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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  Awesome truck! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - December 18 - 8:46 pm

  I love this truck! It has been an incredible driving truck since my first test drive. I really was not even in the market, having just purchased a 2006 Tundra doublecab 4x4 SR5. We were at the dealership looking for a ride for my son, and I just wanted to take a ride in one, and thats all she wrote. Its a much better ride than the land barge I just bought a year ago. The v6 power plant Nissan uses is vastly superior to the gas guzzling v8 in the Tundra. I average about 20 mpg (6 spd. manual). The best I could muster in the Tundra was 16.5 mpg. I actually got 23.5 mpg on a trip to the coast! Way easier to park in tight situations than the Tundra. Check out the Frontier, it wont disappoint!!

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  Love it so far - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By creaseys - December 18 - 2:06 pm

  This is my first crossover, I love it. I have been getting between 23 and 24.5 mpg (mostly rural) about 25% city driving. Its the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. It amazes me how much room is in the front sits. It handles highway driving and hills like it has more than 265 hp.

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  Nissan got it right - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Tobyboy - December 18 - 5:46 am

  Let me start off by saying I love cars and have many, many cars. My favorite vehicle prior to this purchase was my GS 300 Lexus. This Altima is now is my favorite car. It has it all, interior and exterior style, comfort, technology and gas economy. Nissan got it right! I started out wanting a 4 cylinder car that is not a crap box. Most manufacturers will make the 4 cylinder the stripped down model, with no leather, limited options, etc. Nissan approaches this market differently. They take the same vehicle that is available in the more pricey 6 cylinder and simply put a 4 cylinder in its place. This car is near perfect. Accelaration with the 4 is more than adequate.

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  Sentra rules - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Frank - December 18 - 1:30 am

  I took my Sentra on a 1000 mile ride and I was very satisfied with the performance of the car.The acceleration is far superior to any other similar size car.

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  2012 Nissan Quest SL - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By westbrock6 - December 17 - 3:54 pm

  I have owned every car possible in the past few years. The 2011 Traverse LTZ, 2010 Honda Odyssey exl/res, 2008 Grand Caravan,2011 Suburban LT, 2010 Kia sedona Ex to name a few. I just bought the 2012 Nissan Quest SL it is the best driving van I have owned, interior is beautiful, the sunroofs are awsome, and the kids love the dvd screen that drops down from the ceiling with the push of a button. My husband who has hated minivans wants to drive this one. I loved the style and handling of the traverse but it was too small I have 4 kidos, finally the vehicle that has the sporty style, fun to drive crossover feel with all the space needed for the kids and their stuff. You have to drive this !!

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  I Love it, I want a 2002 - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Fradom - December 17 - 10:03 am

  Sporty, reliable, and fun

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  What a surprise! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Vanessa - December 17 - 2:20 am

  I had to buy a new car due to a bad accident in my Honda so I test drove many cars and the Altima came out on top! It drives so well, has nice standard features and is very roomy and comfortable. I had no idea how great this car really was! I am very happy with my purchase!

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  Very Happy with My Xterra - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By xterras - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Wanted an SUV thats powerful, sturdy with reasonable off road capacities. Picked X due to its fair pricing, powerful engine(VQ), solid BoF construction, great outward visibility & the cute look. Have put 5K miles on it so far, incl. a 2500 mile trip in 1 week. Really impressed with the acceleration. Great handling. Tight turn radius. Perfect size for a single guy. I prefer firm seats and find Xs very comfortable. Like the high seating position, feel confident. High ground clearance, no need for ramps when changing oil. I felt far less tired driving the X for a full day, than diving a civic (my previous car). Manual is not clear about gas octane, so I use #89 since the engine is VQ.

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  Fun, fast and cool - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Mike - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I had been waiting for this a couple months, the design was what caught my eye and the turbo sold me. Once I took the test drive, it was a matter of Stick or Auto. Went with the White SL FWD Manual. But wouldnt fault those with auto. I love every aspect of this car from the ride height, sporty feels, design, and fun factor. The looks from other drivers is fun. caught a police officer rubber necking as I drove by him. People ask me with a smile what it is or if that is the Juke from Nissan.

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  Love this little thing! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Benita Calloway - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I am absolutely in LOVE with this car! Unlike most reviews Ive read, I particularly love the exterior styling! The interior is simply icing on the cake! This car is very sporty, has great pick up and handles extremely well on the road. I traded in a Nissan Armada for this primarily to save on gas. While it gets much better gas mileage than the Armada, I have not managed to get 32 mpg like the estimates state. I will admit I typically drive in normal mode. The black leather interior with red stitching is really nice. I also like the chrome door handles inside. The 17 inch wheels are nice too. So far, Im extremely happy with this purchase.