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:

• 

  Fun and functional - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By CTM - June 17 - 9:36 pm

  Test drive the regular SE-R vs. the Spec V model and you will immediately feel the difference. The Spec V handles tighter around turns, the redline is increased, and the strong HP just pours on after 4,000 RPM. Regular SE-R power is steady with the CVT, but never producing a strong, lengthy surge like the Spec V can with a stick. 2nd gear is great in this car if you drive in traffic. 2nd can go down to 4 mph with ease. Then just ride the clutch to get going again. Power is still on tap in 6th gear. Runs fine on regular gas. 31 mpg on long hwy trip, 26.5 mixed. Glove box, trunk, and rear seats are huge. Clutch gives good push-back. RF stereo is solid.

• 

  Versa SL Hatchback - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By petrolhead85 - June 17 - 11:43 am

  Mine is an SL with the tech and sport packages (i.e., every option available) So far I am very impressed with my Versa. I cross-shopped this car with the Fit, Rondo, Yaris, VW City Golf (Canada-only model) and even the Mazda 3. in the end it was between this and the Fit. I chose the Versa because it had a better interior and was better value for money. So far (~4000 miles) nothing has gone wrong and there hasnt even been the customary "mysterious new car dash squeak." It feels like Im driving a high quality product and not an econobox. The CVT takes a bit of getting used to, but it really suits this engine and doesnt feel bogged down like the 4 spd auto in my 04 Sentra.

• 

  Great Car! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Ryan - June 17 - 10:03 am

  My wife absolutely loves the car and wants one for herself. I went from a Toyota saris to the Sentra for the extra room and comfort. The gas mileage is great and has been fun to drive.

• 

  Best FWD family sedan - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By KaBar - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car since Febuary 2004. It doesnt handle too well in the winter like my 91 Maxima did. In the summer, Ive driven over 10,000 miles, with little to no maintenance. This is probably one of, if not the best FWD car on the road, with enough room to seat the family, and enough power to get up and go. Trunk space is great, and there is plenty of head room. Handling is great. Almost every Sunday, I take it up the canyon and open the throttle. Ive been getting 300-330 miles to the tank, and that averages out to 20-24mpg city driving. This is a great car for the family.

• 

  Fantastic SUV! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By geeman99 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Wow! Got the superblack color and its like a limo! Powerful, quiet, smooth ride and handles great! I recently moved - now have a 45 minute commute but look forward to the drive every morning and and every evening! Best vehicle Ive every owned. Highly recommend!

• 

  I love my Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Liliwhite - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive my Maxima..it is fun and fast. Whenever I feel like whinning about my carpayment, I just jump in my "baby", crank up the stereo and drive around town and all my payment shock goes out the window!!! It is all worthwhile. My friends are tired about hearing how much I love it. :-)

• 

  Best Vehicle Yet - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By viewfinder - June 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle, yet, including being the 4th Nissan in our home over the years. With each day, I love The CVT feature more and more , as well as how the Murano senses and grabs whatever kind of surface its on, the right way....Also the best brakes ever- great gas mileage..smooth ride yet secure feeling...All kinds of classy features and spoilers...Lighting is unbelievable and the styling is just pretty...Leather feels great..Bose system sounds really good...Adjustable pedals, heated seats,,Exit set back,etc.

• 

  Impressive Machine!! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Road Dog - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this vehicle for three weeks and are still pinching ourselves. Ride comfort, mechanical quality and exterior body styling are unsurpassed even by Lexus and Acura. Drove both....Bought a Murano!!

• 

  My obsession - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By MIchelle - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a college student and I firsat laid eyes on this car in 2002 when my friend convinced his mother to buy it as her new car. Ever since, I have been in love!!!! Juat watching him make a U turn in that car made me say DAMN!! Now this year I got my license and the first thing I did was rent the car for a week. That week turned into a month!!! The only reason I gave it back is because like I said I am a college student and plus I was mainly driving it to keep up my driving since I had to drive in Miami for vacation. Anyway the car is ridiculously sexy for one. It is definetely a head turner and just plain sexy.

• 

  Definite a good investment - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Melissa Castro - June 17 - 6:16 am

  While shopping for a reliable, fun, comfortable, I found the Nissan 350Z the best built car. The power is unbelievable; the easiness of convertible access and its look when down is excellent. I feel very comfortable and not feeling like tuna in a can. I truly feel it will hold its value and will be well taken care of. Its the car Ive worked hard for and feel I definitely got my monies worth.