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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  Excellent Value for Money - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Todd - March 16 - 9:53 pm

  Value for money, I dont think this car can be beat. I own the SL version (with optional CVT) and have been very impressed with every aspect of this car. It has just about every safety feature as standard equipment. The seats are large and comfortable. And theres actually a lot of space in the trunk area - even without the rear seats down. We were considering the Honda Fit but found it uncomfortable. The Fits shorter wheelbase, smaller tires and thinner seats made for a jarring ride at times.

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  350ZR 2005 - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Scotty - March 15 - 1:23 pm

  Just picked up a 2005 ZR Black on Black. Love the car, fun to drive, turns ALL heads and comments from those you pass. No problems yet. I am 63 and fit nicely. I love my new Toy. Sticker 37550.00 paid 35500.00 .

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  Best Sentra So Far - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By andy - March 15 - 8:50 am

  I owned the 2000 Sentra and it was Ok. waited for the 2007 Sentra. I was impressed. I owned the 2.0SL fully loaded. It fun to drive, sun roof, leather seats, CVT engine. I love the car. it was worth the waiting.

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  Pathfinder Rating - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Flower - March 15 - 2:00 am

  we have only had this vehicle for a week now so our mileage is not high. It is very responsive and comfortable so far and has room to spare. Unlike other SUV models, this one has legroom to spare, even in the rear seats!! We have had another type of SUV before and this one beats it hands down for comfort. The other SUV did not allow you to stretch your legs out, therefore making it uncomfortable for long trips.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Olivia - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY NEW QWEST! It is so fun to drive. Ive also had lots of compliments from people about the stylish looks. The kids love the skyview windows & the raised seating for the 3rd row. This is my 4th minivan & it has a much more roomy & comfortable feel than anything else Ive owned. The center console (although a little odd when you first see it) is great! It is so easy to find the controls for everything once you get used to it. My only complaints are the reflection on the windshield from the driver storage on the dash & the passenger side sliding door on ours has developed a loud rattle.

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  flexible - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By onarum - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Very flexible fun to drive, great handling, quiet. Not sure why editors think the ride is harsh. Its just tight, but not uncomfortable at all. Gas mileage on first tank hovering around 21mpg. Interior lighting is poorly designed; both dashlight britness too high and coutesy lights lack britness and footwell illumination.

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  one of 3 best cars for money - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By theodore popee - March 14 - 4:56 pm

  this car has more bells and standard features than accord or camry. best buy for a 4cy lots of room in rear seat and trunk

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  Cant be happier - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By MLB - March 14 - 4:53 pm

  I have never had a single problem with my Xterra. The gas mileage is not the best, but I knew that going in. This type of truck is going to be thirsty. I take it in for every service and that seems to be helping since like I said NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!! I would recomend this to everyone.

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  nice! lovely murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By nice! by ken.. - March 14 - 3:23 am

  It is truly fun to drive to me.. The overall quality is so great.. I"ve been change so many car every single year.. this car is the best that i been drive.. nice design in & out, resonable price.. great 18" lovely wheels makes better appearance. it rides like a luxury car & looks like a Lexus.. i still dont get it, why people spent more money for other luxury.. ^^

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  First SUV and loving it - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jim Lewis - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 4x4 2002 Pathfinder LE. This is the first SUV that I have owned. My previous car was a 1992 Lexus GS300, and I dont miss it. While the Pathfinder is certainly not a Lexus the ride is comfortable and the drive is very simular to a car. I have taking the Pathfinder off road once up in Malibu and it was a rush - after I got half way into it I realized I was dinking around with a new car so I slowed it down, but it was fun. The Pathfinder was able to hadle the trails very well. The milage I have gotton around town is about 14MPG and hwy has been about 17MPG. I test drove just about everything else out there and I am very pleased with the decision so far.