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:

• 

  Improving but not ready for prime time - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By INOU - March 12 - 4:20 pm

  This SUV will get you from A to B, it rides decently, and gets decent mileage. I had it for two years and I purchased it when it was 2 yrs old. No major problems. Its safe and designed well specifically the exterior. The interior lacks leg room, and needs more pep from a stopped position. The clutch was not as smooth as others, and the gas mileage was average. Middle of the road, not in the Toyota or other big boys league but improving.

• 

  MPG is not what they say - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Francisco Gamero - March 12 - 1:06 pm

  I have this Nissan Altima 2.5 for a month and 8 days and filled the gas tank for the third time, driving gently in the city and fwy combine my average MPG is 18.2 miles per gallon NOT 26-34 MPG as the sticker and salesman tells you. (Im a 59 yr. old safe driver.) Love the transmission, is a quick car and fun to drive. They could do better with the inside... too much plastic. Seats are good but dont hug you.

• 

  Not as good as you might think - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By CyborgTodd - March 12 - 5:16 am

  I purchased my Xterra as a dealer demo. Shame on me for not doing more homework on both the Xterra and the dealer. While I have had a great deal of fun when taking the Xterra off road, I drive it mostly on road and have experienced nagging, little issues with the vehicle, that after doing a bit of digging find to be very common in the Nissan line. Fuel sensors and emissions issues seem rather common. Brakes wear is terrible. There are numerous rattles & squeaks as well. If you are in warranty, most of these are a non-issue, out of warranty they are pricey and dont waste your time contacting Nissan for warranty assistance, one of the worst experiences ever.

• 

  2016 Altima - Its about VALUE and LOOKS not bad - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Lee - March 11 - 1:35 pm

  I want to say how much I saved in my trade by having Edmunds numbers to pull out !!!!!!

• 

  Buy what you really want - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By New Dad - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a smart, practical choice for a low-budget commuter with a small family. Gas mileage experienced was 3- 4 MPG above EPA estimates. Repairs were infrequent and inexpensive. You can put 4 tires on this car for $100! That being said, all 5-speed Sentra / 200SX have a design flaw in the gearbox. Third gear is notoriously weak, even in the SE-R. A new replacement transmission can run as high as $2,200. You may be able to get a used transmission installed for as little as $800, but thats on a car whose trade-in value is only $1,800.

• 

  The Big Bad Boy!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Spike-in-SD - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The power of the Armada is only matched by it interior room. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Great towing capacity, terrible gas mileage (what do you expect!). I love drag racing the other SUVs!

• 

  Look Out - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Kbmexec - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Watch out GM, Nissan has a new wildcat on the road. It has all that you have plus quality!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  ALMOST A PERFECT 10 - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By R LAMBERT - March 11 - 10:00 am

  THE VEHICLE IS MORE STABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS THAN OUR DENALLI WE TRADED IN OR OUR PREVIOUS NAVIGATOR. THE LUXARIES ARE 2ND TO NONE. NEED TO WORK ON THE GAS MILAGE A BIT BUT OVER ALL I GIVE IT A 9.5 RATING ONLY PROBLEM, IS YOU CAN NOT BUY A TEMP. CONTROLLED THERMOSTAT WITH OUT THE SUN ROOF AND DVD INTERTAINMENT SYSTEM OR THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM $3600.00

• 

  Thisrty machine... - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Chili Palmer - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the X new in 2001 - First S/C on the lot. I was impressed with the off-the-line acceleration and overall looks (drastic improvement over previous models). Overall it has been a good vehicle, performed beyond its means off road (Yes I do own another 4x4 to compare it to...) and has proved reliable in day to day use. I use it to tow a 4,500Lb boat on weekends - No sweat...until I try to pass a gas station. Best mileage to date 16mpg. Average 13mpg. Worst (towing) 9.8mpg. As well, power is great around town but trying to pass on the freeway does not net the same surge in acceleration. I look forward to the 2005s - MORE POWER !

• 

  The Best - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By rita - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Compared to the other hybrid SUVs the Murano has smoother flowing lines. Allowing the colors to fit the model more so than the other SUVs. Giving the Murano Pazzazz and style turning heads every where we go. Thats why I picked Sunset Copper.