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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  Great car overall, some design issues - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By AT - May 19 - 2:50 pm

  Great, zippy car. I love driving my Sentra SR! One issue - the gas pedal is set a little high and too far back for me (I am 54"). When I adjust seat to compensate, my knee hits steering column. Otherwise, it is a pleasure to drive and I am having a great time with this new purchase.

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  Love My Sentra - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Denise - May 17 - 9:13 pm

  I test drove Nissan Sentra and just fell in love with it. It handled the curves well and had great pick up and go. I really liked how comfortable the seats were and how smooth the ride was. Having an auxiliary input jack for my MP3, Trip computer with outside temp, distance to empty, and steering wheel mounted audio controls was just extra icing on the cake.

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  Awesome 4x4 with Loads of Features! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Hypnosis4u2nv - May 17 - 6:20 pm

  I looked at the Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Murano. None had all the standard features this truck has. I was sold on its powerful 270HP V6 engine, 5 speed auto trans, 4 wheel limited slip, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, ABS, selectable 4WD Hi-Lo, independent front/rear wishbone suspension and 3rd row fold flat seating. Whew! And thats just a few of the features that it comes with, all STANDARD! No extra packages to buy. Since Ive never been a fan with leather/moonroof/DVD navigation, its comforting to know I didnt have to buy any of those packages to get the extras. Look into this car if your in the market for an SUV.

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  1995 Nissan Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Missilelaunch - May 16 - 3:36 pm

  This has been a excellent car. I ahve added a 10,000 Stereo and a supercharger to a car that I bought with 100,000 miles. It has never given me any problems aside from needing a new oxygen sensor.

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  2012 Nissan Frontier SV Sport Appearance - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By frontier21 - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the 2012 Nissan Frontier Sport Appearance crew cab a month ago, and I love it! I couldnt stand the gas mileage in my 07 f-150 5.4L anymore, so I traded for the Frontier. I tow a fairly heavy 20 ft. flats boat, and I was nervous at first about towing with the V6 versus my big 5.4L. The Frontier does perfect! Pulling power is impressive, and the suspension actually feels better than the ford when loaded down. Gas mileage is impressive compared to the 12-15 I was getting, I drive a mixture of city/ highway and right now Im getting 19.4. I would definitely recommend this truck to anyone looking to get away from the MPG of a full-size truck without sacrificing ANY power.

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  Love this truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By qthornton - May 14 - 11:10 pm

  This truck handles close to a sports car, its unreal. The power of 5.6 V8 is awesome. It can pull about anything you put behind it love it.

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  Xterra 4x4 - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By rthinchey - May 14 - 8:37 pm

  Great truck to drive on and off road. Very easy to maintain. Works very well off road, Ive never been stuck or left stranded. Great vehicle in the snow, mud, rain, sand, and anything else you can throw at it

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  2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By silverbullet77 - May 14 - 6:20 am

  Well, there is a reason my handle is silverbullet. These new frontiers will get up and leave just about any other truck on the road, plenty of power, plus a little more in mine, comfy interior, beautiful design, and all around nice ride.

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  Great Truck!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By GAJeepMike - May 14 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this truck, I knew Nissan trucks had a great reputation for dependability (Ive personally known many to last 250K+ miles without a worry), but now you can add practical and fun to their reputation. With all the features, (i.e. crew cab, CD changer, V6, bed extender, roof top luggage rack, etc.) this truck couldnt be more practical, nor more fun to drive.

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Ana Valdez - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I am so happy that I bought this car! It drives so smooth! I highly recommend.