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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  Nissan has done it again!! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By JON B FAN - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Best SE-R that I have owned yet!! I had a 91 and a 93 and this one blows them away!! Excellent 4 banger!!

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  Long term update - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By kward - May 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought the first new Altima sold in our city in the fall of 2001. We have owned Hondas and Toyotas previously, but fell in love with the new Altima. After a year-and-a-half of ownership, we couldnt be more pleased. The car has been 100% reliable, it is very comfortable to drive and to ride in. It remains solid and the interior doesnt even show any wear (the seat fabric does collect some lint and hair, but a sticky lint brush cleans it up quickly). If I had to replace it I would buy another one just like it. We are very happy we chose it over the new Camry.

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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By the king - May 26 - 5:26 pm

  Got it brand new in 05, it runs great extremely quick and very fast and the handling is awesome. Had to replace the struts once but was under warranty so there was no problem there. there is a lot of room in the back and front seats so you can fit 5 people easily even with the front seats all the way back. i would recommend the NISMo air intake adds about 15HP and you can really feel the difference. AWESOME car!

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  2006 king cab titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By neil bradford - May 25 - 12:56 am

  I would like temperature in mirror, easier radio to understand, of course better mileage.

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  Nissans Best Kept Secret - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By bighat - May 23 - 11:26 pm

  We test drove it a few weeks ago, and that set the high water mark. Almost bought a Lexus IS 250 for $4k more, but the Altima coupe is much more fun to drive, plus has more rear legroom!

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  Power truck with roomy interior - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By steve - May 23 - 6:13 pm

  Use this truck for work. V8 305 HP shows when you crank the gas pedal to leave other trucks behind. Best truck I have ever own.

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  Good Decision - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Colorado - May 23 - 9:53 am

  I bought my Murano in late March. I drive a lot for my job, and needed something comfortable, reliable that does well in the snow as I live in Colorado. I love the design of the Murano, and so far Im happy. Its everything I was looking for. I have a Bose stereo, and it doesnt sound as good as I thought it would, but it serves its purpose. I love to drive it, and my friends love to get in it and be driven around. I think its a great car. Havent had the chance to drive it in snow, so I guess Ill have to wait until winter and put it through the real test. The intelligent key is hard to get used to and not sure I like it that much.

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  Solid - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Regor - May 22 - 4:00 am

  Overall, a very solid vehicle. Nissan delivers on the promise of a no BS vehicle. If you want leather(like some misguided reviewers), buy a Pathfinder. If you want a solid vehicle, no-nonsense performance, good off-road performance (even with an SE), and reasonable creature comforts (go for the Pathfinder for Luxury), then buy this vehicle. No other brand fits this niche. By the way, this is an SUV, so dont expect great mileage. Pros include power, great engineering, comfort, utility, great handling (for an SUV), and the rear bumper side steps (just cleared the snow off the top, awesome). Cons: uneducated buyers. If you want a car- like ride or economy, buy a hybrid sedan.

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  2004 nissan titan le - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By titanz - May 21 - 9:26 pm

  the nissan titan is by far the best truck built today however, because of this there are a few kinks that have to be worked out but overall it is powerful, great looking and a thrill to drive.

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  In Love With My Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Dutchess Rogue - May 21 - 5:03 pm

  Ive had my 08 Rogue SL for 6 months and I can honestly say "Im in love with my Rogue." Ive had a RAV and a Tribute. They cant compare to my Rogue. I picked the Blue and of course had to get the Bluetooth package with Bose and Xenon Headlights. Everyone that sees it loves it. I wouldnt give up my CVT for the world. Do not miss that archaic gear shift feel from the old days. I had an 07 Altima with the same 2.5 and CVT and glad that my Rogue came with the same. I average 25.8 mpg and couldnt be happier. I was averaging 31 mpg in the Altima, but I traded the slight difference in economy for utility. Fair trade off. Its great in the snow, on the highway and even around town.