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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  This is truly a truck of all trucks! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By John - January 17 - 7:16 am

  I originally wanted to purchase a 06 Dodge Dakota (4 door). After test driving and noticing what was not offered, I was disappointed. I looked into the Frontier by accident, and after test driving it, I fell in love with it. For the amount of money you pay, it is so worth it! Nissan did a great job with the interior design. Everything makes sense and layed out well. I love the subwoofer and the installed satellite radio. The spray on bed liner is an added bonus. Overall, the frontier drives great, looks like a million bucks, and definatly gets the looks.

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  Just a couple of things.... - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By RayNay - January 17 - 3:20 am

  When shopping for a car I found this to be the best out the other comparable cars I looked at (corolla, honda fit, versa). However, since Ive had the car I have discovered some things that I find almost uncomfortable. This car definitely looks nicer & feels better then the others I mentioned. But the seats, the handling and the steering Im having a hard time getting used to.

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  Easy Transition, Maxima to Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By S Boyle - January 16 - 11:53 pm

  Driving the Versa made it easy to economize and transition from an 04 Maxima SL in both cost and comfort. I wanted a more fuel efficient car and spent weeks researching the Honda Civic/Fit, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Senta/Versa, Chevrolet Aveo, and Ford Focus. After test driving the Civic, Focus, Corolla and Sentra, I chose Versa with ABS. Its amazingly peppy with easy steering and great turning radius. It offers the most room of any of cars I drove and is just as comfortable as the Maxima. There is plenty of rear room for grandchildrens car seats without adjusting front seats. The difference in the payments, gas costs and insurance saves me nearly $4,000 over the next 20 months.

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  Great vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Rich - January 16 - 4:20 pm

  I purchased this vehicle about a week ago. What a great find. I am leasing and this is my second Nissan. The Rouge is just what I was looking for. So far I am very happy driving this Vehicle. 6 cylinder would have been nice. But I really have no complaints. Great job Nissan. Fantastic vehicle for the money.

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  Get it all at a small price - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Bethanie Hollister - January 15 - 3:06 pm

  By far the best car that I have owned so far! I have only had minor problems with my Versa since purchase and all have been fixed quickly by warranty. The dealership I went to in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, "Beaver County Auto," was amazing and I would recommend them and the Versa to everyone. If you can swing it the SL with the CRV transmission is great! No more feeling your car shift into gears and with all the extra features you feel like youre driving a sports car. I will be a Nissan driver for life!

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  06 titan le crew cab - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By kevin - January 15 - 10:06 am

  I have owned this truck for a year now and still can not find anything I do not like about the truck with the exception of the cost of filling up. I live in the Denver area and the winter of 06-07 has been one of the most snowy winters in many years. I really like backing into my driveway which has some angle to it with the titan in 4X4 I just simply have no problem getting this beast into the garage safe and sound.

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  fits me - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By amin - January 14 - 3:16 pm

  comfort is great, air and heating system is nice , easy to control, gas mileage good, i like the body style

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  Altima SL - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By M Connolly - January 14 - 4:50 am

  I have had the car a week and I really enjoy driving it. I had a lager sedan and this is very differnt... much more fun to drive without giving up the saftey of the larger sedan.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By htn123 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  When it first advertised, told the mrs to trade in her old Stanza and get the Murano. She did not like the style much. Convinced her to do so. Now everytime she drove it, she came home and said everyone comments on the murano and she loved it. The car is great, powerful yet easy to handle. My two kids 9, and 8 yrs old loved the roomy back seat and the storage has plenty of room for the 2 dogs we have. Been doing some fixing on the house and the folded chair is very handy for the 10 feet lumbers and trims. This one is a keeper.

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  The Perfect Compromise - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By SHINDIG - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is the perfect compromise between sport and utility for a family. Great interior room and incredible looks and performance. Incredible ride. CVT is smooth and powerful - and I love the Ds gear for added power. Even during break-in, I can average 27 mpg on some highway trips. Have had none of the "infamous" rattle problems ... yet (fingers crossed). "Wind buffeting" problems have been fixed - no problems with sunroof or rear windows down at speeds over 45 mph. Got a great deal - invoice in Chicago. Contact me at shindig@lycos.com for more info. For the money and features, blows away the competition.