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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  Perfect Ride - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By John - November 3 - 9:43 pm

  Fun, fast and red hot. Perfect fit for the family and a very good performer for me when driving alone.

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  Great Performance-Lousy Interior Quality - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By dandee - November 3 - 5:03 pm

  I have owned this car for over a year so I feel qualified for an evaluation of this vehicle. The overall performance i.e., steering, breaking, acceleration is remarkable however, the overall quality of the interior plastics is cheap. I have had the rear deck repaired to stop the vibration noise of the some components of the stereo system (it took 6 months for the dealer to repair) and the columns between the front and rear doors as well to the rear deck have been repaired or replaced. The gage that sensors the amount of mileage the cars has until empty is useless because it stops working when the tanks has less than 2 gallons.

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  Outstanding - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Rachael - November 3 - 12:56 am

  This is the biggest van I could find. I searched them all and this one was by far the biggest with the most upgraded standard features. I love this van. It runs great and the kids love it. Its very comfortable and we have so much space to move around.

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  nice suv - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By sledhead - November 2 - 11:53 pm

  Fun to drive in all weather conditions. Four wheel drive works great. Engine has plenty of power even with 3000 lb trailer in tow, still accelerates uphills with no problem unlike our past v6 explorer. Somewhat of a stiff ride but that is what we like, its a truck not a car. Just put 10,000 miles on it with no problems so far.

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  2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab RWD SE MT - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By BigTaka - November 2 - 10:56 pm

  I bought my used truck 4 years ago for work with 15K miles already on it. I have put 60K additional miles on and have had no mechanical issues. I do get a chirping sound from the air vents after I turn the ignition off and the dealership cant figure out the issue. Ive only changed the belts, done regular maintenance and am due to have the breaks changed for the first time. The gas mileage is less than desirable as I average 18-19mpg whether I am in the city or driving long distances on the highway. The rear seat is not the most comfortable as it sits straight up and does not offer much leg room. The power is decent and it has functioned fine when towing.

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  Good Civic Corolla alternative. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ZYZEX - November 2 - 5:16 pm

  Roomy-ness and comfortable interior in small car for tall people describes the overall driving experience. The quality of Nissan is much improved than I remembered. I feel the effects of the merger with Renault. There is a blend of European design cues mixed with Asian. Front seats are high of the floor like in a Jetta. You comfortably sit with your knees bent, not straight like in a sports car. At 63" I find plenty of head room. Did not come with a stock radio for $1k more. Install a way better one, for not even half.

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  Muscle Man Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Mikey2002 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. Crew Cab SE with the upgrade Rockford Fosgate Stereo system. Ive owned other compact trucks but this takes the cake. I get more complements than anything Ive ever driven. To me, it handles and accelerates with the best of them and I do not regret not getting the super charged engine. Dont hesitate if your thinking about getting one. They are a blast to drive (due to strength) and fun to boot...

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  Great Concept, Poor Execution - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By SE-R Owner - November 2 - 2:00 am

  The 165 bhp 2.5 litre motor is a great concept. The Automatic Transmission has much to be desired. The Seats could use a little color and the A/C Center could use a lot more attention to detail.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By lap - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Xterra 14 months now and it is doing great! I keep hearing people complain about gas mileage-but I get 20 mpg with the V6 and 5spd manual,which is excellent for a veh with high ground clearance,full steel frame,steel skid plates,true roof rack and 16" wheels & tires!

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  yt - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ghkj - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Highly recommended.