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:

• 

  So Far So Good - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Nadeem - February 22 - 10:00 am

  It has been three months now with my ALtima SL. So far I am very much pleased with its performance. Fuel economy is outstanding and ride is quite comfy. Dash layout is the simplest you can think off. All necessary buttons are well laid out. The only thing which gives little bit inconvenient feel for me is that when you press the throttle for a rapid acceleration the engine roars quite a bit and gets silent when it reaches to a certain ratio of CVT gear. Other then that overall satisfied with this purchase

• 

  Pleasantly Surprised - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Melissa - February 22 - 7:23 am

  I must say, when I stopped at the Nissan dealer, I wasnt even considering a Sentra. But as soon as I sat in it, I knew I had to get it on the road. The test drive confirmed what I already knew when I first sat in the car. I was in love!! The cars smooth ride and shifting is seamless thanks to the CVT. Im a tall girl, 59 and it is extremely roomy even in the back seat. I ended up getting the "Convenience Package" and it was well worth it. I had every intention of buying a Civic, but you get SO much more for your money with the Sentra. I LOVE MY NEW CAR!!!!

• 

  A great car for the BUCK! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By ikalinin - February 21 - 10:20 am

  What can I say, before buying the Murano, Ive test driven the RX 350, FX35 and the Pilot. Ive got about 11k miles on it already, and so far, so good! I get about 19-21 mpg mostly city driving, and it handles great. The 3.5 award winning engine is great and easy maint.

• 

  Fun tank to drive! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By girlofsummer - February 21 - 2:06 am

  The 2006 Xterra has amazing power. It definitely gets up and goes on the freeway. Im amazed at the smooth and quiet ride.

• 

  My New 2007 Nissan Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Dottie - February 20 - 4:00 pm

  Have only had this car for 2 weeks and have decided it is the best car I have ever owned. Handles great, smooth ride, unbeatable shifting, more power than any other vehicle before. Classic beautiful color, interior. Bose radio & Satellite unbeatable. Heated automatic leather seats pure pleasure. Hands free phone is great. Love it.

• 

  Best Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Larry Mathews - February 20 - 9:43 am

  I have owned every in the $30,000 to $40,000 range. Nissan maxima has proven to be the best. Performance, driving, warranty and gas mileage. I own a 2010 with everything and its a dream car to drive. I think the only car better is infinity. Maxima has redesigned this car with you in mind. The driver seat fits you like a race car. You feel very safe and secure. Gas mileage is okay as long as you dont get on it. All I can say is what a car. Im very happy. Sincerely, Larry Mathews

• 

  Long time Nissan owner - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Chris - February 20 - 2:03 am

  This is a very nice riding car. Handles well on poor driving surfaces. Gas mileage is not what I would like, but Ive been driving a 4cyl Altima for the last 12 years. One poor feature is passenger side mirror visibility. Windows are tinted & headrest are very large. I had to install fisheye mirrors to improve field of vision. Other than that the Murano is a great buy.

• 

  Lovemymaxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By maximamike - February 19 - 4:03 pm

  Great car and fun to drive. Combines good looks, performance and comfort. Anything less is unacceptable, anything more is unnecessary.

• 

  Better than advertised - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Edwin - February 19 - 3:16 pm

  On the highway on 2 occasions in a row I got over 500 miles on one tank of gas - better even than advertised. This is a great car. I have a friend who has a Fit and he drools over my car - its got more space, same mileage, more power (the fit is like driving a wind-up toy), and the CVT is incredible - what a smooth ride. I have 3 cars - 1 Honda, 1 Toyota, and 1 Nissan. I got the Versa for $1200 less than the Fit for a top of the line model and got the one I wanted right away. Impossible with a Fit.

• 

  Rogue Beats the Competition - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By AutoNut134 - February 19 - 12:16 pm

  After exhaustive internet research and several trips to the car dealers and several test drives, I (and my wife) decided that the Rogue simply offered the most bang for the buck. Some of the factors we took into consideration were fuel economy, safety features, trade-in value, and price. The Mariner was excluded because of price and no stability control. The RAV4 was nice but Toyota wouldnt really deal and I didnt like the spare on the outside. The CRV was the closest competitor with good quality and a nice feel. The Roque has plenty of power good fuel econ and high tech toys. This car fit our needs nicely. Easy to drive and park. Has a good quality feel. Traded in an 05 Pathfinder.