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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  ok - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By thomas bond - June 17 - 7:11 am

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  Bad Resale - Buy it if you want to keep it - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By don_83 - June 17 - 5:44 am

  I was considering a TSX, TL , Passat V6 and maxima and walked out of the door with $30k for an SV. I thought it was a good deal. I guess not. The car that stickered for $37k is now worth $24k miles with 10k miles on the clock. Its a good car if you want to commute and keep for a while as the car is very reliable, interior materials are above average. CVT is not really responsive until in Ds mode. Seats are good for long drives and offer plenty of room. you get a lot of standard features for $30k . Considering base 3 series and A4 are smaller and slower. Steering feel is very good and precise. spend a little more and get a base TL , better in every way .

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  Very Nice truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jay - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  Bought this truck after selling my 02 Frontier. I live on a small island where gas costs nearly $4.00 a gallon, so I didnt really need a 6 cylinder. I drove this truck and had to have it. Nice tight suspension, more than enough power, unbelievably quiet for a truck, plenty of room in the back seat, great tie down tracks for my windsurfing equipment, boat gear, surfboard etc., just wash it out when done with the bed liner. Im thinking Ill keep this one for a long time. Nice work Nissan! Jay

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  Best Car EVER - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin - June 15 - 4:53 pm

  I bought my 2001 GLE from a dealer in Minnesota. I bought the car with 113,000 miles for $10,600. This car IS AMAZING!! This car drives like a porsche, and best of all, its affordable. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the 222-horse engine, and the features of this car. The engine is very quiet, in fact you can hear the tires over the engine. The bose 200 watt system is also a great bonus to this car. If you are in the market for a used sedan, the maxima is the only choice. Its powerful, classy, comfortable, and safe. I give this car 2 thumbs WAY UP!!

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  A Bargain Worth Driving - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By sdaigle - June 13 - 2:48 pm

  At the time of writing this, Ive owned my 2012 Versa SV sedan for 4mos. and have driven it 11,000 miles. So far, its been a fantastic little car and I love it! Fuel economy has proven much better than the EPA rating of 30/38. My lowest MPG on a tank was 39 and my highest was 49. Seriously! I have my little quibbles with the car, but what car is perfect, right?

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  Long Timer - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By John Reed - June 13 - 1:06 pm

  The 2000 Nissan Frontier SE Crew Cab 4X4 is the best truck I have ever had. Millage get this at 210,000 miles its only had the 5 speed manual transmission and clutch replaced. Other than routine maintenance the ususal spark plugs, wires, O2 Sensors, oil and coolant changes its is the performer. The truck averages 17.5 mpg and it is a vehicle that have been dependable for over 8 years.

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  Very good perfomance and reliability - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Alexban - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Superb reliability. I did not have any mechanical/electrical problem yet. Some disadvantages: small cabin for the sedan class and slow acceleration. Plus: very good riding (somehow better than high altitude contemprorary cars) and quality of interior materials.

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  Upgrade to the Supercharger! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By msy1 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  My Xterra has been great! You cant get this much truck at the same price from another manufacturer. I bought the SE/SC with the optional 17 wheels and have found the extra sticker price to be worth the fun factor. This truck has exceptional stop light accelaration and plenty of power when passing on the highway. I test drove the standard V6 before I drove the supercharged version, dont waist your time with it, get a mini-van a save your cash. The larger wheels give it a look that sets it apart from the other Xterras. It is worth it!

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  my lil 350z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By frances d miciotta - June 12 - 2:26 pm

  i bought this car as a birthday present for me. i love it, but the only problem i have, is that there is no room for junk. it is small. no trunk space. i love the way it drives. it is definately a fun car to drive, especially when the top is down. more roomy then. i think i will keep it for awhile.lol

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  Frontier 2005 Disappointing - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Kosmo - June 12 - 2:23 pm

  After 2 months I wish I never got this truck. It handle well, but I feel this truck is dangerous. It has awful blind spots & I have almost had several accidents because of them. I am very uncomfortable driving this truck. First, the rear headrests completely block ones view. I removed them & that helps but leaves my passengers open to serious head injury in case of accident. The left side is simply designed so poorly I wonder how it ever passed QC. When you glance over your shoulder to change lanes, you cannot see anything behind as the drivers headrest & post separating the rear & drivers door completely obstruct your view. The right side has similar problem, but not as bad.