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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  Converted Ford Owner - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By dkerlin - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I was reluctant to even try an import full-size truck,but the unique options available in bed accessories along with the factory spray in bedliner caught my attention.I was sold after a quarter mile down the road.I couldnt believe the torque,ride comfort,interior space,or the deal I was made on the vehicle.I had a salesman named Doug,who was more knowledgable than any of the other salesman I had encountered at the Ford,Chevrolet,Dodge,or Toyota dealerships.I would definitely endorse the TITAN,Hamilton Nissan and Doug.

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  Versa Sedan S model 5 Speed - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By toad45 - August 14 - 11:25 pm

  I was in the market for an affordable car I could pay for with cash and avoid payments. I looked at Hyundai, Ford, Kia and Nissan. I went with the the Versa Sedan with the manual transmission. I plopped down $14,128 out the door with an extended warrenty. (5 year bumper to bumper) It drives great and is quite nimble. The back seat is huge as is the trunk. Milage is in the high 30s. It is a nice family car. Its more than an "economy car". Its solid. Im happy.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Lynne - August 14 - 11:03 pm

  I have loved having this car from day one. It is a blast to drive with lots of power and tracks well. It is great for mountain driving. The amenites are the best and I have had no mechanical problems of any kind...just standard maintenance. Even the Toyoz tires stood up so well that I replaced them with the same kind. Additionally, the silver paint still looks like new. There are no signs of oxidation which is rare for silver vehicles. The leather interior is still like new - no signs of wear. My next car will be another Maxima for sure.

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  Great SUV for $20K - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jodie - August 14 - 10:50 pm

  Have wanted an SUV for a long time but have driven paid for cars for a while. Decided to make the jump to a new car (and payment) but I dont drive all that much so didnt want to make a huge investment. The Rogue gives me the SUV for a reasonable payment. Handling and styling are great, have hauled 12 bags of mulch in the back with the seats down and could have held more. VERY satisifed overall. Need to be a bit cautious on lane changes due to blind spots caused by small side windows towards the back - working on mirror adjustments and not changing lanes as much! Engine has a lot of oomph and the ride is really smooth.

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  Awesome Altima 2.5 SL - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Isend2C - August 14 - 6:43 pm

  The first day I got my car we took it to Montreal for a weekend and did it all on on tank of gas from Central NH, there and back. Its comfortable and peppy. 175 hp is plenty, even if you can get another 75 in this car. it rides very smoothly. Mine has a Bose system, leather, moon roof and everything except the navigation system. The stereo is wonderful and everybody is jealous of it. I have just registered my car so it is still new to me, so for reliability I cannot testify. I got my car for $15K and it came with a tully rack that was very loud and ugly, which I took off quickly. My car was in a crash before I got it but it was repaired perfectly, which may be why I got it at a good price

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  4 cylinder with spunk - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Venice Smith - August 14 - 12:38 pm

  I love this car. It is the perfect size, even the back seat is adequate, certainly for shorter rides. It has a much smoother ride than I expected, particularly since I came from a Lincoln Town car. Great mileage, and a nice big gas tank mean a great range before having to stop. Only real criticism as to do with the cheap plastic in the interior that I know will degrade, wear or crack with time and use, specifically the door storage slots. These were not made to be durable.

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  At 150k and still going strong... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By johnboy1015 - August 14 - 11:19 am

  Bought my 2005 new and have had very few problems. Check engine light recently came on but mechanic told me its a misfire and will likely be fixed with a tuneup...which the car has never had, ashamed to say. Have never owned a car this long...nor wanted to. But looking to hand it down to my son

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  Love Love Love this car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Nikki - August 14 - 10:50 am

  What more can I say. I love this car! Its a lot of fun to drive and I just love to look at it lol. Its so sporty looking with the size and features of a family sedan. The ride is amazing. Thought with the CVT would be hard to get used to but it wasnt. What a smooth ride! The bluetooth feature is a little to get used to but at the same time it is a huge convenience. Not needing a key to open the doors has made my life so much easier! If my husband is driving and hes taking too long to open the door I dont have to wait anymore because my key is always in my purse so I let myself in! Technology is amazing! And so is this car! Luxury without the expense! You cant beat it!

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  Amazing Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By rapidmax - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I cant think of a better used car for the money. Great performance with room for 5 people. A lot of fun to drive. My only regret is not getting a manual tranmission.

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  SE-R is a winner! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By jimb651 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw this car, I thought "Jeez, another Japanese car with a rear spoiler...just what I need (NOT!)." Then I drove it...it was great! Smooth, powerful (as a small car can be) and handles like a sports car. My only gripe is the styling. Now if Nissan could make the Altima look and drive like this, theyd have a real winner.