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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  Great engine but fix the shimmy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sletus - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Maxima and by far the worst. It has been to the dealer seven times since April. The steering wheel shimmys between 50 & 60 mph. Two different dealers balanced the tires three times, and it still shimmys.The rear deck rattled, they fixed that after the third try. The rear speakers stop working occassionally, that still happens. Nissan Customer Service is useless.

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  Excellent choice. - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Don - May 28 - 5:16 am

  This car is nice, comfortable, run smart and very smooth. The fuel economy is also very competitive. My wife is so happy and loves it. Wise choice!

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  Maxima grows up-finally - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By boss315 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2004 Maxima and the 2007 bears little resemblance to it! The CVT is a little loud and balky in low range--only complaint. The under/oversteer torque is gone--the ride is much better, more like an entry level luxury sedan should be; dash is cleaned up and less cluttered, less cheap. Most of all, it is FUN to drive and take on long trips. I drove the TL and M35--couldnt see spending 50k on a "Maixma on steroids," the M35.

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  So far so good - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Nicole - May 27 - 8:33 pm

  I really enjoy this car. I upgraded from a 2004 Sentra, and the Versa has been a vast improvement. There is plenty of room for people and cargo, the CVT is smooth, and driving is more comfortable. The safety features are unbelievable and the gas economy is ok. I havent been getting advertised economy, but its still pretty good. All and all I am very happy with the switch.

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  Great comuter car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jasonpaul - May 27 - 7:25 pm

  This car seems to be a great car for traveling, I drive 120 miles a day for work and am averaging 35.4 mpg. Im a big guy 60" 370 lbs and the seat are comfortable, I drove the camry and the accord and the legacy and all of them seat seemed to short in the leg area and aint comfortable. The navigation works flawlessly I would recommend this car to anyone, I love the long range it has im averaging 600 miles between fillups

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  titan 2005 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By crivera - May 27 - 2:50 pm

  my titan is very spacious and very comfortable,not only for myself but for my wife and kids.it drives very well with lots of power and stability.it could use some more cup holders and complementary seatbelts extenders since is very hard to buckle in my kids on their car seats.the dealer doesnt budge on that and they charge $44 a piece for the extenders.the power rear window is an excellent feature,my dog loves to check on the kids when we travel.the spring assisted tail gate is also a great feature,my 5year old son has no problems opening or closing it.over all and very satisfied,have not gone surf fishing yet??

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  Verygood Try it - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By jonathan - May 27 - 8:50 am

  So far it has been great. No problems at all and its still fun to drive after these first three months. I would buy one again, no question.

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  Love my Hybrid - 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By hbrhonda - May 26 - 9:24 pm

  I have had mine for 2 years and there is nothing I would change. I havent had anything break or wear out.

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  Great but not perfect - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Peter - May 26 - 1:06 pm

  The dash could use some work. The pieces dont fit in all flush. Its just doesnt sit in right. Im also not too crazy about the gauges. Pretty boring for a 2005 model. The dash just doesnt stand out. The Gas mileage is not great either. The sticker says 16 city and 21 Highway but I get more like 18 on the highway. Fun truck to drive though. I love the exterior.

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  Love my Rogue 360 - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By jmc101109 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to trade in my 2008 Altima for a small SUV with AWD. When I test drove the Rogue it felt perfect, very similar to driving my Altima, which I loved. Havent had to use the AWD yet, but overall this car seems to be very solid and has driven well in the rain. One major complaint would be the HUGE blind spot to the rear. Back-up camera helps backing up, but nothing you can do on the highway. I also wish the Rogue had a package like the convenience plus the Altima has, I miss the sunroof, steering wheel controls, bigger door pockets and an interior gas cap release.