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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  My Second Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jaksie B. - March 10 - 11:17 am

  I had 2009 Rogue before it got hit for the 2nd time and it was totalled. Decided to get 2016 Rogue and I love it! The whole exterior and interior are completely upgraded from 2009. The 2016 feels very comfortable, just like 2009, maybe better! Wish the road noise was better (same as 2009). Not sure if this is right, but it feels like the 2009 Rogues acceleration was better than 2016! Yes, I remember it is a 4-cylinder, but my 2009 was awesome and felt so good when I hit the gas pedal. It feels like theres a lot more resistant on 2016 when I hit the gas pedal. Other than that, I LOVE all the safety features that 2016 has.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By mike - March 10 - 6:43 am

  Had mine for 17 months. Great truck as the tile says. Fuel mileage isnt great but with the engine this thing has I am not surprised. This thing with a trailer will walk off from any Ford I have owned or driven and I have had nothing but Fords for the last 30 years until now. Drove a new 2009 F150 and it still doesnt compare. I have had no issues whatsoever and am very happy with the truck.

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  Love the Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Qbert - March 10 - 4:53 am

  I purchased this car with help from the CARS program. I fell in love with it the first time I drove it and I had to have it. I went from a super powered V8 truck to this little touring car and what it lacks in power it makes up in fun-ability. It drives like a go cart and it handles great on my curvy- mountain drive. Inside: Bluetooth, ipod connectivity, sat. radio, cool 20 led lites, cup holders in the right spots, ROOOOOMY and comfortable making my 32 mile commute (dare i say) FUN! Back seats flip down and my dog loves riding back there. Cool design is a head turner and ppl stop me daily or get the thumbs up from strangers. If you like the way it looks, you will love the way it drives..

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  My Max - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Lenita - March 10 - 2:46 am

  The new Maxima is great to look at and drive, however, the third week my check engine soon light came on and its a brand new car. Thats scary, other than that I am in LOVE with the Max.

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  No Regrets - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By John R. Poirier, Esq - March 9 - 5:03 pm

  I love the new car. Have had it for a week and it is every bit as fun to drive as Id hoped. Best of all, since I sprung for the window security etching and the lojack, the discounts we got on our auto insurance makes it no more expensive to insure than what I was paying for my corolla. I havent really pushed the engine much, but I can tell that if I did punch it, Id be pressed back into my seat. It rides and handles very similiar to my wifes more expensive BMW 325is. In other words, it corners like its on rails. Ride is stiff (sport suspension) but the roads here are pretty smooth, so no big deal. Steering is very precise, not mushy at all. Id definitely recommend the car.

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  Pathfinder over Honda and Toyota - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By joe siudock - March 9 - 2:03 pm

  Pathfinder is just a super deal. Compare in price its thousands over Honda and Toyota. Honda profit is unbelievable low with dealers having few options on sales. Toyota you can only find $35000 values. Ride may not be as nice as Honda but resale is about the same everywhere. Fords products just dont hold value and my 2008 Explorer EB was so fair at best Didnt like the high tech rear view mirror falling off the windshield. Pathfinder is pure Japanese. Quality, looks and driving above the rest. Proud owner of a 2001 Pathfinder Le 4x4 which is so super and the top of the line 2010 Maxima. My 25th Nissan and Im proud of everyone.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Happy - March 9 - 10:40 am

  Ive owned this car since November and Im still smiling. I was going to buy an 02 Altima but a loaded Altima V6 would have been only $1K-2K less than a GLE Maxima. I test-drove a Maxima and I was SOLD! The car has incredible power. My dad is looking to replace his 99 Avalon with an 02. I told him to take a good look at the Maxima because you get A LOT more for less money. I havent had one problem with the car (and I drive it hard). The 02 Maxima is a GREAT car.

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  The Best I Ever Had - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By carz10 - March 8 - 7:46 am

  I just bought my Max 02 SE and have had for 3 weeks now. It is great. I am now a 4 time owner of a Maxima. Prevous I have owned a 1989 SE, 1993 SE and a 1995 SE. They just get better with time. What I like about the 02 is how quiet it is and the interior layout. The car feels tight, handles great, and needless to say with 255 HP it,s a bargin.

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  Cant live w/o a truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By flashbang - March 8 - 2:00 am

  stop by to pick up my tags for the 03 Altima I just bought last week. My 94 Ford Ranger 4x4 ( 170k miles) was killing me on gas. They had just got in this Sand Dune color Frontier. After a quick test drive I couldnt stand it anymore I had driven a truck for 8 yrs and had to have another. The ride is awesome and the long bed absorbs most of the road bounce. My wife loves the truck more than me I think. Anyway I was able to use my companies VPP (vehicle purchase program) agreement with Nissan to knock off $3800.

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  Wicked Ride - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Jtjr - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I was choosing between a Golf GL, Acura RSX base a Honda Civic Si Veloz edition and the Spec V. Drove all four and checked out the insurance rates for all. The Spec V won. After taking the Honda out a realizing how good the fuel mileage was I thought that was the one. I then took out the Spec V. If your into power and control, its a no brainer to get the Spec V. Almost a year into it and Im loving it!