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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  Awesome - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kolczk - January 29 - 5:10 am

  Switching over from a Chevy Equinox, this car has been amazing. I have no real complaints about the car. It has 9,000 miles and has only been back to the dealer to have a sunroof put in and for oil changes. I do see other peoples concerns with the awkward shifting, but it isnt anything that really bothers me personally. The fuel economy says 24, but if you dont drive hard, I easily have cleared 27-28 in the city. Great crossover for the reasonable price.

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  Review of 2000 Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By LS - January 29 - 2:20 am

  I have had to replace the catalytic converter (cost approx $2000). I keep up standard maintenance. The performance and handling are great. I really am pleased with this car.

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  Big, Black, and Bad - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By ABeezy - January 29 - 12:26 am

  This truck is awesome. Ive always been in the import scene with sporty coupes and sedans, this is a truck that has the same appeal. This is the third vehicle Ive owned in about the last 6 months (01 Lexus IS300, 2002 Nissan XTerra, and now a Titan) and Im pretty sure Ill hold onto this one for a long time!

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  Awesome value and performance - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By gtvapsamtik - January 28 - 12:48 pm

  Ive had my Special EDITION for about 6 months so far put 10,000 miles on it. MPG has been 31 for city and around 34 for HWY. All my friends and family love this sport Sedan. So far its quiter on the road then my wifes CIVIC SI and our Corolla. I paid around $18,500 for this and it came with all the bells and wistles like NAV, Sunroof, Premium Audio, Camera. This like is just like a CASH in the hand at all times. Whenever you want to sell it, without a doubt you will get a good resale value for this. But i plan to keep mine till the end. AWESOME car and fun to drive.

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  havent regretted it one bit! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Combusto - January 27 - 3:00 pm

  Since I was replacing an old small pickup I wanted something with space that wasnt an SUV and it had to be comfortable. The cube is EXACTLY what I wanted. I used the cash for clunkers program so I had to go with the CVT but it works wonderfully, better than any auto could dream of. It did take some getting used to but the smoothness it returns is worth it. You dont climb into a cube, you sort of slide into it. The low flat floor and wide doors make ingress/egress drama free, even for grandparents and our greyhound. I cant say theres really anything wrong with the car, a few niggles maybe but thats it. The price tag might hint at "budget car" but the car itself screams "DRIVE ME!"

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  Best compact car for the money - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By awesome! - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I was shopping for my first car and was looking for Corolla, Civic, Focus, Elantra GT, etc. I bought a 2003 Sentra LE for $14,200 and out the door price was $14,600. Corolla CE basic model with manual windows was invoiced at $14,000! I just passed 1,200 miles break-in period and Im very satisfied with this car. This is a car you want to buy if you want a economical compact car and this car is fun to drive.

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  The Future Becomes Todays Beautiful Rea - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Ebizdaddy - January 26 - 10:00 am

  It didnt take me long to get this vehicle. I admit I was first impressed by its fresh, unique look when I first saw it in the fall of 2002. But boy, was I even more impressed when I test drove it. My wife was too, and she said that I deserved to have one. I love my wife! Very crisp to handle on the road complemented with a smooth but powerful ride. Acceleration is robust but gentle. I would say has luxurious space for average-sized people.

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  Loving It - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By blackmuranochick - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Im loving my new Murano. Its Black and Black. Ive never liked a "thing" so much. Its still new to me, only 500 total miles, mostly city. My gas mileage isnt so good but Im hoping it gets better. Does one have to use Premium for best mileage? Still learning about all the extras... I bought this car over the Highlander and Pilot because I love its power and STYLE. I couldnt be happier. I almost feel guilty. Love the Car the Dealership (Sterling McCall - Stafford (Houston)) and my Salesman, Jerimiah, and the service.

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  Best Maxima to date - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank G Villescas - January 26 - 10:00 am

  i am so satisfied with everthing that this car came with and offers that you can only wish that there was no other person out there on the roads because it runs and flows like a fast russhing river whith total silence

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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Jennings12 - January 26 - 6:06 am

  We got the S Model with the power pack option, including cruise control, power windows, power locks, keyless remote entry. This is a really well-designed car. The interior is extraordinarily roomy and comfortable and looks and feels great; there is lots of cargo capacity; the sound system is great; the mileage is good; the air conditioning seems very efficient and has lots of different adjustment options; the ride is decent for a smallish car; the exterior (I got the sapphire blue) is snappy; lots of safety features. I actually look forward to driving to and from work.