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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  Titan number 2 - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Steve - November 2 - 6:33 pm

  This is my second Titan, 1st one in 2004 and loved it in town and on the highway. Traded for a new Frontier in 2007 and never looked back until last month. Love the Frontier so much I kept it and traded my commuter car. This 2010 Titan is now my daily driver and it is great. Gas mileage is as expected, just OK. It is a full sized truck with a V-8 and the 16 in town is ok. Comfortable, handles like a dream, sounds great and lots of toys. Loving it! Nissan hit a home run in 04 and it still is 7 years later. I did compare to the other full size trucks and Nissan is still the best for the money.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Roadking - November 2 - 11:46 am

  Excellent build quality, looks and motor. Could use a telescopic wheel and a bit more 2d row leg room. Gas mileage is good for an SUV of this size. Like the way it handles compared to other SUVs. The "S" model comes with a lot of features for the money. Better than the Explorer I owned and others I looked at (Pilot, 4Runner and Trailblazer).

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  Nice Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By gols4379 - November 2 - 4:10 am

  This car is great to drive on a daily basis and it looks fantastic. This is my second Altima in a row (last one was a 2001 SE that I traded in for this one). I got the SL package which includes heated leather seats, a sunroof/moonroof and a great Bose audio system.

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  Great so far & a nice change from Honda - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Lucas - November 1 - 11:53 pm

  Ive driven my new Maxima for about a week now. I previously drove an 03 Accord EX-V6. This car is every bit as comfortable as my Honda was, with much more pep! I wanted a sportier look and feel, and Nissan offers several things you can have in an Accord- HID headlights, keyless start, AUX in for my iPod, CVT, etc. I am a fan of the new styling for the front of the car, and the interior feels like a luxury car. Its still nicer inside than the Altima too. The engine is a dream and the CVT transmission is very smooth. I think the car is fast relative to my V6 Accord. So far, so good. This is my first Nissan and I am optimistic that I will very much enjoy it.

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  No ABS Brakes - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By scarolina - November 1 - 2:03 pm

  I purchased my Altima last September & was very excited since I had a 88 Maxima I traded. My new car lacks power (quick acceleration) (4 cyl engine) definitely underpowered & affects mileage. The driver bucket seat is not comfortable & the original seat was installed at a angle-had it replaced. My biggest concern is not having ABS system. I had ABS before & didnt realize the added safety in having ABS brakes. Im seriously considering trading my car in for a 3.5 Altima with ABS or purchasing a Honda or Toyota. Cars are so experience & purchasing a new that lacks quality to say the least is extremely frustrating. I normally keep a car 10 to 12 years but feel this car will be the exception

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  Best SUV on for the price - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By tbranca - November 1 - 10:00 am

  The XTerra handles both onroad and offroad well. Its plenty roomy,Its a fun tough off road vehicle that is incredibly reliable. Nissan really has their act together. I average 18mpg my best is 21mpg my worst was 14mpg. I drive my X hard and have never had any problems its one of the best cars I have ever owened. I love it. I here people complaining about gas milage. the is only rated at 16 to 18. It the first car That I get the high end of the MPG. I love my X

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  Best of the Inexpensive Small Cars - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Randy King - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the top of the line Honda Civic, the 2003 Corrolla S, and the Ford Focus and this car hands down blew the competition away! It is very fast, and a total blast to drive. The sun roof is quieter than most at 70 mph. If you like acceleration, you will like this car. I presently have 7,900 miles on it and only one factory defect upon delivery. (The auto trunk release did not work). Nissan needs to advertise this model more. If they did, I believe they could corner the small car market. I never would have considered a Nissan for this size car if it wasnt for a friend of mine that advised me to check them out.

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  2000 Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By cjn - November 1 - 10:00 am

  100% reliable, drives "tight" with great handling (especially compared to "American style" SUVs and autos). Previously owned a German sedan, and have not been disappointed by the Xterra handling despite the fact its twice as large! Great in snow, great in sun. Ive had mine for 2 years and love it as much today as when I bought it. Repairs and problems are non- existent! Only requirement is normal maintenance--oil changes, etc.

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  Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By DMS - November 1 - 4:06 am

  Other than typical problems, it has been good to me and I am hard on vehicles.

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  Excellent vehicle for the price - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By plaroc03 - November 1 - 3:50 am

  Having searched for a car that would not only look sporty, but also be practical and economical, I chose the Altima Hybrid with the Convenience Package. Despite the thought that the 150 hp engine may not provide enough pickup, this vehicle has more than enough power with the combined electric motor. The car is extremely quiet, handles very well, and has plenty of room in the interior. The stereo is surprisingly strong, and the AUX input is convenient. The intelligent key feature is amazing. Overall, if you are looking for a sedan that combines a great look, roomy interior, and gas economy, you will not find a better deal than the new Altima Hybrid.