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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  Best in the market - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By quen - August 8 - 1:06 pm

  Test drove every single car in 70-80k price range and this was the best. Great for long trips as well as everyday use.

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  I luv this vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Mistakall - August 8 - 7:40 am

  I just purchased my Rouge yesterday 11/12/09 and I must say that im impressed with the ride as well as the quality and comfort of the vehicle, I test drove the Altima and took it home and found myself waking up 2:30am wishing I had purchased the Rouge instead so I called Nissan and they told me no problem bring the car back and we will find the Rouge that best suites you, I was so happy when I went back to the dealership and my Rouge was sitting there waiting for me, I test drove it and fell in love with it immediately so of course I slept like a baby last night..lol..I am going on a weekend on the town to put it to the full test but so far im loving it and all my friends love it as well.

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  great car so far - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dan - August 8 - 3:43 am

  great style lots of room I am 64 nice sound system first nissan for me but not my last

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  Nissan Rogue SL AWD - A Great Find! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By E. P. - August 7 - 6:50 pm

  I looked/drove many cars bfore this purchase - Forester, Matrix, Patriot, Compass, etc. I was so impressed with the Rogue. The fit, finish & interior is excellent. There is more driver room than my wifes Sienna. I was impressed with the mpg, standard airbags, vsc, and room. It drives smoothly, handles well in turns, and the front seats are very comfortable. Critics claim the cargo area is too small. I find it adequate. The Orange color gets much attention and looks great. I didnt get leather (first time ever) and am happy with the cloth. This product feels substantial and refined.

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  So far pretty good - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Steveo - August 7 - 1:40 pm

  This is vehicle steeped in its own tradition, one that has ebbed and flowed stylistically and mechanically with the various SUV trends. Simply put, it is a very well-built, reliable vehicle that has had a few sputters along the way - in 03-04 it was a bit of an identity crisis, with two main flaws: poor fuel economy and bad rear seating. However, it makes up for it with excellence in other areas. Recently I passed a semi-truck on a snowy road at 120km/hr, something I just wouldnt do with every vehicle - its got plenty of zip, traction, overall quality. Just think twice about how much that back-seat is used by adult passengers, and be willing to pay 20% more for gas than a car.

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  Just Awesome!! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By pofromchgo - August 7 - 12:40 pm

  I think Nissan couldnt have redone this any better from the bigger engine, to the plastic bumper to the step in the rear this suv has it all!! It rides very well and with the SE package you can tear up the roads without ever worring about having problems!

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  Awesome for a mini-van - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Bill - August 7 - 11:56 am

  The best, most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned, and thats saying something. Bought it brand new in 99 and Ive never had a single problem with it, even with the miles at over 170,000. Even though my kids are driving themselves now I still get plenty of use out of the van and its one of the most comfortable cars Ive ever driven. Based on this Id buy another Nissan in a heartbeat.

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  Great car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Peter - August 7 - 2:26 am

  I love this car. It has great looks, ride, and mileage. I tested the Accord and Mazda6 and the Altima was a better car for me. I still dont understand why no lumbar support for the drivers 6way on the S series and why 9 cup holder?

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  Awesome car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Wayne - August 6 - 10:20 am

  Narrowed my search to the 09 Altima or Malibu. Altima had more standard features and Chevy dealer didnt want to deal. So we got the Altima 2.5S with the convenience, convenience plus packages and a few other options. It was the best choice. The 4 cylinder Malibu was a dog. The Altima CVT out performs the Chevy hands down.

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  Wish it were a better car for the money - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Marty - August 6 - 8:56 am

  Decent car but not the most reliable. Well cared for but after 115k needs oxygen sensors and a catalytic converter, ball joint, tie rod end,steering rack. Has already had manual trans rebuild w/ clutch(bad leaky seals, coils replaced, alternator, Bose stereo replacement, sub woofer replacement and Im sure I left something else out. The trunk lid is totally rusted out also.