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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  Altima, Now Running With The Big Dogs - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Big Willie - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car last week, but am still finding options I didt know it had, like the Homelink that Ive already programed to my garage door opener. Nice car,both inside and outside. I could have gotten a 2003 Maxima for the same price as theyre heavily discounted, but the Altima is by far the best looking and the 2.5SL model includes a lot of luxury standard features, such as leather. I considered buying the 2004 Maxima, but kept coming back to the Altima and have not regrets.

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  I love it - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By cwt - July 21 - 8:13 pm

  Super size, especially the interior. Its a major step up from the 2003 Frontier I used to drive. I cant imagine a better built truck. Fuel economy is about what youd expect from a full size truck. The ride is great, power is fantastic. I love it.

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  Huge disappointment - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Disapointed - July 21 - 11:23 am

  I’d like to say that I love this vehicle; unfortunately, it’s turning into a lemon. Multiple problems have arisen. Two clutches in 52k, fuel pump and sensor bad, chipping paint. Ive taken good care of her too! Mileage is pretty good, 18 city, up to 24 hwy, 19-20 avg. Accelerates well, fun to drive, good visibility. Like the plastic cargo area, easy to clean. Upgrades necessary for serious 4x4. After market parts lacking. I’m told by Nissan service guys that they kept the truck less expensive by using lower quality parts. It shows. I’ve taken good care of this truck, but it’s time to move on. Back to Toyota.

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  Awesome Tennessee Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By charles howell - July 21 - 11:06 am

  This is a great 4x4 truck!! With 12,000 miles on the odo, performance, reliability, and quality feel has been excellent. Steering is tight and confident. This is the first vehicle I have owned where the factory tires (18 inch dubs)ride smooth as silk. Gas mileage has been about 16mpg around town in mixed open road and stop and go traffic. Interstate mileage has been around 17mpg. Engine power is awesome, even to the point of barking the rear tires at red lights when forgetting to control my lead foot. The roominess of the cabin is perfect even for big and tall folks. The interior is a little drab looking when compared to the Ford and Toyota, but this is a minor point.

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  Disappointment - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - July 21 - 1:33 am

  The 4X2 V6 Frontier has limited power and handles poorly. Dont try to go up hill in 5th gear with the A/C on. After 8,000 miles the A/C compressor pulley started squealing and then broke off. this truck will get stuck in HARD PACKED sand with all season tires so get the All Terrain. The stock speakers blew out twice on both sides and the cd deck always froze up. I just replaced them with aftermarket due to the warranty expiration. The # 4 and #6 spark plugs are very hard to get to and the alignment has never been correct. Even after getting new tires and having an ajustment kit added it pulls. The clutch pedal squeaks after every rain so keep WD40 in the garage. Generic fender flares fade!!

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  The Magic Bus - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By New Mini Van Mom - July 21 - 1:06 am

  Going from a Camaro to an Altima and now to the Quest (Due to our ever growing family) Vehiclewise, some major adjustments have been made. I was very opposed to getting a van thinking that the "stigma" would be too great to deal with. Ill admit the 1st few times I drove the van I felt "older" but after you get over the stigma of "Ill never drive a minivan AKA grocery getter" its actually nice! My children love the room and for now, they still think its cool. The price was amazing and by far the Quest is the best looking van on the road. So far we have nothing major to complain about and things have been great! We love the comfort and roominess.

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  Great Vehicle to Own - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Harry Blue - July 20 - 11:03 pm

  This is a GREAT SUV to own with lots of room and storage space, with HORSE PWR, & 3 row seating for a growing family

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  Looking to Trade - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Ward - July 20 - 8:36 pm

  This car has given me very satisfactory service. Im hoping to upgrade to another Nissan car

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  Nice car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By fordson - July 20 - 8:10 pm

  Strong acceleration. Decent cornering. Great mileage. Smooth and quiet car. Ride is a bit rugged over broken pavement. Brakes are strong.

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  Best Dollar for Dollar available - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By duffmann77 - July 20 - 12:31 pm

  I have only around 2k miles on the truck right now, but wanted to give my 2 cents on it. I looked at every other player on the market and it wasnt even close. On paper I thought the ridgeline would be the best until I drove it. You hit the gas and all you can hear is engine noise. The speed-o hardy would move. So the Tacoma. My last truck was a late 90s tacoma and just went on and on and on. So I thought for sure that would work. Nope. The seats are crap, and I got in the back seat and my head hit ceiling. Im only 61. So that was out. So save yourself time and get Nissan. With rebates, fully loaded pro-x, leather ext 27k with rebates. Best out there.