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:

• 

  Just what I expected - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By ABretz - September 20 - 6:30 pm

  I bought my Xterra used, and knew when I got it that the mileage was below average even for a mid-sized SUV. The trade-offs have been worth it. FUN to drive, great curb appeal, roomy cargo area, reliable engine performance. I have had ZERO problems with it mechanically, no window or CD failure here.

• 

  Replacement for Lexus ES 350 - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By bmt22033 - September 20 - 2:10 pm

  Following back surgery, I needed to replace my beloved Lexus ES 350 and I finally decided on the 09 Murano. I was leaning towards the Lexus RX 350 but after spending some time with the Murano, I couldnt justify paying an extra $8k - $10k. This was my first Nissan and for a non-luxury brand, Ive been very impressed with the car. The build quality is great and the ride is very smooth. The interior is well crafted and very quiet. With the possible exception of the grill, the exterior styling is very handsome, as well. If youre in the market for a crossover/mid-sized SUV (luxury brand or otherwise), the Murano should be near the top of your list.

• 

  Buy the 2.5L if you can find one for sale. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By unixfreak0037 - September 20 - 12:50 pm

  I bought mine new in 2005. Its 2012 and it still looks and runs like a brand new truck. With these high gas prices, having a truck that can haul light loads and get 22/23 MPG is really nice. Right now I wouldnt trade it for anything. And these are hard to find. Used 2.5L manual shift XEs are rarely found for sale, probably because the owners recognize their value. Took this 2WD truck on some dirt roads in Tennessee and had no problems at all. Very good truck.

• 

  Just bought it - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rom - September 20 - 11:36 am

  Just bought this first generation Versa which Im quite pleased with. I bought a stripped first generation Nissan Sentra in 1983. Still running with over 250k miles on it. I expect Versa to last longer than my Sentra. Its roomy in the front and back. No comment about mileage because I have only used up 1/4 tank. If I get 30 MPG combined, then Ill be very delighted. It beats other smaller cars in standard amenities. Side curtain bags are $700 option in Scion tC. Its not the best looking design but it serves the purpose of good mileage and safety features. I love this car so far after 4 days of driving it.

• 

  Competent sports sedan - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By tdisalvo - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima satisfied many of my automotive needs. I needed a sedan but didnt want it to be ugly. I needed japanese reliability without sacrificing performance. I needed a 6- cylinder engine AND a manual transmission. I also needed an affordable price. The Maxima fills all of my requirements and does it with style. Nissan builts character & personality into their cars, something Honda/Acura should look into. Go test drive a 5-speed Maxima, youll see what I mean.

• 

  great truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By stuie - September 20 - 10:00 am

  purchased 4dr se long bed in may of 02 and while the gas mileage is rotten, overall I really love this truck. on the outside ther is too much plastic but it does make the truck different. I can load all my tools for work( about 1500 pounds) and go up the road with NO hesitation. Im really surprised and pleased with this truck!!!!!!

• 

  New 03 Blue Max SE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Kthomp100 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  After getting rid of my 1999 Lexus GS 300 (liked it, was just time for something new), drove my 01 GMC truck for several months while I did research on the under 30K sports sedans. Maxima wins hands down. Bought a Majestic blue metallic with black leather SE with all the options. This is a solid, well built car and even though I have not "stepped on it" yet, I know the power is plentiful and just waiting to be pushed. This car for about 13,000 less that the Lexus has almost every feature the Lex did AND more comfortable back seats.

• 

  Good buy - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mgs - September 20 - 10:00 am

  First Family car purchase ever. Considered the typical Camery, Accord, Passat and Legacy. The Max was larger in every sense of the word. Bigger wheels, engin, wheel base, F/R headroom, leg room, shoulder room - oh yea and a bigger thirst for fuel. It has a smooth wisper quiet powerful engin, its accelaration really fools you. I have already had to talk my way out of a ticket - and I was not even in a hurry. I do not like the rear headlights, and I am dissapointed in the paint. In all I would recommend the car - just pay close attention to the warrentee as it pertains to the paint - you will use it.

• 

  Extraordinary! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By MikeRG - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Nissan pick-up then I switched to Ford F-series and I was disappointed with Fords quality. Also, my relatives used to on Chevrolet and I hate GM vehicles. I decided to switch back to Nissan and told myself to stay with Nissan forever. I love my new Nissan Froniter. There are no other trucks (makes) that are equal or better than Nissan.

• 

  Xterra-Best buy in class of its own. - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Xtremely happy - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Xterra is HANDS DOWN the best buy for the money. If you complain about the ride, buy a car, its not an SUV if its not built on a truck frame. The more I researched this vehicle the more it stood out, if youre looking for an SUV thats affordable and can perform like a true SUV this is it. Look at the numbers, the X stands up to many others that cost a lot more. It does ride like a truck, but still is smooth. The CRV, RAV4, Escape, Tribute,-all big cars and compared with the X often, technically, they arent in the same class with Xterra. Xterra gives a no BS, skip the leather and wood trim dash answer to the affordable & highly capable SUV.