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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  Great value and reliability - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mozart - December 9 - 1:13 pm

  I have driven both Toyota & Nissan trucks. My last truck was an 01 Tacoma 4WD crew cab. When looking for a new truck, it really came down to price. There was no way I could get into a Tacoma for anywhere near the price I got for the Frontier. The truck is much roomier than my 01 Taco. More HP and much better ride on the highway. Its quieter, the seats or more comfortable, with a better view. Same MPG rating too. Bed could be longer. Needs better interior finish.

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  Where is the quality? - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By SXZ62 - December 9 - 6:50 am

  Bought the car last December. About 8800 kilometers (in Canada). Today I found the "Service Regine Soon" light is on. Havent taken it to the dealership yet. But come on, this is brand new car, where is the quality and reliability? I bought a new car because I dont want to have trouble of going to garages.

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  Nissan Titan! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By amd - December 8 - 8:20 pm

  My first truck ever. Great room, more power than other full size truck. I like the style, very simple. Huge windshield, I can see the road better. I love the exhaust sounds. Mileage are better than Hummer. and one thing if you buy this truck, dont forget to add pillow and blanket in the back seat, very roomy.

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  Computer/Electrical Problem - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Sharkeykw - December 8 - 5:50 pm

  We have the car less than a month and its been back to the dealer twice. First for a faulty low tire light issue and presently for a major (computer/harness)problem??> "they dont know yet"!! With that aside, and the few miles that we did put on the vehicle, it is unimpressive. Its an overpriced vehicle "without" the problems...

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  Too much plastic for the money - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Usker - December 8 - 4:26 pm

  We bought this car because my wife wanted her dogs to have easier access to get in. It is a beautiful van! Mileage is not what they tell in the city. Its way better on long vacation trips. So dont by this one unless you can afford the expense to have it. It takes some work to keep it clean inside. So in other words this better be your second car. Specially with the games they play with the cost of gas. When gas was at its most expensive, close to $5 a gallon, it cost almost $70 to fill up. Now that gas prices have fallen to $1.50 in our area, its under $30 a tank. Is the inside as good as I saw 4 years ago. No. I miss the center console idea, I saw in another friends Quest.

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  Good SUV - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lucas - December 8 - 12:46 pm

  I bought The Pathfinder because it was praised on here, and Im glad I did. It drives well, runs quiet, and hasnt given me major problems yet. I bought mine with 134,000 miles on it, but they are mostly highway miles. She gets around 15-16 MPG, but Im trying to get her to around 20 or so. Probably going to add a K&N cold air intake soon. Changing your own oil can be kinda a drag too, being that the oil filter is underneath the semi-skid plate.

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  My new hot car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Nobby Orens - December 8 - 11:16 am

  I have been driving "hot" sports cars for some time. My last two were a Toyota Supra (twin turbo) and a Corvette. I like this better from the "overall package" concept but do not feel it is as "quick off the line" as the other two. However that is a small item as it is not very often that I am put in a position where that feature is important. To sum up, I love the car!!

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  Its a Nissan! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Josh - December 8 - 5:56 am

  Bought in 2005, with 70,000 miles, as a good compromise between power and economy. Overall, have been dissatisfied with the experience. I have replaced 2 sets of brakes, and they have begun to make noise again. Suspension has aged poorly, especially in rear, transmission slips (and is more to fix than the car is worth to me). I have put a lot of highway miles on the car (60,000), and it has not taken them well. Fortunately, I installed an expensive aftermarket stereo, which drowns out most of the road, wind, and mechanical noises the car makes. Requires premium fuel for not-so-snappy performance. I have also had to replace coils, radiator, and thermostat. Engineering is mediocre at best.

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  shopped for a 2018 bought a 2015 - 2018 Nissan Frontier
  By robert - December 8 - 5:18 am

  I ended up with a 2015 with 45000 miles on it. Not many bells or whistles but i only wanted a work truck. Price difference between 2018 and this 2015 was almost $9000.00 the main reason i went this way. So far looks like it will be a good truck for what i want gas mileage seems on the low side for a 4 cylinder other than that pretty much what i expected for the price. Time will tell .

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  Gran pequeno automovil - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By gtise - December 8 - 2:21 am

  Lo compre hace 6 meses con 28,000m y ya tiene 42,la verdad que estoy sorprendido con el, en las fiestas viaje a Florida y fueron 2300 millas, sin ningun problema, con buen consumo de gasolina, solo a la semana de comprarlo comprobe que no funcionaba el A/C,pero como estaba en garantia fue reparado sin costo pero de ahi en mas solo ponerle combustible y manejarlo....grata sorpresa!!!