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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  A Blast to Drive! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By roadranger - March 31 - 10:23 am

  This car is a blast to drive. The interior is stylish, but some areas are awkward. The cup holders are located too far back on the center console to reach and occasionally my elbow will turn on the heated seat option. The interior "plastics" are not impressive, but the ride and exterior design more than make up for it. Engine sounds great. Wicked blind spot takes some getting used to. Bose stereo sounds excellent, and the seats are very comfortable. Great sports car for the money.

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  Every Manufacturer Has Their Bad Day - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By quasibozo - March 31 - 7:08 am

  My 2003 Altima, had a number of issues. Excessive oil use, random start up problems top of the list. The crankshaft position sensor a major player but not the sole solution. Dollar for dollar, amount of money I spent on it Id probably have spent on an American make that wouldnt have given me the same mileage. That 2003 was the fifth Nissan I purchased new. My philosophy, 200,000 miles or ten years, which ever comes first. I never made ten years before a new one. I took best care of this Altima than all the other Nissans I owned and it gave me the worst repair record. I dont understand why the whole fleet wasnt recalled for repair. Buying my sixth new Nissan since 1973, a "2011 Rogue".

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  Just not quite good enough - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By HarveyRussell - March 30 - 7:36 pm

  I have had Acuras for 12 years and decided to go with the new Nissan as a change and in response to high fuel prices. Tried the Honda, Nissan, Toyota and choose the Altima because of overall package for price. Aside from the recalls which I had expected given the first model year of new model, I have had a number of issues that should not have happened and have lead me to believe it is not worth the price. To top it off, I do not believe Nissan places as high a value on dealer customer service. I would not recommend Nissan cars or their services and I am trying to get my money in order to unload this car that is just not good enough.

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  2008 Froniter SE, 4 Cylinder, Auto - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By amalik - March 29 - 10:00 pm

  My 08 Frontier SE, Auto, 4 cylinder in Black has great looks, rides high, and gives decent gas mileage. The bed is perfect size for weekend warriors. Love the 265/70R16 tires. They look great on this truck. The plastic interior could use some improvement.

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  Xterra Owner - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra owner - March 29 - 2:50 pm

  I love my Xterra. It has 100,000 miles and I have only had to change the tires, brakes and a couple belts. Nothing huge considering the mileage.

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  Seats - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By 50 ish - March 29 - 5:56 am

  I have had my 09 SL for a week now and while I am very pleased with how it drives and handles, it has the most uncomfortable seats I have had. Besides poor alignment, even with power seats they are rock hard! If you ever have had had back issues, I would really take a 2nd look at this before your purchase and consider a more level seat. The design is very poor for lower back support. Also there are numerous blind spots that I suppose can be adjusted to. Its a shame because its a very cool car otherwise

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  Great Truck Except.... - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Terry - March 29 - 4:46 am

  I love the drive train and suspension on this truck - it drives like a sports car and is a blast to run the 2.5L 4 banger through the gears. My complaint? I cant find a comfortable position for the drivers seat. The door panel encroaches on my leg space, the front lip of the seat digs into my thighs, and the seat bottom/back is just plain hard. Im now considering options such as a custom seat, upgrade seats from a wrecked SE/LE, or possibly reupholstering. The uncomfortable seats are starting to sour me on an otherwise wonderful truck.

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  Blue rocket - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Cobalt Blue - March 28 - 2:00 am

  You wont believe the acceleration! Great design, great power, lots of internal space. Have driven Hondas, Acuras, Toyotas and Japan-domestic only Nissans before and this is by far the best pure performance car of the bunch. This is the car for you if youre looking for a budget-conscious, high performance sports sedan.

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  06 Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By miles - March 26 - 4:50 am

  This car has done everything for us, hauling a boat to moving the kids to college and over the road trips to daily driving. The only drawback is the passenger fold flat seat is very uncomfortable for the wife. The lack of lumbar support and the tilted forward headrest a a pain in the neck. Otherwise, it has been a dream to own and very, very dependable and capable. I will buy another if they make the seating more comfortable. The paint and exterior finish is first rate and looks new today. The dealer service at Hall in Va. Beach is 1st class and I would buy another based on the dealership.

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  Well rounded useful car - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By natureboy3 - March 25 - 8:49 pm

  I will keep this simple - The Versa is a good all-around car that gets the job done. I cant say more about any car.