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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  Best Value for Nissan Nation - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By albo - March 9 - 1:13 am

  This is a great vehicle that I have put a lot of miles on in a short time (125k in 4 yr) great acceleration and 4 wheel drive will take you about anywhere. The clutch went after about 50k miles, this must be a systemic problem cause I have had 4 other nissans with manual transmissions too and have never replaced a clutch! The drivers seat could be more comfortable on long drives. After owning a maxima, I know what Nissan can do when they put their mind to the task! I would like better gas mileage, but who wouldnt? This vehicle, like all nissans, is perhaps the best value for the money. I will own this truck for years to come. Keep up the good work. Nissan Nation rocks on!

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  Man I love my first truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By 06_frontier - March 8 - 9:43 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Honda Crv ex. I am 18 and this is my first truck. It is a fun, well appointed vehicle. I actually like some of the plastic in the cabin because of its tuff truck feel. The engine is a marvel to hit with your foot. It gives me chills and goosebumps thinking about it. Its been there and for having it only two days and driving it already almost 200 miles getting a great 17 city, Im thrilled.

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  A lot of unexpected amenities!! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Terry - March 8 - 1:26 pm

  Ive owned 2 Frontiers in the last couple of years. I got a buy back letter from Nissan and decided to take a Titan PRO-4X for a test drive. I just had to have it. Bluetooth is awesome, Fosgate stereo sound great. Seats are very comfortable and interior is well thought out.

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  Infinity with a Nissan Badge - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By assembly - March 8 - 8:10 am

  I wasnt sure about the Quest when my wife took me to look at it. I walked away from it to be honest. When I went back the WOW factor kicked in. This is an Infinity with a Nissan badge. It has all the stying youll ever want or need. I have the top of the line model but lesser models are equally impressive. Nissan got it right! Id give this van a hard look. The price is definately right.

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  Sweet Ride - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By edmond clarke - March 8 - 4:00 am

  For the past few years I have been a dedicated Toyota Camry fan. When I did the research and drove the Nissan Altima I was very impressed. The car has great style and performance that puts my prior vehicle to shame. I recommend this vehicle to everyone who wants great value for the money.

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  the most room - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Larry - March 8 - 3:31 am

  A comparison of full size luxury SUVs shows the 2017 Nissan Armada to be the best, especially for comfort and affordability. It has significant luggage room and great space both in the front and back seat which places this SUV at the top of the Luxury list. It is roomier in the front than any of the others save the Infinity which is its more expensive twin. The only issues are the acceleration/the way it is geared which causes it to wine a little too much on acceleration and the headlight adjustment which finds the dim lights pointed a little low for my tastes. On the whole, this car, (which use regular gas) is a delight to own and drive!

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  Titan out front - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Chris - March 8 - 1:53 am

  The 08 Titan 4WD, king cab is superior against the other trucks in its line up. The drive, power and appearence are excellent.

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  Had 5 Maximas, but probably no more - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Val - March 8 - 12:56 am

  I drove the SR several times. While it is the best Maxima yet in many respects with somewhat questionable styling, marketing decisions that Nissan made will drive some buyers away. Im currently driving 7th generation SV with Sports and Tech and I still like the car. I was very excited when the 8th generation came out. But Nissans decision to keep basic features from the SR, specifically the moon roof and memory seats/mirrors, something I had in my 2009 Maxima, is troubling. So, after driving the car and liking its road feel, I came to the conclusion that I dont have to loose the features that I like and there are other manufacturers out there that actually attempt to listen to what their customers desire. I guess it is time to consider Acura TLX or even Camaro SS or Mustang GT. Good bye Maxima :(

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  2008 Versa SL - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By doc - March 7 - 9:16 pm

  Great car I love the way the inside is designed. There is a lot more visibility than I expected and obviously the fuel economy is great to.

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  terrible - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jessica hebert - March 7 - 5:50 am

  i have been having this car for a year and a half. So far i have replaced the transmission the sun roof and now the radiator. they told me that besides the transmission this is normal wear and tear and that i am over reacting!! i have news for them ! No car not even 2 years old should be giving any trouble much less the transmission ! I will never buy a nissan again !