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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  Drive it to believe it. - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By jenninc - March 31 - 10:00 am

  For under $20K my car can performs in a class with $40K competitors. Contrary to Edmunds own statistics, its capable of 7-7.1 second 0-60 times. Most 5- speeds will hit 60 in second gear, but the Spec-V is geared lower in 1st and 2nd and hence you must get into 3rd to hit 60 mph - but by that time youll have a smile plastered across your face. The car feels solid, with a suspension that makes most sedans feel like SUVs when cornering. Dual anti- sway bars and a front strut tower brace lend rigidity to the frame. Edmunds says its styling is boring, but compare it to car makers trying to be cool with their wavy lines, and the Spec-V simply looks better.

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  Ill buy another. - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Armando V - March 31 - 7:52 am

  I just bought a 2014 Altima SV I think the car is beautiful quiet with a load of technical upgrades and options available and Im very happy with it.

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  Sporty SUV - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By whoisthis - March 31 - 5:26 am

  This SUV drives like a BMW 328. Hugs the road in luxury, refined over bumps, takes off in a flash, mileage isnt too bad. A lot of city and some freeway avg. is 20.5. This is my first Nissan but I feel like I have an upgraded Infiniti for $10K less. Im 6 3" and I have a lot of room to spare. Backseat is huge.

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  I love my Maxima! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Hillary - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my Maxima! I hope my next car purchase is a Maxima!

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  Sexy Monastery - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Kena Ohea - March 31 - 2:00 am

  THis is the best V6 you can get out of a car before the millenium. It also has a great bose system and you can go cross country with this baby.

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  2001 Nissan Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By johnvent - March 31 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 Maxima SE has been an excellent vehicle. The engine is great, build quality and comfort are top notch. I love driving this car!

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  Love my Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By survivorqueen - March 30 - 1:30 pm

  In 2006, after much research, I was happy to decide on the Versa. I am tall and plus sized, the Versa is very spacious. The mileage seems to be the same as my previous Sentra. I did have problems with the vehicle. First there was a recall on the wiper arm (or in that area). Nissa didnt informed me. I found out about it online. Secondly, whenever I turned on the air conditioner, and turned off the car, there were problems when I tried to restart the car. The car wouldnt turn over. It took two years to finally repair. The fuel line had to be replaced. I too kept losing the hubcap. I lost two. Ive never had that problem with any other vehicle.

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  Fun to drive with high quailty - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Steve - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have driven it for 1 week, very happy to drive it. High quality can be found interior. Eco mode is a little weak but good EPA, I most drove by Normal mode, enough power for driving, Sport just for fun on the country back-way. some people often ask me about the car when I pump it or park.

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  High Quality, Fun to drive - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Steven - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I had drove it for 1 week, very happy to drive it. High quality can be found interior. Eco mode is a little weak but good EPA, I most drove by Normal mode, enough power for driving, Sport just for fun on the country back-way. some people often ask me about the car when I pump it or park.

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  Fantastic truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By osiris32080 - March 29 - 7:22 pm

  I was all about getting a Toyota Tacoma, drove several and liked the raised suspension, but the ride itself wasnt that strong. After I tested a Frontier, I was sold. Off-the-line pickup in this V6 reminds you of a V8. Have yet to tow anything, but have used the bed for hauling heavy furniture and havent noticed a change in the way it drives. There seems to be a strong dislike of the interior, but in my opinion, its a truck, and Im not expecting anything fancy. Very fun to drive, and even though I live in a big city, its not too hard to get around. Like previous reviews, the turning radius leaves much to be desired, but overall, I love this truck.