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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  Owner comments - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Carl Gaudiano - September 23 - 2:20 pm

  I recently purchased a Nissan Frontier after much research on similar vehicles. So far I like the vehicle. I agree with other owners in that the arm rest is too small. Also, when the driver/passenger door is fully extended,its difficult to reach it to close the door. It seems to be built for drivers with long arms. Fog lights should come as a standard feature, not an opion.

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  Great car all around - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By HappyAltimaDriver - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have 95000 miles on it now, and it has never left me stranded. I average 25 mpg. Engine has great power. Handles really well, which makes it fun to drive. I love everything about it.

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  LOTS OF CAR FOR THE MONEY!!!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By toothfairy - September 21 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a compact per- formance vehicle for around $20k, this car is PERFECT!! After driving a Honda Civic Ex for the past 3.5 years, Im in heaven!! Were talking 175hp vs. 127hp. It MOVES!! After reading another consumers review describing the Spec V as a "pocket rocket", pretty well sums it all up.

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  Pathfinder Rocks - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PFinder Driver - September 20 - 6:26 pm

  Ive had this car on lease for the past 3 years..now I am faced with the difficult choice of buying it out, or getting a new car. Always got me where I needed to go. GREAT for packing anything and everything into. Drives like a car not a truck.

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  LYING NISSAN - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By consilium - September 20 - 5:07 pm

  I purchased the 2014 Rogue SL AWD The interior lay out is quit well I love the soft touch materials around the cabin also the seats are very comfortable both front and rear. The Infotainment works OK, but While navigating through the menus I see a lag within the response. The power lift gate is convenient. The EPA estimate for the Rogue AWD is 25 city/32 highway averaging 28 MPG. My best MPG is 34.8 Worst MPG 24.3, to attain the 34.8 MPG I have to drive the speed limit, but I think its worth it. the O/D button works well when passing 18 wheelers or zipping through traffic. Overall I am happy with my investment & advise anybody who is shopping for a SUV to test drive the Rogue.

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  Fun car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By ejkraft - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Sporty features and better than average performance, for a car of its class, have made this a fun car to drive. Both interior and exterior features are well designed and give this car a feel bigger than the compact cars of only a few years ago. My only complaint is that the suspension got much softer after driving it for 3000 miles than it was during the test drive.

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  Solid Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Karl M - September 18 - 9:00 am

  Have driven the car about 2,500 miles both in the city and on the highway. Highway mileage about 28 mpg whether or not I use the recommended premium fuel. Best mileage was 33 mpg -- worst 22 mpg. Good power. Comfortable interior for 4 people. Sunroof is great. Trunk a bit small -- can fit 1 large suitcase and 3 small ones. Overall, am quite happy with the Maxima.

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  Looks Great but too many problems - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By ylewis - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of the car but with the problems experienced with tire feathering, faulty front cup holder and rattling sounds when idle Id NEVER purchase the car again. No glove compartment and limited trunk space. This was my first Nissan and my last.

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  Not a typical entry-level model! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ScottinRKE - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This was my 4th Nissan (1 Sentra and 2 Altimas). I made the mistake of buying the 02 Altima when it 1st came out, and had nothing but problems. While at the dealership (where it had been towed again) I saw the Sentra. The interior was far nicer - though smaller, had the same engine, and the price was right. Bought it on the spot. While not as attention getting as the Altima, it feels much more solidly built, and has standard options (ABS, side-impact SRS, trip computer) that I have never had. Very underrated car!

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  goes like hell - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dr. eyes - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Backing up is an experience. Goes like hell. Interior has no space. Still goes like hell. Great value for the money.