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:

• 

  Nissan Scores Again - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Gen - November 8 - 10:30 pm

  Checked it out at the Motor Trend Intl Auto Show and its everything everyone is raving about. My friend, (near 6ft. and is a researcher by trade) fits comfortably on the rear seat with extra knee/leg room--even with the front seats all the way back. So I picked one up at the local dealer today to use as an economical commuter (for work) next to my Chrysler 300C and Porsche 911. It shifts smoothly and lightly. I like the idea that no matter what my gas mileage is, it wont be as painful at the pump. The drivers view of the road is more than I can say for most cars I have driven. My family has owned several Datsun and Nissan vehicles were all dependable and mechanically sound.

• 

  Excellent truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Serenity - November 8 - 11:33 am

  I have wanted this truck ever since they came out, and when I finally bought one, I dont regret it! The sound system, rumble in the engine, the pick-up-and-go when you want it to... everything you could want in a truck!

• 

  Step away from the VW - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rbitterman94 - November 8 - 10:23 am

  After having a horrible experience with VW I researched my next purchase with a vengeance. I looked at the honda, Camry, Altima and theG6. I fell in love with the Nissan. Although the others were very compatible I could not justify spending the additional money for the Honda or Toyota and the G6 fell short of the hype. I received a 2.5S with the ABS & airbag pkg along with a few other goodies for $18,075. The car is quick off the line and extremely plush and comfortable for a 6’3” driver. I love the stereo and the interior layout, as well as the overall look of the car. I would recommend the Altima to anyone who wants an accord or Camry type quality at a more affordable price.

• 

  A Class Act of a Car! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tracy - November 7 - 12:56 pm

  The new Nissan Pathfinder 2005 is a wonderful vehicle. I just purchased one before just before the new year and I cant drive it enough. The ride is so comfortable and the style is so classy! It really has a good take off and the brakes work like a charm. I especially like the hill descent control (HDC) feature on the Pathfinder. The new Pathfinder is completely different than the older models. I traded in my old 1997 Nissan Pathfinder which lasted a long time so I know this one will as well. I highly recommend the purchase of this vehicle. It is such a beauty and runs extremely well. Everyone looks at it!!

• 

  Great truck - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By pianotunertech - November 6 - 5:17 pm

  For a 5.6 the truck pretty muscly. Good acceleration. The drivetrain/ride is pretty smooth like all Nissans tend to be, a level of civilized smoothness. I like the fold up seats in the crew cab back, which by the way are far more comfortable than Fords and others. I tended to put tools and groceries inside the cab with the seats folded up. I like the looks of the truck too. Toyota had a great thing with the Tundra before it went panda looking, I think the Chevy Silverado has it in the good looks department but the Titan looks aggressive and cool. I think the Titan bed is a little cheap though--seems plastic liner covers places where there isnt sheet metal underneath which I didnt lik

• 

  Fantastic Maxima - Best in the Market - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MAX2004 - November 5 - 11:33 pm

  Usually I do not give review unless I like the vehicle 100%. The 6th generation maxima is best in the industry. I purchased the vehicle in Aug, 2004 since then I put on around 18500 miles. No major problems. Only problem I had initially was with balancing. That was resolved with in 2 months after I purchased. Since then till today, I have no other issues. I always use premium fuel and getting consistent 25 miles per gal. Till today my car looks beautiful as new. Excellent performance and very comfortable. Before I used maxima, I used Toyota and Honda vehicles. They never come closer to the 6th generation maxima. I love my maxima. Thanks to Nissan

• 

  Could not be better - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Nieves - November 5 - 3:40 pm

  Excellent vehicle quality. Very fun to drive. High visibility and very stylish. I use to drive a Jetta which is very compact. Before that I had a Ford Excursion, very comfortable, but terrible gas mileage. I am very happy with this vehicle so far.

• 

  "Smooth Car" - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TomB03 - November 4 - 1:43 pm

  This car is smooth. Abundant torque, loads of space, plenty of amenities and four doors make for a very fun ride indeed.

• 

  One to Keep - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By judger21 - November 4 - 1:24 pm

  Bought our 98 Pathfinder LE new (back in the day) & have loved it ever since. Basic & expected maintenance only & rolling strong at 189,000 miles & counting. Does everything & still is the backbone of the family fleet (Altima & Juke) in terms of usability, versatility (boat, dogs etc.), safety, & confidence in bad weather. Will drive it until either I or it give(s) out.

• 

  The Sentra SR surprised me - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By SJ Dave - November 4 - 2:00 am

  First off, I would recommend anyone to use the internet to get the best price for buying a new vehicle. I was looking at different vehicles & finally decided on the Sentra SR. I had 4 different Nissan dealerships sending me their quotes. Finally I had one send me a quote of 1% under dealer invoice price, plus two $500.00 dollar rebates, zero percent finance & 2,000 to trade in my 2001 Mazda Protege. I could not pass up that deal & went for it. By bringing in copies of the e- mails there was no need to haggle for a price & the buying process is hassle- free. I did pay extra for the extra 7 yr warranty since I will be keeping the car a long time.