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:

• 

  New Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mannyace - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for your money. Usual Nissan dependability. Better looking that the more expensive Maxima. The 4 cylinder more than sufficient for city driving and saving gas with almost the matching power of a V-6

• 

  Safe in an Accident!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By hyjean888 - March 24 - 2:40 am

  Three days after purchasing this car, I was involved in an accident in which I did multiple 360s on an interstate going 80 mph and ended up spinning into and out of a 4 foot ditch twice, completely smashing in both the front end and the rear end. I was wearing my seatbelt, however my dog (in the passenger seat) was not (and did not have benefit of an airbag like I did)! My dog and I both walked out of the car with VERY minor bumps and bruises (mostly from the seatbelt and airbag). Im so upset that I lost my Altima but I am definitely buying another one as soon as I can. This car saved my life (and my dogs life). The paramedics couldnt believe I survived and neither could I. Thanks Nissan!

• 

  Great truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Leo Norkus - March 24 - 2:03 am

  This is the most fun I have had driving a truck. It is comfortable, smooth riding and the gas mileage is not bad for the V6. Took it on a 400 mile trip with my wife, even she said it was the most comfortable ride in a truck.

• 

  1st time Nissan Owner - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Campcandle - March 23 - 10:06 pm

  After test driving the Mazda, Accord and Camry; a friend suggested we test drive the Maxima. We did not as not in our price range but drove the Altima instead and purchased the same evening. We were impressed with the sporty drive without the sporty price. The displays are easy on the eyes and controls easy to use. Love the intelligent key and the roomy interior was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommend anyone to take for a test drive.

• 

  good truck. - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By maggo24us - March 23 - 3:53 pm

  Had this truck for almost two years now. I have no complaints. Though a little slow from a stop, it moves like hell once the rpm gets up a little. I added a cold air intake and replaced the muffler with a high flow. I have yet to see the poor fuel mileage that i was warned about from so many people. I get 19.3 on the hwy, 15.5 in town. Thats not treating it nice, either. Great towing, fun, very reliable.

• 

  Overall piece of Crap ! Not a good investment - Buy Ford or Chevy - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By buster1957 - March 23 - 3:38 am

  I am amazed that the Titan has as many mechanical problems and lack of reliablility. I paid good money for a truck that has not lived up to its past ratings. I am very disappointed and wish I would have bought a Ford or Chevrolet. I had a 98 Z-71 that was a better truck than the 2009 Nissan Titan.

• 

  Cam Crank Sensors 200K+miles 2005 Nissan Max - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By margiea4 - March 23 - 12:08 am

  I purchased my 2005 with 13K miles - not perfect on the maintenance, but I do take care of it. This car has surpassed 200K miles (do a lot of driving). Problem with transmission and dash warnings with TCS with car stalling not shifting into gear. Transmission shop wanted 3800.00 :-(. Got second opinion and got computer analysis. Spent $160.00 on sensors and hubby did the work. Hubby automatic Hero Status :-). Car runs like a baby again. Thank you YouTube.

• 

  sentra se 2001 - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By NXN - March 22 - 3:10 pm

  Perfect car - 81 000 miles - not a single problem so far. I regret that I purchased extended warranty :)

• 

  My Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jerry - March 22 - 2:30 pm

  Allthough Ive only had this vechile for a couple months I love it. I had a 04 F150 glad its gone many trips to the shop in the 1.5 years of ownership.The Nissan is very well thought out, fun to drive, power out the kazoo, plus comfort on long trips. I"m confident you will enjoy every moment in this vechile. Plus Team Nissan folks are the best.

• 

  Sporty yet practical, safe alternative - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Val - March 22 - 8:23 am

  I am impressed with the exterior, very nice design giving the feeling of a luxury vehicle. The interior is basic but also attractive. Some things I found to be missing that were bothersome to me were: volume control on the steering wheel, one-click power- up window control (there is one-click down, but not up)and auto headlights, no navigation system. The seat adjustment controls, power steering and dash controls are basic. These features may be available if you purchase the premium package. The Rouge handles nicely, although it is loud upon acceleration and it is noticeably a 4 cylinder vehicle. The new technology transmission takes getting used to, the car can feel a bit "put-put."