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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  Good hand-me-down Car - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By George L. - February 16 - 9:50 am

  My dad purchased this car new in March 1996 and this car has been in my family since. I got the car as a junior in high school from my dad in 2001, and now at 23 I still have the car. While I am looking to replace it, I have been pretty happy with it since I got it 6 1/2 years ago. I have had very few mechanical problems with it. It seems to run strong every day. It doesnt have too many miles for its age. Its been a nice 1st car for me, but I am ready to move on.

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  Love This Car! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By blj427 - February 16 - 8:40 am

  Ive had my Juke about a month. Im getting 27.9 miles per gallon. The car handles wonderfully. Theres room for 5 and still room for beach chairs and umbrella in the rear. Its the perfect mini-sized AWD. Great value!

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  Dissapointed - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Disappointed - February 15 - 5:10 pm

  I have truly been disaapointed with this vehicle. I have found that my steering wheel shakes and shimmies when I reach 60 mph. The engine is loud and revs real high. I have taken it back to the dealership and they have advised that this is normal, and there is nothing they can do. Also, just recently noticed a rattle in the front dash. I have taken the car to the service department four times without any luck. This is the first Nissan I have purchased, and at this rate Im sure it may be the last. My previous vehicles have been Hondas, and I think I should have stucked with them,because this Maxima was truly a mistake.

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  Getting "Cubed" isnt just in geometry - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By RDK - February 15 - 1:56 pm

  I test drove the Soul Sport and the Soul+. There was no comparison with the Cube, The Soul had a choppy ride and was less nimble than the Cube. The Soul looked like every other car. The Cube is comfortable..the rear seat is like a couch/recliner. Nissan used the Maximas foam rubber in all the seats. Controls are easy to use and if you cant see the top 1/4 of the dash (in an earlier review) there is seat height adjustment. I have found minimal road noise at speed. The BEST part of the Cube is the MPG. I have consistently been getting 34-36 mpg combined city/hwy mileage. The engine has a timing chain instead of the rubber ones that need replacing at 60,000 miles. I couldnt be happier!

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  Love IT!!!! Favorite Vehicle!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mollie Jolly - February 15 - 9:46 am

  We traded in our Jeep Liberty on our Pathfinder and we could not be happier. We love its roominess (we have 2 small children) and its look. I love it....I would buy it over again in a heart beat.

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  Most Fun - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By John Holdren - February 15 - 8:40 am

  Ive never had more fun owning a car/truck. She runs like a sewing machine. Handles on the mountain passes here in CO perfectly. Off road very reliable. The girls wish it had a lighted passenger mirror. I bought em a make-up mirror and a flashlight.

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  You get what you pay for and then some! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By hightechjunkie - February 15 - 5:45 am

  Ok, ignore all other reviews and pay close attention to this one about the 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan. This is a utilitarian vehicle...no frills and no nonsense. It will not make you grin when you drive it but then again, its not supposed to. It gets you from a-b very well and very cheaply. It has all of the convenience features you need and none you really dont. Its cheap to operate and in my experience very reliable.

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  Great SUV!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jose L. Olivieri - February 15 - 5:00 am

  I fell in love with my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder after a test drive. It has great handling and performance. The only negatives are: it does not have running day lights, auto locks, and the third row is kind of tight for an adult. The Bose stereo system is awesome. The premium and comfort packages include the DVD system. Among all other SUVs after a long search and drive tests, without doubt this is the best!!

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  2.5SL package - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mr. Patel - February 15 - 1:50 am

  I bought my 08 Altime from my previews experience with a 03 Altima. I put 150,000 on my 03 Altima without any problem, so i bought an 08 Altima. 08 Altima is a great product, but the CVT transmission is horrible. I had so many problems while driving in the city from 40 to 50 mph. Also, the mic with blue-tooth feature is terrible. When you on the phone with another person, they cant hear you. Need better mic. Nissan needs to bring back their traditional transmission or they will lose alot of customers. I trade- in my Altima for a pre-owned Lexus.

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  last review traded it in - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By twowhldoug - February 14 - 5:34 pm

  final follow up on 2010 rogue,has 58,000 miles.Traded it on a pilot yesterday.Didnt buy a pathfinder due to premium fuel req.Unlike the 2009 we had the 2010 has been very nice to own.Only issue had for the length of ownership was the fuel gauge,not very accurate(was replaced once).The rogue has been a fine car,and has been fun to drive.Anytime punched up fuel mileage was 27pluss.the bose audio and blue tooth was a high point.Replaced tires at 44,000 and just maintenance.Dealer(Hunt Nissan)was the best.Feel bad about loosing them to the Honda guys,but we had to have a bigger car that used reg fuel.Ican say that a Rogue is a good choice to have.