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:

• 

  Loves It - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Gwynne - April 12 - 6:50 am

  After graduating from college and getting my first "real" job I decided it was time to upgrade my car. Ive always wanted a Murano but couldnt see spending that kind of money. I saw a commercial for the Rogue and went to check it out. Fell in love right away. Its the perfect solution to not being able to afford the Murano. I love driving it! Its a great size and easy to park which is important for me b/c I park in small parking garages in Chicago. It drives so smooth and I love that you dont feel the engine shifting (or whatever). My gas mileage isnt great.. mixed hwy/city Ive had 18 mpg, but Ive only filled up twice. Im keeping an eye on it.

• 

  Iphone and Aux Audio system.. - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By et2aussie - April 11 - 7:20 pm

  I really like everything about my maxima. Except that they only have a usb port to use with your mp3 player and if you have an iPod, it wont work. I have an iphone and wont work when I plug it to the audio system of my car.

• 

  2008 Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By jim strauss - April 11 - 6:43 pm

  Nice care for the money. Spacious interior, and decent ride. Could use a little more power, but we didnt buy it to be a sports car. We just wanted a reliable family sedan, and the Versa exceeds that need.

• 

  Great Little/Big Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Justin - April 10 - 5:16 pm

  Just got my Versa, liked the options on the SL but got a S with same upgrades for a lot less. Great on gas. Interior is awesome. Best new car I have purchased yet.

• 

  Nissan aced this truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Dwight - April 9 - 8:16 pm

  I have owned Fords for over 12 years Great trucks but it was time for a change. The big thing was the fuel mpg for what i need a truck for a V8 is too much motor. If you need a kid hauler and you shop at Costco or Home Depot then you need to go test drive a Nismo crewcab. Mpg on highway has been 22.7 in town is 17 to 18. Good sound system every time I am out someone says NICE TRUCK.. I am so sold on this truck tons of power and fun to drive. Gooo drive one put your foot into it.

• 

  Great Blend of Handling, Ride, Power! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By hgwells - April 9 - 7:30 am

  I found this car to be the best blend of looks, power, handling, ride, quality and fun-to-drive compared to Lexus 350, Infiniti G-37, BMW 328i and Hyundai Genesis. It is a great value and vastly under-rated in some professional car magazines. CVT transmission, HID headlights and audio system are among the best. (Somewhat taut suspension is fine on most roads but sensitive to poor ones.) Ive had it 13 months and no problems at all. Service at two dealers has been fine.

• 

  Completely Satisfied! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mahipalc - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I am completely satisfied with my brand new 03 Pathfinder LE. I waited to write this review until I went on a recent 1200 mile trip to the mountains to see more of this cars performance in tough conditions. One word, Excellent. Safe, solid, comfortable and fun to drive. Though the mileage is poor it is improving all the time. It definitely lacks some of the nice little features that the JGC I previously owned had like the trip computer and powerlumbar support but who cares when you are getting such a solid reliability and comfort in exchange. I just love the car, period.

• 

  In Like, but not In Love - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By The Real Superman - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I havent had this car for very long, but the time I have had it is sort of love/hate. I love the power, the Bose system, the coolness factor. I hate the gas mileage, the interior design, the road noise. It doesnt handle in the twisties the way I thought it would. And torque steer can be scary. But it is very roomy and reasonably comfortable for long trips. I sort of miss my 97 Maxima:-(

• 

  Great Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By bogeyboy - April 8 - 6:43 am

  I am a Honda person so I was a little nervous about buying my first Nissan. I have owned the vehicle for over a year and have been extremely happy with everything from the performance to the look and feel of this car. No problems as of yet (27,000 miles and going strong) and looking forward to many years of owning this vehicle.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By AW - April 7 - 10:12 pm

  Luxury car without luxury price