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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  Xterra Fun! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By off road girl - June 24 - 2:00 am

  After my VW died with 200,000 plus miles on it, we thought long and hard about an SUV. This one is fun, handles like a truck (much different than my golf, and different is good!). Its got the clearance I need, but I wish I could go farther on one tank of gas! The emissions test rated lower than our golf, which is a plus. Room for 2 dogs in the cargo space!

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  Murano Test Drive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Murano - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a fully loaded Murano and OH BOY!! it was fun to drive...But the build quality of the interior material is not good. and the grill in the front may rattle as the vehicle gets old. Other than that this is a fun "SUV" to drive

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  Would buy it again! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By RA - June 22 - 3:23 pm

  I have had my 2007 Nissan Versa Hatchback S for a little over half a year now and if I had to do it over Id buy it again. Have been very impressed with the car and would recommend it highly. I also investigated the Honda Fit, Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion and just felt that the Versa represented the best value for the money. I just love that it is an "economy car" that doesnt look economy. The value of the interior space cannot be overstated. I have an infant carseat in the back and my wife can still sit comfortable in front passengers seat. It isnt the sexiest car on the road, but it does the job well.

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Frank - June 22 - 9:56 am

  The 2005 Nissan is a well performing and versatile vehicle. However, Nissan quality is among the worst I have experienced. Since purchase I have had numerous repairs including replacing power window buttons and door switches, broken trim anchors, malfunctioning A/C, and defective CD player. Now the tailgate is rusting where the release latch is located. Apparently early 2005 models had the chrome tailgate release handle cover mounted directly on the paint. After one year, movement has damaged the finish and caused rust to develop. The solution- Nissan must repair and repaint the tailgate. Nissan is keeping this problem silent and only fixing those when a customer complains. Unreal!

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  No more Nissans - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By No more Nissans - June 20 - 9:10 pm

  WOW! I thought I was buying a great vehicle from what all the reviews said in 2001. I cant believe Nissan hasnt been required to do a recall on this machine. Chronic Mass Airflow Sensor problems, and O2 sensors that crack!?! I had to go back to the mechanic 3 days in a row with different problems each time to pass DEQ tests. If I would have know it would have been so unreliable I would have bought that 84 Ferrari 308 instead. Then I would have expected the problems and had more fun driving it.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By PHauth - June 20 - 1:36 pm

  I bought a 2008 Nissan Sentra after owning a pickup for years. I live in Northern Montana and thus far I have been happy with the handling on snow and ice. Unfortunately, Nissan does not offer a block heater for the 2008 model. Instead they offer an oil pan heater, which does OK. I recently started the car in -30 weather and had no problems. The interior is comfortable and roomy for a sedan. I stand 64 and have no problems with head or leg room. My biggest problem thus far has been with the fuel efficiency. To date I have only averaged around 23MPG when I was promised upwards of 30MPG. Overall, a good vehicle for the money.

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  Great Commuter - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By MFD - June 19 - 5:43 am

  Bottom line is this is a great commuter car. It is comfortable, gets great gas mileage (28-32), has plenty of power compared to its competition, pleasure to drive (i didnt mean fun, you might fall asleep). I think it out performs the competition all away around. I drove them all. Some small issues I have are: the engine noise in the cabin(its a screamer if you like to drive on the harder side). The CVT can be annoying. It truly does sound like a motor boat. Youll have to use autostick to calm her down. Also the brakes are extremely grabby, be prepared, youll get used to it though. Handles great in the rain with contiprotrac tires. Overall great car for the money!

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  It works for me. - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - June 18 - 3:06 pm

  Had this truck one month, (900 miles). I like it better every time I drive it. The seats take some getting used to. The ride is a little bumpy in town, but great on the highway. I dont care much for the tool box/basket behind the drivers seat, or the jump seats. The main issue is fuel mileage. So far I am getting 16 mpg, combined driving. I gave up a Ford Ranger I had for 12 years that performed very well. This truck has more power and is very quiet on the highway. So far not a single issue to report.

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  Sound, fun car for the price! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Balaji - June 17 - 6:03 pm

  Bought this car used with low miles almost 2 years ago. Its been reliable and fun to drive. Good pickup for a 4 cylinder! But fuel mileage is poor for a compact. I get between 25-30mpg at best. The build quality and comfort could do with a little improvement. Overall, Im very satisfied with it.

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  good car for the price - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By UR - June 17 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car couple of months ago, so far it is giving me very good mileage like 29 city and 35 highway. I checked it so many times. I always keep my air filter clean. Interior is kind of plastic looking but it has a style. rear seats dont have good leg room. Irealy like the hight of the car it is much better. I drive 90 miles/day and loving the gas mileage. If you are looking for the powerful car it is not for you, it is only for stop and go kind of car. If you like to do work on your car it is the best car, every thing is right in front of your eyes, even the oil filter any one can change the oil filter.