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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  Loving it - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By casper - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Intensively comparing against Mazda3 and other small crossover, finally bought the Juke. Price is little high but comes with all cool features and AWD, its as much fun to drive as ZoomZoom, perhaps slightly more acceleration (sport mode). Few blind spots, will get used to it. Not impressed by the mpg, average less than 20 mpg in city, normal mode. I noticed in all 3 modes, starting acceleration will cost the same amount of mpg as shown on the dashboard. Once on the move, if continuously gently depress/release gas pedal, will get good mpg on sport mode too. Turbo sounds can be tiresome and annoying sometimes, unless in the Eco mode. All my friends envy and love it. Cruise mode drink more gas!

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  Sentra SL - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By t - May 27 - 9:43 am

  Its performance overall is pretty good, the mpg is not quite what is advertised I am only getting 21 mpg. Con about the car is that there arent enough vents for the air but overall it is very dependable.

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  One of my favorite cars - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By R. Friedman - May 26 - 12:21 pm

  I purchased it used in 2005 for a decent price with relatively low mileage and all the bells and whistles. I drove it for 10 years with very little mechanical issues, including no issues with the coils that others have written about. I kept up the normal maintenance, used premium gasoline, and made sure to get regular oil changes. I really loved this car, I loved driving it, and was not looking forward to letting it go, but by 10/27/15 I was starting to think of getting a new vehicle as I was getting older and getting in and out of the car was getting more difficult, and putting 42 pound bags of cat litter in and out of the trunk was also becoming taxing. However, some moron in a Dodge Ram Truck took the name of his vehicle too literally, and t-boned my Maxi, totalling her out. Sad end to a very reliable and fun car that I was looking forward to passing on to someone who needed a car.

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  Neat Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By nubbinator - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a neat looking van. Lots of the "new extras" that families need. Only major complaint is that the fan for heating and AC is LOUD. Drives smooth, acceleration and power are sufficient. Center console takes some getting used to but I prefer it now over a traditional console.

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  pumpkin eater - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Pumpkin eater - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Have 19 inch wheels, The car is very noisy. Otherwise I love to drive it. I have 1300 miles on it and it is breaking in very nice. It burns out and really moves. Top speed is 82 so far, when I get 1500 I will open it up. There are no arm rests and I could use them. Seat is Okay, but could be better. Headlights are great. Im 69 and need them. Dont care for all the brake dust, the wheels are always dirty

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By edmercedes - May 25 - 3:10 pm

  Love the space, great improvement from the 04 ride, not as bumpy, a more plush drive. Still drives like an SUV but does not rattle as much as the earlier models. Great improvements on the panels and quality of materials. Being a previous owner of the 04 and 05 models I can assure you this is a great improvement. Love the ride. Love my truck!

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  Nissan compensation - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By sec2011juke - May 25 - 9:31 am

  Juke owners seem to mostly be in agreement that their cars are not getting the mpg numbers that were advertised. Mine should be getting 30mpg highway and it it does well to get to 23.5. MANY other auto makers have had models with this problem and they have compensated owners for the problem. WHY is Nissan refusing? Dealerships Ive spoken to say they get regular complaints about the Juke mpg; the internet is loaded with customer compaints. I was advised to call the 1-800-Nissan1 by my dealership to try to get some compensation. When I called, I was told that there is NOTHING offered to resolve this problem. [non-permissible content removed].

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  Love this vehicle - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lit - May 25 - 3:26 am

  I purchased with 33k and Im now at 156k with no major problems. The car runs like the day I purchased and is extremely comfortable. I will say its not great for tall people. All my brothers and my husband are at or over 6 2" and their heads are skimming the roof. My cd player died about 6 mo ago but I still have the tape and radio (and a 2 year old so when do I listen to my own music anyway?). I dont complain about the mileage either. What do you expect for a truck? I will say this: my last long highway trip I did get 20 mpg (for the 2nd time) but usually Im at 17+ around town. Im not sure what Im going to do when I have to buy a replacement!

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  2008 Frontier SE 4WD Short Box V-6 - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan Thomas - May 25 - 1:43 am

  Nice size,Nice exterior.Rides nice.

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  Wife wins - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Beauro - May 24 - 7:40 pm

  After 3000 miles noted a shimmy when I applied the brakes...brought it to the dealer where they ground the rotors and put me on a list to have the rotors and brake assemblies replaced...dealer stopped short of calling this a recall...but said Nissan is having this done to all Titans. Hope this isnt the beginning of bigger and badder things...I wanted the Tundra but the wife talked me out of it....