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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  lots of fun - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom - August 23 - 5:53 pm

  Great quality for the money. This car has so many bells and whitles that tech lovers such as I should keep themselves occupies. Lots of little, thoughtful touches from stereo controls to design details and customization abilities makes this a well thought out car. Although thirsty for gas, the rocket ability of this car makes it worth the cost. Feels like it could take off if it had wings. At high speeds though I could sence some instability in the rear (in the SL) especially when changing lanes but we shouldnt be driving that fast anyway. I bought this at the beginning of winter so I cant wait to roll down the windows and open the sunroof this summer. So far I love it!

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  A bit bouncy - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Dave - August 23 - 1:50 pm

  After months of careful research and test driving other vehicles, I finally decided on the Murano. While the vehicle has so many great qualities, including a fantastic interior, comfortable seats, and great ergonomics, I wish I had taken a bit more of an extensive test drive in the vehicle I took home. While the vehicle isolates road "bumps" my particular example has this sort of undulating bouncy character to it which is especially noticeable on surface streets. It is smoothed out somewhat at speed on the freeway but is still noticeable. Anyway, it is a bit annoying to say the least and definitely is detracting from the excitement that should come with a new care. Take a long test drive!

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  Awsome car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan - August 23 - 2:26 am

  I worked at a dealership for awhile. I used this car to get places i needed to go so i didnt have to put wear on my car. The car had 185,000 miles on it and it ran as good as my 2000 se with 80k. It handled awesomely and still had the performance i expected. I love my 00 and i loved this 95. I highly recommend a maxima to anyone. In my opinion of owning 2 a 90 and a 00 and having friends own them and working on there cars. I HIGHLY recommend the maxima. Just look up VQ30DE on Google and see all the awesome reviews you get for the motor!!!!

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  Nice Standard Car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Kris - August 22 - 12:48 pm

  I have a 2.5 S the sound sucks, you have to upgrade to a 3.5 SV if you want Bose speakers, no remote start, no sunroof. Its perfect if you just want a standard car that looks nice from the outside.

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  Nissan finally made something right - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By SOJ - August 22 - 3:20 am

  The Nissan 350z. What a beautiful car. I used to own a 1996 300zx. That was a pure driving pleasure. The 2006 350z takes after that exact vehicle. This car handles great, is fun to drive and gets pretty decent gas mileage with my heavy foot. I am always pulling between 370-390 each tank of gas, and thats city driving! Vehicle has power to spare in every gear, virtually no lag what so ever! You hit the gas and youre gone. Awesome vehicle, good job Nissan. All this coming from a die hard Toyota man. About time they bring that Supra back huh? Anyways for 30k, you cant beat this vehicle..

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  Head Turner and a Road burner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Andrew - August 21 - 1:56 pm

  This is the first time I have experienced driving a Z, I am in total awe of its performance and handling. I bought the Ultra yellow Roadster, it has every head turning. The six speed is awesome, the clutch and shifting makes the driving experience wonderful. The leather seats and all the extra accessories makes driving the car a better experience. I would recommend anyone that is looking for an inexpensive sports car, go to the nearest Nissan dealership and test drive for yourself. Then you will get the ultimate review.

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  True to its Nissan/Datsun heritage - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By anymouse1 - August 21 - 8:43 am

  Ive owned 3 of these trucks, starting with a 1970 Datsun PL521 (my first truck), and a 95 Nissan Hardbody XE. This 2001 base model XE 4 cylinder 5 speed is as good and reliable as the prior trucks. I bought it in June 2008 and it had only 85K on it. It now has 116K, and is barely broken in. When I first got it, I repainted it the original Silver and installed a new set of Firestone A/T tires. Ive only performed basics maintenance and a tune up and a newer battery. Ive driven this truck on one long trip to MO to bring back a bass boat from my Dads place. It towed pretty well, even in the Western VA mountains. (3rd gear up hills) I highly recommend this truck!

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  Good purchase for the price - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By snottygirl - August 21 - 12:03 am

  I just purchased this car (base S version without any options) 2 days ago, love it so far. Much bigger than expected, good road performance with the CVT, it just takes some time getting used to the no shifting thing, lock out the OD in hilly sections and enjoy the ride. While more features would be nice the cost of the car was quite reasonable for the quality. I needed a new commuter car because my 1999 subaru forester with 140K miles was about to die and the new forester seemed very cheap feeling, tried the crv (great car) but it all came down to price. While not looking forward to the first real snow it will be interesting to experience the worst nj can throw at this car.

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  For the money, cant beat it! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jeff - August 20 - 10:33 pm

  This car is patterned after the Renault Tida, which is a staple in the European market. We took 4 grown adults on a beach trip and easily accommodated everyone (and luggage) comfortably. The CVT provides excellent acceleration for keeping up with trucks on the interstate. It feels like a golf cart gas peddle, seamlessly accelerating or decelerating with the pressure on the peddle (no herky-jerky gear shifting).

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By hotchocolate - August 20 - 11:26 am

  I love this car. This is the fourth Nissan Sentra that I have purchased over the years. Also owned a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am (Junk) and a 2000 Honda CRV which I enjoyed owning. The Sentra is so much fun to drive. It is black and the 1.8s Special Edition with the sports package and the audio package.