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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  Noise Maker - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By John - June 18 - 5:30 pm

  I should have test driven vehicle on the highway ay 70mph. Would not have purchased it. Road, engine and wind sounds are terrible. Stay away from Nissan.. High mpg and rebates are a trap, they have cheated on the quality.

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  My 2007 Nissan Sentra - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By gggage - June 18 - 3:13 pm

  I have had this car for over a month and I am very disappointed with it. The car does not come near the estimated gas mileage. I am getting 27 mpg in the city as an average and only 26 to 27 mpg on the highway. I would have expected closer to 32 on the highway. The car does not take bumpy roads very well. The suspension seems to be stiff.When the temperature outside is below freezing and the car is cold the transmission will not shift down until it warms up.

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  Practical, Yet A Joy to Drive - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jgroute66 - June 18 - 4:33 am

  My wife has admired the exterior styling for several years. I insisted on the blond leather interior. We settled for the surprisingly quick 4 cylinder. The drivers seat is about the most comfortable seat I have sat in. Everything is also within reach of the driver. We opted out of the sunroof and gained a few inches of headroom, but there would have been plenty with the opening roof. The steering wheel is one of the cleanest and most attractive designs around (radio, trip computer, and cruise buttons on wheel are simple and logical). The blond interior brightens up a car that already has a nice openess to it while also giving it a warm and rich look. It is very comfortable for long trips.

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  30,000 and running great - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By p byers - June 17 - 11:53 pm

  I am very satisfied with this car. After 30,000 miles I have had no problems and gas mileage has been averaging 34.3mpg. I drive mostly in the mountains and small towns. The cvt transmission is the best automatic that I have driven in the mountains. The holdback saves on the brakes and there is no shifting as I navigate these winding mountain roads. The antilock braking system works great in ice and snow.

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  Awesome Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By solace - June 17 - 11:53 pm

  Nissan cars have always been very reliable and good cars. The new Altimas are also one of the coolest looking cars on the road. The Nissan 3.5 liter engines are very quick. The CVT works great.

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  Fun and functional - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By CTM - June 17 - 9:36 pm

  Test drive the regular SE-R vs. the Spec V model and you will immediately feel the difference. The Spec V handles tighter around turns, the redline is increased, and the strong HP just pours on after 4,000 RPM. Regular SE-R power is steady with the CVT, but never producing a strong, lengthy surge like the Spec V can with a stick. 2nd gear is great in this car if you drive in traffic. 2nd can go down to 4 mph with ease. Then just ride the clutch to get going again. Power is still on tap in 6th gear. Runs fine on regular gas. 31 mpg on long hwy trip, 26.5 mixed. Glove box, trunk, and rear seats are huge. Clutch gives good push-back. RF stereo is solid.

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  Dont walk RUN from Nissan Sentra!!! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Teresa West - June 17 - 6:49 pm

  I would trade my 2010 nissa sentra for just about any other car on the road. Admittedly, I put a lot of miles on my car due to my job. But I purchased because of its claim of great gas mileage and extremely low maintenance. 200,000 miles later, I am looking at replacing the tranny for the second time (first one went out just over 100Kmiles, and just after warranty of course) Today, it needs another tranny and an engine rebuild. I now have spent almost as much on maintenance and repairs as i did on the original loan--of which still owe $7K Guess how much its worth for trade-in? Thats right,a whopping $750 i can scrap it for more, which is what I will probably have to do. no help from nissa DUMPED IT AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY!!!!!!!

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  Versa SL Hatchback - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By petrolhead85 - June 17 - 11:43 am

  Mine is an SL with the tech and sport packages (i.e., every option available) So far I am very impressed with my Versa. I cross-shopped this car with the Fit, Rondo, Yaris, VW City Golf (Canada-only model) and even the Mazda 3. in the end it was between this and the Fit. I chose the Versa because it had a better interior and was better value for money. So far (~4000 miles) nothing has gone wrong and there hasnt even been the customary "mysterious new car dash squeak." It feels like Im driving a high quality product and not an econobox. The CVT takes a bit of getting used to, but it really suits this engine and doesnt feel bogged down like the 4 spd auto in my 04 Sentra.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Ryan - June 17 - 10:03 am

  My wife absolutely loves the car and wants one for herself. I went from a Toyota saris to the Sentra for the extra room and comfort. The gas mileage is great and has been fun to drive.

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  Best FWD family sedan - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By KaBar - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car since Febuary 2004. It doesnt handle too well in the winter like my 91 Maxima did. In the summer, Ive driven over 10,000 miles, with little to no maintenance. This is probably one of, if not the best FWD car on the road, with enough room to seat the family, and enough power to get up and go. Trunk space is great, and there is plenty of head room. Handling is great. Almost every Sunday, I take it up the canyon and open the throttle. Ive been getting 300-330 miles to the tank, and that averages out to 20-24mpg city driving. This is a great car for the family.