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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  Buy One - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Brandon - June 4 - 5:06 pm

  This is the second Xterra I have purchased and I am sure I will be buying more. I use my vehicle for work, home repairs and vacations and it couldnt be a better fit. Amazing stability control with simple to use 4 wheel drive means its safe in all conditions. Killer stereo, good looks and convenient design make me like it even more. Pulls 5,000 lbs no problem and still gets 22+ mpg on the highway (not pulling 5k).

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  Keeps truckin - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By umpdad - June 4 - 4:25 pm

  I bought this car new in July of 06. I drive 500 miles a week more or less and now have 235,500 miles on it. I did have a problem with the fuel pump and crankshaft sensor about a hundred thousand miles ago. It would start the second time every time for the longest while but eventually it worsened. I replaced a starter as a result Had a garage replace the fuel pump and it was better but got worse again. Finally took it to the dealer and got the crankshaft sensor replaced. I think its been a great little car. All the interior buttons still work and the air is cold still after 8 1/2 years. If it dies tomorrow, Id still think its a great little car. The most reliable car Ive ever had.

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  2008 Nissan Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick Bouchard - June 4 - 2:33 pm

  Nissan Versa 4dr hatchback, CVT + cruise control & Bluetooth technology. Very roomy and comfortable car for long distance trips. Heavier by 500 pounds than YARIS/ECHO. Big+ on highway, on a windy day. Extremely stable car. Interior well finished, sound system good. Points: cable opening hood broke on my 3rd try. Air conditioning made noise, had to be emptied and refilled with proper level of refrigerant. Frustration with bluetooth compatibility. Nokia 5200 and Nokia 5300 are fully compatible.. read carefully Nissan web site for compatibility. Patiently train your bluetooth.

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  BMW 2002 WannaBe - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By lonster - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned an 86 Mustang, an 83 Corolla (rwd), 68 Plymouth Satellite, 97 200SX SE-R, among others, and when I found the 2001 Sentra SE w/Performance Package, it was all over. Definitely fun to drive, completely tossable, its a car that feels like simply an extension of my every sense... It was a couple of months until I realized this car came with a factory sub-woofer! A great car to drive, maintain, and own!

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  First SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Farmer - June 4 - 10:00 am

  My very first SUV - wanted cool style and interior - and all the "bells & whistles" - got it with this vehicle - drives like a car - handles excellent - like everything about it - and feel it is not a "typical" SUV - but functions like one.

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  needed changes - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By GRAVES .W - June 4 - 10:00 am

  side molding is needed on doors Fuel economy is not close to ratings

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  Excellent 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By thano93 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has exceeded all of my expectations, the ride, comfort and interior room are all excellent. I am 6 feet tall and have plenty of room to spare. The only knocks are rearview mirror is located too close to the ceiling which does not allow a good view out of the back window, and I am not a fan of the tires, the 17" rims seem a little small when cornering.

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  Excellent Car!!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By KPlove - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has a lot of get up and go. The engine dosent hesitate to accelerate at high speeds. There is slight roadgrain noise at about 75 mph, but that is forgiven because of the awesome Bose stereo. The interior could have been designed better or Nissan could have used better materials. Overall, this is great car that can get you from point A to B with no problems!

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  Best crossover on the market. - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By Joe - June 3 - 7:28 pm

  Just traded our 13 Rogue SL with 70,000 miles for a 15 Rogue SL. I really get tired of the reviews that brag up the Honda CRV and the Toyota Rav 4. When we bought the 13 it came down to the CRV and Rogue. We chose the Rogue because it was a better all around package for the money. This time came down to the Rogue vs the Rav 4. Again,the Rogue won out even though the Rav 4 was slightly less money. The Rogue has all the features that the Rav 4 offers and is far superior in many areas. The ride is superior, much smoother and quieter, the seats are much better and more comfortable,and the interior quality is far superior. The acceleration is just as good as the Rav for any normal driver

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  Happy with our choice - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Carla - June 2 - 2:53 pm

  My husband and I purchased the 2006 Pathfinder LE with Nav & DVD. Fully loaded. Awesome vehicle. Had a G35 coupe, but we sold it after we were married in 2005. Loved all of the features it offered on the G-35; however, it was not practical for a couple who played golf and mtn biked!. We needed a vehicle to pull our boat and to travel. We looked at the X- 5,,,wow,,,,major expensive with the options we wanted. Honda Pilot--really plain jane vehicle would had to upgrade the whole braking and cooling system. Too much trouble. We finally looked at the Pathfinder, wow,,like looking at my G-35. Every option I could dream of and then some. Perfect for us.