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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  1.8 SL CVT - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By shine1314 - May 7 - 8:53 am

  I used to own a Nissan 200 SX SE and I just bought a Nissan Versa SL yesterday after comparing and shopping around. Ive considered Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic, and Mazada3. Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris felt cheap and uncomfortable compared to the Nissan Versa. Mazada3 and Civic EX-L seemed unnecessarily expensive. I also read reviews that said the Civic EX is loud on the road. The Versa is very smooth, roomy, comfortable, quiet on the road and beautiful. Not the prettiest appearance on the outside but definitely practical. So far I love everything about it and I cant stop smiling. Really love the CVT transmission, b/c its so quiet that my boyfriend kept on falling asleep in it.

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  Pathfinder - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rebecca - May 6 - 4:06 pm

  I purchased the Pathfinder new last October and it feels like Im driving a luxury car. I love it. Aside from a few squeaks (most likely from something that needs tightening) it is awesome.

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  Loved its! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Rod - May 6 - 11:07 am

  Basic car - had a stick shift and sun roof - made it fun.

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  Best truck I ever owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By cowpen1 - May 6 - 2:29 am

  I bought this Titan new with the expectation that I would be driving it till its dead. I just turned 100,000 miles, and can say in all honesty that it drives exactly like it did the day I bought it. It feels like its just broken in. I read on the forums about the sub-par quality of the OEM brake rotors, so I had those replaced under TSB before I ever had a problem. Other than that, this truck has never been in the shop. I havent had to replace a belt, bulb, switch, or anything else besides tires, wiper blades and oil (Mobil 1). Ive had numerous Ford & Chevy trucks, but this Titan has them all beat hands down in every respect. Im glad to know its built in Mississippi.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Cadman! - May 5 - 10:03 pm

  I traded in a 2004 f-150 loaded for this truck. The Ford had a little better interior fit and finish but I like the Titan better in all other aspects. Once you drive one of these you will think all other trucks are running v-6. This truck will really get out and go and still have pretty good mileage even though I am in to the gas a little hard at times.

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  Amazing Performance and Deal - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By randyest - May 5 - 7:56 am

  Ive driven many sports cars and this is my favorite ever. The Porsche Boxster has it beat a bit on handling, some muscle cars (such as the GTO) have more horsepower, and a few have more torque. But for ~$30k you get more from the 350Z in all those categories than you can in just one category from many cars that run $50k+. And its such a gorgeous car with a unique look. Pictures cant do it justice -- you have to see it to appreciate the look. I even like the interior a lot, which some seem to complain about. Its compfortable, well-laid out, the gauges move with the steering wheel tilt (first time Ive seen that), and the textured surfaces are both interesting and easy to clean.

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  A great ride - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By adventure girl - May 4 - 3:06 pm

  This car has been pure pleasure. I was disappointed with the pricey option packages, but the car has been a treat. Ive carried 5 people on 2-3 hour long drives in comfort. The cargo room is a little tight, but Ive never been lacking. The car is fun to drive and responsive, the design is sleek and the interior is very comfortable. Its perfect to load on my kayak, bikes or snow shoes. The Rogue has been my adventure companion!

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  I am amazed - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By Nena Smith - May 3 - 2:57 pm

  I was surprised by how much I love this car. I was a bit worried by range but my husband thought since we would save $200-$250.00 in gas a month it was worth a try. Glad He talked me into it. Super fun to drive, great comfort/room and wonderful technology. In 2 weeks I have driven my 2013 Leaf (purchase with 22,400 miles) over 700 miles with no problems. I live in a very rural area but can find plenty of charging stations within 20-30 miles if I need them. IF you live in the city dont even worry about range average driver in USA only goes 22 miles per day. Think about this not only are you not spending on gas but no more taking the car in for oil changes ect. Love my Leaf!

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  This van is great! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Brad - May 2 - 1:06 pm

  We traded in our 03 Honda Oddy for the Quest SL. The Nissan blows the Honda away. It is much nicer to drive and offers much more for the money. We liked our Honda, BUT WE LOVE OUR NISSAN!!!

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  Steves review - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve Wesler - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding acceleration and handling on tight turns and corners. The tight handling has given me a feeling of sea- sickness, due to its unforgiving handling. I have been trying to find out how the car will handle in the snow, but cannot get an answer from anyone at Nissan. On base model, Nissan cheaped out on radio and system. Very cheap.