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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  My New Rogue SL AWD loaded - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By KYTexan - June 5 - 1:06 pm

  We love our new Rogue. Traded out of a RAM1500 quad cab, now getting almost double the mpg which is very nice. Drove all the vehicles in the small SUV segment, liked the Nissan the best overall. I splurged and got all the options; leather, moon roof, heated seats, paddle shifters, etc. I will be ordering the rear wing/spoiler as it wasnt available when I purchased my Rogue. Ive had a ton of folks say they really like its looks. Avg MPG so far on 2 tanks of gas is 22.6 with a 60/40 split of city/hwy driving. Pretty good for something my wife and kids can fit in comfortably.

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  Nissan Sentra - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By emilya01 - June 5 - 8:02 am

  This is my very first car, got it from a dealership used and with roughly 116,000 miles on it. I had the car for maybe a week and it started giving me trouble when I started it. It could sit for up to 5 or more hours and start fine but if it sat for 1 or 2 hours it would take 2 or 3 tries to get it to start up! Replaced the battery...wasnt it...replaced a battery cable...wasnt it. Finally got the fuel pump replaced...works great every since then! Only down fall was the price..$550 to replace! Other than this, I love the car and is great for a first car, small and rides great! Just make sure you have it looked over by a mechanic before you make your purchase(: hope this helps!

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  Best Truck I ever owned - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By jsan1 - June 4 - 10:33 am

  I purchased this truck after having totaled my Ford Ranger "Edge Edition". I absolutely love this truck. Great power, comfort, and looks. One of the best riding trucks I have ever been in. After looking at the Toyota Tacoma, for the price I felt that there was no comparison.

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  2002 Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima - June 4 - 3:36 am

  After putting 205,000 nearly trouble free miles on my 1991 Maxima SE I figured buying a 2002 SE wouldnt be a bad choice. This car didnt disapoint. The enlarged 3.5 liter engine, while very thirsty for fuel, has the ability to really push you back in your seat. My 91 had some spunk, but it is nowwhere near the speedster this thing is. The standard Xenon headlights are fantastic.

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  Stange problem.. - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mexican - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Since Im driving the Muran, I feel it similar to my 3 series BMW, millage is poor about 16mpg. A few days ago the top of the rear door got lose, and none at the dealer has an answer why, they took pictures and sent them to the HQ, to see if it is covered by warranty. In this short period lots of noise is going on inside, which I never expected for such a nice design.

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  The Quiet Storm... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By therazzman - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Exhilarating, fun, practical to some degree. Le Mans Sunset color with chrome rims really gets you noticed. For the money, you cannot go wrong. The DVD based navigation is awewsome and accurate. The sound system is okay, burt being an audiophile, I am highly critical.

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  My first brand new car in 21 years - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By jadziasman - May 31 - 10:06 pm

  I decided to buy the 2.5S because it was by far the best value for the money I bought it during the Presidents Day sale $5000 off MSRP Driven for 600 miles in three weeks Found nothing wrong it (so far) A CVT is louder than a traditional geared transaxle - just the way it is The electric pump for the power steering will make noise I can accept each of these issues because I own a 2005 Prius which has a CVT and more than one electric pump The Altima is a great value Very little road noise enters the cabin - except for the engines roar Good initial build quality Nice styling inside and out Solid feel Generally comfortable ride

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  CVT Issues - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By lemonornot? - May 30 - 3:50 pm

  We bought our Murano less than a year ago at 58k miles. Was looking forward to owning a Murano since they came out in 2003 and prices finally came down to where we could afford one. Well much to our surprise at 65k miles the engine starts to run at 4000 rpm going down the highway one long trip and we literally feel the vehicle losing power and jumping forward. We end up turning around on the highway in the median then cant move at all. COMPLETELY LOST POWER WITH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR!!! Thought we were going to be stranded on the highway! Turn engine off/on and it goes by golly. Took it back to dealer and found the transmission had to be replaced, metal in pan. CVT has issues.

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  GREAT LOOKING,BUILT & DRIVE LIKE A TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe Zee - May 30 - 1:40 pm

  Was disappointed by performance on highway, like an old lady, minus pep pills, but slow and sure, will not suggest a speedster to own this auto, built like a truck and drive like a tank, using as much gas to reach a destination,

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  Good, Not Perfect, Sports Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Phat Larry - May 30 - 6:10 am

  Ive had my convertible Z for 3 months and have 3,000 miles on it. Ive previously owned Mustang GTs and Corvettes, but wouldnt consider another one due to AWFUL reliability. I also test drove the S2000 (way too small and cramped), the Z3/4 (too cramped) and the new Miata (still underpowered). I have to pretty much agree with the Editors review. The Z runs great with a nicely tuned exhaust, handles great, is roomy, has some good amenities, and looks sweeeet. The downside is the small trunk (esp.in the convertible), cheap interior plastics (esp the console cover which is garbage), bland gauge lighting, and very mediocre gas mileage. I have yet to get more than 20 mpg even with hwy driving.