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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  Great - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By faroglobal - January 24 - 4:23 am

  Terrific all round vehicle for the mountainous Western US. Performs well in snow and semi-desert conditions. Gas mileage is not terrific. Comfortable off road and excellent handling in all conditions. Replaced an excellent 1986 Toyota 4x4 Land Cruiser Diesel w/ 200,000 plus miles. I expect the same with this.

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  Exciting Love Afair - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Sergio - January 23 - 10:46 pm

  I fell in love with this little redhead on sight. The design is attractive, to me and to everybody around the car, even now 2 years later people look it over all the time. The powerfull V6 is a thrill every morning to drive to work and back.

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  Tried the rest- got the best! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By t g - January 22 - 7:10 am

  Perfect. We love it, handles like a car, but performs like a larger truck. Had the GMC- hated it. Titan has many small comforts and accessories that make long trips comfy. Quiet on the road and handles off-road even better. Havent towed yet, but others have said it pulls better than Toyota or GM. We wont be trading it for years, unless Nissan out-does it- doubtful any time soon.

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  Excellent so far - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By HyAltimus - January 21 - 9:43 pm

  The gas mileage is excellent. So far, I am getting 42+ miles per gallon (75% hwy, 25% local). I had my son drive the car. He could not achieve the high gas mileage, but he has really enjoyed the performance of Altima Hybrid. The vehicle dynamics, in my opinion, is more European than Japanese. My son and I agree that its behavior is closer to my Audi than my Honda Accord. The Altimas new chassis, which has an European origin, definitely gives this planted and secure feeling. Finally, not having a unique shape of Prius is a plus.

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  Love my Car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Love my Car!!!!!!!! - January 21 - 9:13 pm

  I just purchased this car last week. This is my first car and so far it has done well. I will have to let you know how it is after I have it for a while.

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  Great New Crossover - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By todd - January 21 - 3:33 pm

  We traded in our 2002 GMC Envoy to purchase a crossover with better gas mileage. We test drove the Honda CR-V and the Saturn Vue. Fell in love with the nissan rogue test drive. Very comfortable on the inside, dashboard layout is clean and simple, very peppy four cylinder and corners well (have the SL which comes with 17" tires). The stock radio was surprisingly powerful.Wish the vehicle had an adjustable center console cover. Slso wish the vehicle came with colored body side molding. Affordable and smart looking.

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  solid truck lacks a little power - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hecatomb - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I can handle a little less power for better MPG. I purchased an extended warrenty but it hasnt broken down. Its as solid as a rock! the ride, preformance, etc.

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  We love this SUV! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By MNH - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Great sturdy car. Lots of room for our dogs in the back. Great stereo system as well.

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  pure fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By gatorfan - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This is true head turner. Performance is second to none in this "class". Ive had many sports car and this one is the most fun to drive.

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  great car with one snag - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By chris stennett - January 21 - 10:00 am

  this is a beautiful car with a bit of european touch this is my first max and Im impressed as I usually buy BMWs, however there is one drawback the horsepower seem too high for a front wheel drive in other words if you should floor the pedal from a stopped position(eg a red light or highway on ramp without a mergge)youd better hold on with both hands because itll pull to the sides ,I think a rear wheel or four wheel drive would perfect handleing.other than that i would sell my BM and buy another.