. Read so so reviews in Oz but good to see owners rate this car.

• 

  2004 Xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Tustinman - August 15 - 4:03 pm

  I was lucky to find and buy this Xterra with LOW mileage, so far runs great and I love it and in excellent condition!

• 

  Incredible Truck for the money - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By wolfpk1 - August 15 - 10:50 am

  Recently purchased a SE Kingcab v6. It rides great with plenty of power. I was surprised how quiet the interior cabin is and how smooth the ride is. The only drawback is the turning radius is rather large. Gas mileage is decent for a truck - about 18-21 mpg. Visibility is great, making the truck very easy to drive. Was considering the Tacoma or the Frontier but chose the Frontier because it drives just as well but had more features for the money.

• 

  1999 Nissan Pathfinder SE - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jd sands - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great 4 wheel drive. I owned a 1993 Pathfinder and stepped up to the 1999. The vehicle runs smoothly and the interior is comfortable and convenient. The off road capabilities are exceptional considering that this vehicle drives and rides like a car.

• 

  Way to Go, Nissan! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By 2mikes - August 15 - 10:00 am

  We have about 2000 miles on our Murano and absolutely love it! It turns a lot of heads, but its beauty is more than skin deep. The engine is quiet and powerful, the transmission is great and the gas mileage isnt bad for an AWD vehicle this size. (Gets 24 mpg on highway as advertised)Test drove the Toyota Highlander, but this vehicle outscores the Toyota in every category.

• 

  Very Happy...so far - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By CubFan - August 15 - 10:00 am

  After 10+ months I am very happy with the Altima 2.5 S. Owned all Hondas in the past, and was a little worried about Nissans reliability. Very fun car to drive, nice stereo, and you cant beat the looks on this car. Mine is Super Black with the convenience package, and it looks very sharp when its all shined up. I really hope this car proves to be as reliable as my Accord was. Its a shame Honda makes such bland looking cars these days (even the new accord), otherwise I might have purchased another instead of the Altima.

• 

  Like it - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DHORTON - August 14 - 4:36 am

  We definitely like this minivan. I also have a chrysler town and country limited, 1999. The nissan has more interior room and the access is great. Wish it had more insulation to give a more solid feel and sound. We tested toyota and honda before buying. Overall the nissan was the winner.