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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  Owned since new - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By admiralforever - August 30 - 6:53 pm

  I have owned my Pathfinder LE since new when I bought it in early 07. I have not had any problems with it. It currently has 52K and change miles on it. I have not had the radiator failure like most people have, the brakes are still good. I did get the TPMS sensors replaced because the dealer broke one but they paid for it. I am glad I have this SUV and the fact that is is a 2006 it has more horsepower and torque than the later models, since Nissan detuned the 4.0l V6 so they can sell the V8. I have driven it cross country four times and it never gave me any problems.

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  Not Missing My G35x - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Jon - August 30 - 1:20 am

  With the lease expiring on my 2007 G35x, I replaced it with a new 2010 Maxima SV with Premium and Tech packages. The G was a great car, but, especially given its much lower "real world" lease price, the Maxima is better in every way except for higher speed handling on curvy roads. The Maxima is a smoother, quieter highway cruiser that is just as fast as the G, and has far more luxury features for the money.

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  The Best Maxima Yet - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By moondan1 - August 29 - 7:30 am

  I have been leasing new Maximas every 3 years since 1996 (except for 2006 when I opted for the V6 Altima) and the 2009 SV is the best one yet. For the money, it is the best FWD sports sedan available. It is extremely powerful, the CVT is very smooth (although opting to drive in the "S" or "Manual" modes allows you to feel as though the engine is shifting gears), and provides a nice balance between sporty handling and comfort. Based on Edmunds review (which I am in complete agreement with), I did not get the Sport package and am perfectly happy without it. I have been disappointed with Nissans treatment of the Maxima these past few years, but am thrilled that for 2009 they nailed it!

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  Incredible Car! - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Fantastic car !!! - August 29 - 5:23 am

  We purchased the Versa with all the available options including premium package, cvt, nav, and sunroof. This car is awesome!I drive a BMW and the Versa is still a blast to drive. You have to go with all the extras for sure to make this car purchase worthwhile.Upgraded stereo is incredible with satellite and unbelievable sound with six speakers. The cvt is a must and the interior upgrades are a outstanding. the center console addition is perfect. We drove the basic model without the extras and there is no comparison to the fully loaded version. The price was crazy cheap given what we got. Gas mileage is great. We love the car!

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  Good Small SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Joe - August 29 - 12:40 am

  Traded in 04 Murano as it approached 100k miles. This has been an excellent alternative. After driving for a full year, gas mileage is consistent at 23 everyday with closer to 28 on highway. CVT transmission can slow your start but overall is very good. Cargo space adequate for this sized vehicle.

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  Pretty Happy after 1 week - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By paltima - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded a a 99 Nis Max (with bothersome engine prolems)for this car. Wanted an 05 Pathfinder but too much $$ for it. Altima is roomier than my old Maxima. Love the styling, love the interior. Handling is awesome - better than old Maxima. Engine feels like it is more "spirited" than 99 Maximas 195hp V6 but the Altimas 4 cylinder is more noisy - although the aggressive "growl" the motor makes somewhat fits the sporty character of the car. Convenience plus package adds very useable options. Got about 4K discount/rebate off sticker so Im happy with the price. Bottom line- Camry may be more refined but lacks any emotion. Altima is more fun to drive and has a welcomed personality!

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  family man - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By doc - August 26 - 5:56 pm

  Tons of room, power, and excellent handling. I have 4 kids and have zero problems with loading and unloading. In addition, rode for 5 hours in a snowstorm without complaints from the kids, the wife, or problems with handling.

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  Awesome Car! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Financial Advisor - August 26 - 8:13 am

  Just came off my second Acura TL lease and very pleased with the move to purchase the Altima. Very smooth, comfortable ride. Fun to drive around town. Smart key is much cooler than I thought it would be. Love the transmission.

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  Rogue all the way!!!!! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By BM - August 26 - 1:28 am

  Purchased the SV AWD model and despite what some reviewers say, its the best car I ever owned. I also leased a Toyota Rav-4 the same time I purchased the Nissan Rogue and the Rogue is so much better. Its larger, more comfortable, and overall a better handling car than the Toyota. Its a 4 cylinder vehicle that rides as good as a V6

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  I love my new truck! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ASiler - August 25 - 3:00 pm

  I have driven this SUV for 1400 miles and wanted to let your readers know what a great vehicle this is. The ride is very smooth and very quiet but powerful. We wanted a vehicle that was safe for Michigan winters so we chose a 4x4. We wanted to be able to move out on the freeway and this has a lot of power off the block as well as when you need to pass. We need a quiet interior as we do a lot of business in the car and it is super quiet. The majority of the driving I have done is in town and I am pleased to be getting 18.1 miles per gallon. My husband just loves the look of it. Its beefy but still easy for me to get in and out of.