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:

• 

  Move over for the Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By David - April 9 - 2:06 am

  If you see this monster in your rear- view mirror, pull over and let it by. The 305 hp engine in the Nissan Armada with its best in class torque means this SUV really moves. Its gas mileage is nothing to write home about, it gets only around 13 mpg city, but this is about the same as all others in its class. This is the third largest SUV on the road after the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Excursion. Its 9,800# towing capacity will pull the largest of boats, which is made even easier by the longer wheel base than a Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. The interior is very nice. The updated interior that obviously got a lot of attention from Nissan. The cloth seats are really comfortable, so much so that you may just want to pass on the leather. This definitely is the vehicle for a family on the go.

• 

  Move over for the Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By David - April 9 - 2:06 am

  If you see this monster in your rear-view mirror, pull over and let it by. The 305 hp engine with best in class torque means my Nissan Armada really moves. It is nothing to write home about on gas mileage as it gets 13 mpg city, about the same as all others in its class. It is the third largest SUV on the road after the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Excursion. Its 9,800# towing capacity will pull the largest of boats, which is made even easier by the longer wheel base than a Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. the inside is very nice, updated interior that obviously got a lot of attention from Nissan. The cloth seats are really comfortable, so much so that you may just want to pass on the leather. this is definitely the vehicle for a family on the go.

• 

  02 Pathfinder LE 4x4 - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JamesT - April 8 - 11:46 am

  Very nice ride, Ill second the smooth silky feel of the shifting. Handles great. Great visability out the front. Best bang for the buck, better buy than the 4runner! Im so happy w/the Pathfinder!

• 

  Love my Max - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By David Ballerini - April 8 - 1:36 am

  I bought the Max to replace my wifes 98 Gran Prix. She liked the sporty ride of the Pontiac, so the SE was a better choice than the SL. The Maxima has proven itself in comfort, performance and gas economy. I consistently get 22+ mph with mixed driving. My wife gets around 20-21 mph. I now have almost 8000 miles on the car and I absolutely love driving it. The power is awesome under hard acceleration. It is quiet on the highway an has every convenience a driver could ask for. Great car!

• 

  NICE SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By BILL - April 8 - 1:33 am

  Very happy - nice ride - lots of saftey features ex. Side curtain air bags - awd is nice because you only put in awd when you want - saves on gas when it is off - smooth ride - comfort is nice both for kids and parents

• 

  I Love my first car!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By J MAN - April 7 - 11:26 pm

  Got this 95 maxima with 150k miles on it for $2500!! What a steal! Mechanic says that it has strong engine and tranny. Needed brakes but thats to be expected. I love the design and how the car looks. its my first car and it is perfect and at a good price range. no problems only routine maintenance and tlc to keep it looking sharp. This car can take 300k+ miles or more! this car is incredible

• 

  Everything I want in a small SUV! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Michael Mason - April 7 - 6:48 pm

  I had been researching for 2 months on which small SUV I wanted. I had finally decided on the Nissan Rogue and I have never been happier! The 2 key factors I wanted most was plenty of back seat space and great gas mileage and my 2016 Rogue fits the bill on both! I am a 6 tall and i have plenty of head room and decent leg room and the back seat room is huge and the back seats even recline. Even the base model I drive has an elegant looking interior. It handles great on the road and rides very smooth! The miles per gallon on this SUV is amazing! Probably my most favorite feature is the eco button located left of the steering wheel. This setting allows your vehicle to achieve the best gas mileage possible. I commute 30 miles back and forth to work 5 days a week and and I go 7 days before having to refill my tank. I have no complaints at all with My Rogue and I have not experienced the popping sounds some reviewers complained about coming from the wheels when i make turns. I am at 25,000 miles right now and everything is still smooth as silk. I am very satisfied with my Rogue!

• 

  Great driving SUV - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Clobber - April 7 - 2:00 pm

  Replaced a 97 4Runner with a 2010 Xterra. Had my doubts initially, but after 3 months I am sold! Im 65" and fit comfortably. Lots of cargo room. Great visibility, and really responsive steering. More fun to drive than the 4Runner was. At 178" it is easy to park and maneuver in tight surroundings. Smooth transmission, smooth ride, and quieter than I was expecting. Love the fact that the rear seats fold flat. No regrets.

• 

  Reliable Family Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By compwiz - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is very reliable, I have over 104,000 mile on her and shes still running STRONG!!! Only complaint is that when you open the glovebox everything falls out!

• 

  Good value for the $ - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By 5speeder - April 7 - 10:00 am

  All in all a very good car. Fun to drive and reliable, except mines eaten 3 O2 sensors in 3 years, and those puppies are expensive! Gas mileage not as advertised. The power driver seat is a dumb feature (For us, anyway--Im 62, my wife is 53. Seems to take that little motor forever to move the seat when we change drivers)