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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  Thee Worst Nissan ever owned!!!! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By medinamv - November 21 - 1:48 pm

  I have owned about 9 brand new nissan 10 used ones. from 1979 till 2009 5/pick-ups /3-200sx 5-altimas (2 have 200k onthem) 3/240sx and yes even my toys 2001 Skyline/2001 silvia S15 bluetop (stationed in Japanand now in the states with daddy) plus 3 sentras. never any problems at all!BUT! my 09 Altima 2.5s is the biggest dissappointment ever/ engine replaced at 30k for Knocking/ wears tires on rear evry 20k but alignment shows it is fine. now tranny at 59k and engine noise is back. real loud in mornings like oil is not getting up to top end. I am going to trade in ASAP on A Hyundai or VW Passat asap! I have owned my last Nissan.

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  I named her Harriet... - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By H.B. - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Frontier. I had a base model toyota from 92-02...I was shopping for a Tacoma and discovered the Frontier. Its visual styling,abundance of extras (compared to Tacoma)and just the overall feeling of getting alot of Bang for your Buck cant be beat.It handles great, has good gas mileage,and has all of the bells and whistles I was looking for...I recomend Frontier to anyone who is thinking of a new small pick-up!

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  XterraUTE - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Sidewinder - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I see a lot of reviews which mention wanting a smoother riding SUV, well folks you probably got the wrong SUV. The Xterra is a truck based SUV, not some vehicle that evolve from a 4 door sedan. For the price and capability, it is an absolute bargain compare to other cute utes. Recommend you get the 4WD supercharge model, a fun to drive vehicle.

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  Super Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LoveMyMurano - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I just brought my murano last week (2003). I love evey bit of this baby. Its very trendy in style and powerful. What can you possibly ask for more about a SUV.

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By chilih202002 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  very cool and fast.

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  Z 4 Life - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By drivesolo - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I ordered this car back in Sept 02 I thought that it was going to be a gamble since I had never bought a car before without atleast test driving it. Any doubts that I had at that time have been laid to rest. My 350Z met and exceeded all my expectations. Fast and agile. It feels like its hardwired to my brain... I think of something and it does what I want it to do as fast as I can think of it. Its solid too. Ive pushed it hard, REALLY HARD for the past 8 months that Ive had it and its no worse than from the day I first drove it. I love my Z. Im sold for life on Nissans Z.

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  Nice head-turner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mikester - November 21 - 8:56 am

  I bought my blue roadster about six months ago and its been fun to drive on the back roads of California. Amazing how steady it is above 100 mph, but frustratingly heavy clutch at road speed. Handles great and most of the Zs gremlins have been fixed under warranty (buzzy shifter knob, rattling axle bolts(!?), failed air bag sensor, etc).

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  So far not too bad - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By ken - November 20 - 10:53 pm

  Not a bad running car except for the engine being a little noisy and lack of pick-up unless you punch it. Exterior design is nice. The interior has a lot of room for a compact car along with a roomy trunk. All the controls are in good locations and are easy to get to. The display on the radio/trip info is large and very easy to see. The biggest problem I have had is interior rattles. First I had a problem with the drivers side window not closing correctly and causing a rattle. Even though its been serviced 3 times for the same problem it still makes noise. The glass/plastic which covers the speedometer is loose and makes a lot of noise. Overall interior made cheaply.

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  Perfect Options - 2014 Nissan Armada
  By nutfarmer - November 20 - 6:00 am

  I actually use the features of a large SUV. I frequently use seating for 8 so a 2nd row bench seat was a must have feature. Leather seats and DVs were a required luxury. In addition I wanted actual tires, not the wagon wheels that new SUVs come equipped with recently. Believe it or not, that is a very difficult combination to find in todays market. I was surprised to find the luxury and utility combination I needed in the Nissan Armada. Glad I did. Very nice running, powerful, luxurious and filled with usable technology. All seats are comfortable with good legroom. Whole family loves it on the highway, dirt roads and around town. Price is very good for the group.

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  bad to the bone - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By pete - November 20 - 2:16 am

  this small truck handles like a car yet has the carrying capabilities of some of its larger competitors.it is a very smooth ride,love the drive train!!!