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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  I love my murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By MURANO - April 6 - 1:36 pm

  I feel good driving down the road in my new murano. It looks nice, feels good, and drives beautifully. I have waited ten years for a new car and could not have picked a better one.

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  06 Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Jenn - April 6 - 7:10 am

  I love my xterra and being a first time buyer i believe that it was the best choice for me. it is the perfect size and i feel very comfortable driving it.

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  Absolutely Love This Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Roz - April 6 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car in Dec. 2000, still going strong with 145,000 miles on it now. The hubcaps did rattle often so replaced them with rims when purchasing new tires in 04. Only other problem was intake manifold gasket but hey was only a 300.00 repair about five years ago so not complaining at all. Overall, great experience, regular oil changes every 7,500 mi (used to change every 3,000 but driving habits changed). Just trying to see how long shell last now. Ive never kept a car this long but it has been a joy to own.

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  Follow up from May 06 - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By new_to_nissan - April 5 - 4:40 pm

  Here is the followup... Overall perfomance seems to be, if not better, at least equal to Honda Accord. Engine noise: In the last 5 months I did not notice much noise, during the normal drive on the highway. In the city it is quieter than Accord. Ride: Smoother then Accord in the city and highway. Aerodynamic body desing helps in controlled ride at high speeds, I drove up to 80+ mph with no issues. Steering is soft as Accord 2000, not like Accord 2005 - personally no issues there. Fuel Economy: Not better than Accord, personally - no issues there. Altima 06 Engine Recall: Checking Engine oil - no issues yet. Please check VIN with the dealer to make sure that it not included in Recall

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  Best of the bunch - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Martin S. Berlin - April 5 - 1:16 pm

  The many inovative features we were able to get with the Quest were not available on the Honda, Toyota, Ford or Chrysler minivans. We drove them all and with the exception of the Quest, which handled more like a sport sedan, they all drove like the typical minivan. The positioning of the instruments and controls are fine with us because the controls provide passenger access as well as driver which comes in handy on trips. Fit and finish are excellent, just not as fancy as Toyota or Honda. But you dont drive fancy. Reliability and service has been excellent with only two recalls; neither what I would consider major. We have all the bells and whistles. We love it. Good Job Nissan.

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  After 2000 miles - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By anna - April 5 - 12:23 pm

  I bought my SL hatch 2 months ago (see "New Versa Yesterday") and so far I have no cause for complaint! It averages 32-33mpg mostly highway driving. Definitely spring for the SL if you can.

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  Unique Small Car! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By aeh4 - April 5 - 11:24 am

  We test drove almost every subcompact model before choosing the Versa sedan. No other car had quite the combination of interior room, excellent visibility and outstanding fuel efficiency. It is not as stylish as other cars, but we could not find another vehicle that was as easy to drive and can truly fit four 6-foot adults. The Versa sits about 6 inches taller than other small cars. So visibility is excellent in all directions, and it is very easy to get in and out all four doors. The interior is basic hard plastic, but there are six cup holders and all controls are easy to reach. Seats in the SL trim are soft and comfortable. Outstanding fuel efficiency - see below.

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  Excellent Choice. - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By denrama - April 5 - 9:33 am

  This CUV is very nice. I sold my Nissan Altima 2001 and got Rogue. One thing good about Nissan is, it will give so many options with a good price. If you go with Honda or Toyota, you have to pay for each option separately. This CUV drives like a car, sits high, fun to drive. The drive is almost smooth. One thing that bothered me is the small wind noise at high speeds( > 55 mph) other than that, I have no complaints. I feel like I am driving a good pimped up vehicle.

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  2008 Nissan Titan le 4x4 perfect truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By CHUCK - April 5 - 4:06 am

  I purchased my 2008 le nisstan Titan 4x4 and never had any problems. I drove all the other makes, Ford King ranch f-150 was the 2 nd to last before the Titan. The Ford dealer said he would knock $10,000.00 off the sticker price for me. A deal was almost struck, but first had to drive the Titan. The dealer had what I was looking for, and once I drove it, there was nothing to compare with the others. They took off $13,000,00 of the sticker price. Wow! I drove it home. This is the only truck next to perfect. You wont go wrong with a Titan le.

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  fun to drive - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By grego - April 4 - 11:20 am

  just traded my murano in for the 2007 sentra which looks like a mini maxima.. have the sl with cvt which was a big selling factor.. beat civic in my book also compares well to the jetta.. great sound system .. nice power for a car this size