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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  Hard to Beat - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Mckenna - December 23 - 10:33 am

  We purchased this car used, knowing that it was an ex-rental previously. If ever there was an invitation for disaster, this would be it. And yet… this was a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE, allegedly a Japanese BMW, available for pennies on the dollar compared to new. As the old saying goes; even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then. And boy did we ever! I’m 6’4” tall and still fit comfortably. Acceleration is impressive, as is fuel economy (even while using regular), the handling brings out the teen in me (Im mid 50s now), and yet it is still a functional and dependable sedan and business mode of transportation with which to entertain clients in.

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  2005 Nissan Altima SE-R - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By David Davis - December 21 - 1:30 pm

  This car is great! The way it looks and drives makes it the best sporty car Ive ever owned.

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  2005 Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By mbrochujr - December 21 - 8:10 am

  Reliability is far below the GM trucks. I have 5,000 miles on mine and its going in the shop for the 7th time. The Armada was a nice concept but a poor finished product. I do not recomend it and mine, as I have now filed for Lemon Law protection. Look at the over 6 pages of service bullitons from Nissian.

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  Looking Good - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Lee - December 19 - 10:06 pm

  I really enjoy the impressive exterior styling and impressive acceleration that make this car fun to drive and be seen in. Great deals exist on new 2008s that are still in dealer inventory. Mine stickered at 32K, but bought for 26K.

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  Impressive - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Thomas - December 19 - 3:30 am

  We finally purchased a new car. Test drove Nissan Sentra sl and Toyota Corrola S. We then checked out the Nissan Sentra SER sedan. Performance and sporty look an feel sold us. Step out and pass you have the power to go. Recent trip gave all around 34MPG and driving conservatively 100k produced 42MPG highway. Lots of room sport pkg upgrades exterior and adds fog lights. moonroof and sporty bucket seats plus great stereo. Highly recommend this car.

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  Love/hate relationship developing - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By jasfan - December 19 - 2:07 am

  There is a lot about this car I really like. Styling. Fun to drive. And they REALLY missed the mark in a couple of key areas. The fuel economy is killing me. I am a 70-mph highway driver, and at 4,000-plus miles this vehicle gets 20-22 mpg. My Audi A5 got 29-30 mpg in the same driving conditions, and my 2006 Cadillac Escalade, with 118,000 miles got 17-18 mpg. This single issue may cause me to sell this car by spring if it does not improve. I am an EASY driver. Tires and brakes normally last 60k - 70k miles with me. Slow stops and starts. And I drive 3,000-plus miles per month. So with an EPA rating of 25/30, this disappointment is major. And on premium fuel.

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  2008 Frontier - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By longdrive - December 18 - 11:53 pm

  I have over 50,000 miles on my 2008 Frontier. It has performed well. Gas mileage on the highway is about 20.5 mpg. Good in the snow (4wd). Rides very well on the highway. Smooth ride. No mechanical issues to date. Down side: Turning radius is an issue. It is hard to park and turn in tight spaces. Inside front cabin space is noticeably smaller than a Dakota (I have had 4 dakotas). The Nissan zip type toneau cover is terrible. The cross bar support brackets break easily, it cant seal well at the corners and thus it leaks, harder to remove than a snap-type cover. The standard radio is not as good as it should be (one disc, power is low, no aux audio input). Overall I like my truck.

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  02 Nissan XE Xcab 4wd - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By RVT Jr. - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Wanted Toyota, looked at Ford but liked Nissan better. 8 months and 10K miles later Im glad I picked Nissan. Fit and Finish excellent. Hardly a squeak and no rattles. Comfortable. Fun to drive. Sharp looks. No return trips to dealer!!! My first Nissan but I banked on their track record and so far its been right on. Dependability, reliability, thats what I want for my money, not trips back to the dealer !! Why dont V6 pickups get better overall gas milage? 18 mpg 80%highway 20%town. Ive hit 20.5 on a long cruise. Overall excellent value. Just as good as Toyota and better than the others. Got a great price too.

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  Good little car - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Bill - December 16 - 8:23 am

  I have 44K on my 2006 Sentra SE. I have done nothing but normal maintenance. No tires, brakes, anything. Serpentine belts are due for replacement but overall I am quite satisfied with the car. The lack of guts is due to the 1.8 instead of the 2.5. Unfortunately, I didnt have time to wait for a 2.5 to be ordered/delivered.

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  Nissan Frontier crew cab - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By BobZ - December 16 - 7:40 am

  This is a very quiet truck, well made, excellent power, rides great, tows a 4000lb travel trailer very well. I recommend it. Nits and picks, turning radius is poor, radio has weird controls, edge of rear tail light not shielded from breakage if tail gate is down. broke it first load of long planks. You lose your traction control if you install aftermarket wheels and tires w/o tire pressure senors.