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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  Nissan Pathfinder LE 2000 - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By fishie - March 26 - 10:29 pm

  Its in very good condition despite its lack of check ups when my dad drove it for years (he was always busy) and its a very solidly built car compared to our other cars. I usually just drive to school, work, and the store with no problems whatsoever. Handles very well, and blessed with the AWD during the winters. Although rusting a bit on the front of the body by the bumpers, those are just external things not so important to me. The gas mileage isnt great, but its gotten me from point A to B successfully and safely every time, and Im so glad weve kept it for me to drive. Currently at 140,000 miles, most likely more, and going strong. This thing can run for YEARS!

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  Rear window defect - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Linda Baiz - March 26 - 8:46 pm

  Two days ago the rear window of my Versa shattered spontaneously. I had just started the vehicle but was not yet in gear. There was no evidence of a rock or bird strike. Nissan does not warranty broken windows and my insurance has a $500 deductible so I had to pay $386 for replacement.

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  Not recomend - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Victoria - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I have one remark - at driving this car I feel pressure in ears and it is painful even some time after leaving the car. Whether I have taken an interest at the seller so it. And unfortunately a dealer has confirmed this problem

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  New Buyer - Excellent value for money - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Chandra S - Atlanta - March 26 - 8:16 am

  I am a new owner of 2017.5 SL with platinum package. I did extensive analysis comparing this with CX-5, CR-V & NX (My cars in the radar). I was very much drawn to the rougue due to its appearance and utility. I was a bit concerned about the inputs provided by some regarding the acceleration and CVT. After test driving all my comparisons decided to go with this as it was the most comfortable and appealing to me. It takes a bit getting used to the CVT and feels like there is a lack of response (especially I am coming off driving a BMW 328i for couple of years) but I feel that being mild the accelerator gets a more responsive torque and good enough for day to day driving. I am very comfortable now and love the way it handles the road imperfections. The smoothness of the ride is very good and I am very happy about the purchase and no second thoughts. I placing this feedback in case someone is looking for a user feedback and want to help people like me who had a lot to gain from others feedback. I have had it only for few weeks but enjoy driving it and thats the most important for anyone who buys. It sure is not the quickest off the block but good enough for average city driving.

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  Love My Roguester - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Tina - March 26 - 3:46 am

  After 12 years of driving my reliable, beloved Toyt Corolla, my husband insisted I get a car that he "fits" in. He is 604" and we compromised on getting a small SUV. I have never owned nor wanted an SUV. I literally researched and test drove the smaller SUVs for a year, before finally looking at a Rogue. We both absolutely LOVE it. It is so smooth, stylish, comfortable and unique. I love the fact that my husband does not complain about sitting in my car any more, since he has ample room. And most of all, I love walking up to my car, admiring the sleek exterior, looking around, and getting excited all over again that I am the owner of the coolest looking car on the parking lot.

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  Great ride - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Julio - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Nissan Maxima has been the best car that Ive ever owned. It has been very reliable and had no problems whatsoever so far. The interior is very confortable, roomy and everything is within reach. In my opinion, this is a very solid car all around. It has the best V6 HP (265) engine compared to others in the same category and year. The gated shifter really complements the transmission.

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  Good Little Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By MobStar - March 25 - 9:43 pm

  I did my research before I bought it, and havent ever regretted the decision. Driving mostly city (Southern California traffic), I can pull almost 34 mpg. The interior is really nice, doesnt look cheap at all. Comfortable to drive, definitely not quick, but its a good commuter and daily driver. With the back seats folded down there is more than enough room to stow anything you need to - except maybe furniture, unless its from Ikea :)

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  Would Recommend - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By SecondNissan - March 24 - 9:00 pm

  I have had this car for approximately three weeks. Getting used to the CVT transmission took some time, and you have to learn how to "drive" all over again, or your RPMs will constantly be above 3K. The interior is well put together, but I dont understand what the excitement over the Bose sound system is - its OK, but nothing magical. The front seats are comfortable, but it would be nice if the steering wheel telescoped. The shift paddles are nice, but I dont see a need for them with the CVT - if you drive the car right, it knows what to do. The red radio display tends to wash away in bright light. Overall, a nice vehicle that I would buy again.

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  Awesome car - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By chiforme - March 24 - 4:08 pm

  We had been looking at the Juke for a while and could not find another vehicle that compared. We love the look and technology that the Juke offered. We live in the mountains and needed a vehicle that had both AWD and good gas mileage. The Juke has both. We love the way the Juke handles on the mountains and on the interstate. The Juke fits all our driving needs and its fun to drive.

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  the best - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Loran Redfern - March 24 - 6:46 am

  This is one of the best cars i have ever had the pleasure to own and drive