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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  Terrific car even @ $8k more - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Sbone - August 1 - 1:50 am

  Really like this car, having looked at Honda, Subaru, Volvo, and others. In the end the finalists were the Altima and the Infiniti G37x (really). I actually like to exterior of the Altima better, with the interior nod to the G37. The Altima gives me fold- down rear seats, better fuel economy and oh, by the way was over $10k less. I may miss the AWD on a few days here in CO, but my snow tires will help. I was very surprised at how unwilling the Infiniti dealers were to discount the 2010s even with their lots full and the 2011s arriving in Sept. Oh well, good for us, and Ill pocket the $10k, thank you very much!

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  Frontier 4X4 Crew Cab 2000 - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By sleeksteel - July 31 - 1:58 pm

  Extraordinary performance and quality. The best vehicle I have ever owned. Bought it new and have had this 2000 model since winter of 1999. Have close to 200,000 miles! I will keep this truck forever. Have a couple of rust spots, which I sprayed rust remover, sanded it off, and painted it. My truck still looks like new with some minor dents. I keep up with the maintenance: oil, lubes, tires, tune-ups, etc. I enjoy off-roading out in the country.

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  Great Minivan for the Price is the Best - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Mastro Calo - July 31 - 7:30 am

  Great Minivan, ride like an Automovil. Interior is very confortable and lot of Room, seats are great, love the spacious in the back with seat down.Engine very Responsive and Fast. Stereo sounds great with 8 speakers. Use regular Gasoline and getting 19.8 MPG. Price was 23,500.00 plus taxes, etc. Recommed High this new 2005 Quest 3.5S. Give the try.

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  NISMO2NV - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Derek - July 31 - 7:16 am

  If you want a good allround daily driver that doesnt mind rough roads and getting down and digging with it on the weekends you have found the right truck. I have owned my truck for about 6 months now no problems I love the style, its a head turner I had a guy in a newer model vette giving it the look :) Only major problem is the gas milage but what do u expect out of a V6 pushing HP numbers of V8s good vision I am a young driver but I see out well and can maneuver this truck pretty well. Not the same truck as the 04s no comparison they should have changed the name of it, it really exceeded my expectations.

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  You get your Bang for the Buck - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Eric Hershberger - July 30 - 7:00 pm

  I recently traded in my 2003 Altima for a 2005 Maxima. Im very pleased with almost every feature of this fine- tuned machine. The Handling, acceleration, and suspension are all superb. Its a beautiful vehicle, thats really in its own class. The higher up Accords and Camrys cant compete with its style and performance and the BMW 3 series and Acura TLs cant compete with its price. After having this car for almost a week now, Im positive I made the right decision.

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  Best Nissan yet, or 4 for 4 - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jim Milner - July 30 - 6:29 pm

  My 4th Nissan and 2nd Rogue. I thought my 2012 was great (SV with SL package) and it was, until I checked out the 2016. Its bigger, better equipped and more pleasant driving. It rides better than my sisters Lexus. Some reviews mention noise as a factor, but I find it to be the quietest car Ive ever owned. While a V6 might be nice, theres plenty of juice in the 4 cylinder plus decent mileage. While its still brand new, I expect great reliability like its predecessor. If not, my dealer has a great service department that has always come through for me.

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  best truck i ever had - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By nissan1 - July 30 - 1:13 pm

  reliable,sturdy and powerful. I put alot of miles on this truck during the first six months and it just keeps running smoother.

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  Fun Little Car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Jerry - July 30 - 12:13 pm

  This car is great. She felt sluggish at first, but after the break-in period (1200 miles) the car becomes much more spirited and fuel efficient. I bought the Special Edition package for an extra grand, and it is well worth it. As far as styling, the car looks more mature, less feminine, and sleeker with this package. Inside, you will be amazed how wonderful your CDs and MP3s play on the 300W Rockfordfosgate nine speaker stereo (there is an auxillary input jack on the head unit for your MP3 player). Even at the most extreme volumes, there is no distortion, and the subwoofer is not overpowering unless you decide to make it so. The steering wheel feels very nice to the touch at all speeds

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  My 2012 Versa Sedan - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By volusia58 - July 30 - 6:05 am

  I love this little cute car. Very roomy and fun to drive. We bought the Versa SV and it is nicely equiped, I only wish that the SV had the 60/40 split folding back seat. Very practical to own and operate.

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  awesome ride - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By felicia maroncelli - July 30 - 1:50 am

  i bought this brand new this month. I am still waiting for the car to break in- it has not yet reached the 20/25 gas mileage on the sticker. It is currently getting 17.7 mpg. Aside from that , I love this vehicle.