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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  The best kept secret in minivans..... - 2014 Nissan Quest
  By dking1995 - June 28 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a 2014 Quest SV two days ago. I replaced my 2009 Honda Odyssey. As I shopped for vans - the usual suspects were first - Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. I like a mid-level van with lots of features, but no leather (too hot where I live) - so as decked out with cloth as I can get. The SV fit the bill. The Toyota Sienna frankly felt cheap inside - no soft touch surfaces and the plastics on the dash were flimsy. The 2014 Honda Odyssey was well put together, but felt basic unless you got the EX-L or Touring. The Nissan stood out hands down - with lots of soft touch surfaces, wood grain dash, and leather wrapped steering wheel standard on the SV.

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  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Andy - June 28 - 11:03 pm

  Ive had my Altima for a month now. To date Im very pleased with everything about it. Most important for me was comfort. Im 5-9, 200, Leg, hip and shoulder room are excellent. On a recent long trip I never felt uncomfortable or fatigued. The driving position is great, especially thanks to the tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Gas mileage so far has been 29.5 combined,with the AC running.

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  Really Impressed! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By jojo26 - June 28 - 5:39 pm

  I purchased a 2015 Altima last week. I have been a SUV mom for several years and was concerned, coming from a V6, I worried about the power loss. Well, we are 650 miles into it and I am thoroughly impressed! I can tell that ther is a difference in power, though the 4 cylinder gives it one heck of a try. Not enough to make me regret not getting the 3.5, but enough to notice. There is a bit of a whine at my typical launch. But the gas mileage is absolutely amazing! Exterior styling still has me checking her out when I walk to her in the parking lot. Very smooth and stylish and so classy. The ride is so smooth, feels like I am floating. Loving this car!

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  I love my Versa more every day! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jessica - June 28 - 3:33 pm

  I bought mine preowned with 9500 miles, and have put 10K more miles on it. I looked at the Yaris, Matrix, Fit, Corolla, xD and Mazda 3, and the Versa hit the sweet spot for features and price. The Fit had a cheap-looking interior, the Yaris had that dashboard in the center (yuck!) and the others cost more or got poorer mileage. As others have said, the comfort, leg room, options, gas mileage and overall solidity of the car is awesome. If youre thinking of a Versa, get the SL. The Intellikey, CVT, additional storage and upgrades are absolutely worth it. The ride is so quiet and smooth that Ive thought I was going 60 when I was really going 80! Lead feet beware.

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  So nice, I bought this model twice - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By Lori Clark - June 27 - 8:33 pm

  Great rugged SUV. Very reliable, excellent powertrain, roomy, and tough.

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  simply the best - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By bolibol - June 27 - 9:26 am

  i first saw the juke online about 8 months before it came out. since then i fell in love with it. bought 3 days after its realese date. it was worth the wait. this winter new york had some really bad snow storms but my juke not only didnt get stuck anyware but performed almost as if it was a dry road. love. gas milege is perfect

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  excellent - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By amac - June 27 - 8:46 am

  We love this car. Very fun to drive, nice power for a 4 banger.

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  Good Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Johnnyboy19 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Sept of 2003 with 42,000 miles on it.I put 6,000 on it so far. I had to replace the belts on it, but other then that car is great.I think in 1999 it was too overpriced. I got it for 13,500.the V6 is smooth but kinda sluggish at times. When accelerating from a traffic light it stay at 1800 rpm for like 3 seconds? But all in all im happy with it.When time comes ill trade it for a 2000 and up Maxima SE or Altima SE V6. Anything NISSAN! I hope they put an 8 cylinder in a Maxima. Now that would be kewl!

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  Nissan Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By t squared - June 27 - 2:00 am

  So far this has been a great vehicle. We have a family of five including one six footer. The second row seating was the first place I looked on every Suv that I considered. The hip and shoulder room made a big difference in how comfortable the three kids were in the back seat. The ride has been very comfortable for our family but we do like the tighter ride the Armada gives us. The softer ride of some SUVs made the vehicle roll to much in corners and during sudden changes

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  Love this Sentra!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By chris24ali - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car recently with 11 miles on it. Its a wonderful car. Rides nice and tight, very powerful, lots of low end torque. Recently had to take it in to the dealer to reset the dreaded "Service engine soon light" caused by starting the car with the battery disconnected. (bad idea) Its not my fault, it happened when I took the car to get an EQ installed. The dealer reset the ECU for free!! Thank you NEMET.