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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  Sloppy handing, massive blind spot, weak power - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By imvho - December 28 - 1:59 pm

  Rented an AWD version for 5 days for a long weekend trip with myself & SO & our 2 dogs for a trip to a place about 200 miles away. Never in my wildest (worst) dreams would I buy this vehicle. Yes, it has a very comfortable ride over the highway for both driver and front passenger, but the wimpy weak little engine just couldnt get enough guts to pass much of anything on a highway hill. And on the many winding, S-curve, 2-lane country back roads we took were an exercise in terror thanks to the massive blind spot from the huge A pillar on the drivers side - couldnt see if there were cars coming toward me around any curves without craning my neck one way or another. And the handling....well, it was like driving a marshmallow. Sloppy, wishy-washy, imprecise, just plain unpleasant. I had no feel of the road whatsoever. Granted, at the time my primary car was an Acura TL Type-S, so perhaps not fair to compare, but it was 10 years older than this Rogue, so I feel theres no excuse. I ended up buying a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring and it is almost as pleasing to drive as my beloved Acura. If you value handling, power/torque, as well as passenger comfort, RUN AWAY from the Rogue and give the Outback a try. (The other one to try would be a 2017 Infiniti QX50 - pretty amazing, but the Subaru 3.6R gives almost the same driving experience for a lot less money.)

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  Minivan with some pep! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Blacks in VA - December 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I said we would never own a minivan. However, Quest has won us over. We like the fact that it has the Maxima engine in it and is fun to drive. The van has some pep. It also has been a lifesaver with our kids. We can pop in a DVD and they actually stay quiet in the back. Gret for road trips!

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  Titan leave HEMI in the dust!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 1BadTitan - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a truck. Excellent handling, everything so far is just perfect. This is my first truck and it drives just like my other two Maxima. Well, a little more weight but overall, it feels exceptionally well. And lots of head turning when I drive down the road. Best bang for the buck as far as power, comfort. So much power under the hood. I tow a boat and hardy feel it behind the truck. Even pass a HEMI with the boat behind me!!!. The view is just incredible. It is very high up so you have a full commanding view of the road. And the interior is just HUGE. My 2 kids felt like they are in our living room. Now, You need to go and get one :)

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  what a truck!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By johnray - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best truck Ive ever driven. I have owned GMCs and drive a Ford at work. This truck is more comfortable than either the Ford or GMC. The Titan has lots of power which can be felt by the slightest touch of the accelerator. I have the captains seats up front and love the huge center console storage. Gas mileage isnt great, but is about what I was expecting. This is the 1st Nissan product that I have bought, but will definitely not be the last.

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  BUY THIS CAR! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MAXMAN - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Why should you buy this car: 1) The engine. Nissans V6 engine has long been considered among the best V6s built. 265 HP will blow you away. 2) The styling. There is no disputing that this is the best looking family sedan in the under $30 000 category. Park it next to an Accord, Camry, or Mazda 6 and youll be sold. 3) The interior. It is huge! Very comfortable and plenty of storage. 4) The reliabilty. Equal to Handa and Toyota. 5) The ride. You will not stop smiling when you are behind the wheel. I cant think of a single reason that anybody would buy an Accord or Camry over the Maxima. Maxima owners secretly laugh at Accord and Camry owners.

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  WRECKED MY NEW CAR - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By spazzzer - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I WAS VERY IMPRESSED MY WIFE AND KIDS JUST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH AN EXPLORER RUNNING A STOP SIGHN HITTING THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR AND TIRE MY DAUGHTER ONLY RECEIVED A SORE HEAD AND SOME BRUISES AS WELL AS MY WIFE AND OTHER DAUGHTER CLOSE TO 10,000 IN DAMAGE WAS DONE BUT NO BROKEN BONES.

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  33000 miles and still going - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By van - December 28 - 8:26 am

  Knew I would have to drive this vehicle for a while in order to give an honest assessment. It has been a great vehicle. Super engine, torque at any speed, and this is not a small vehicle. I have taken it light off-roading without issues, could definitely take much more abuse than Ive put it through. Have driven it from Washington to Arizona and Arizona to Texas and back without problems. Cavernous cargo bay when the seats are folded down. Doors and windows close with a solid "thunk". Xterra is the rugged mans SUV, super utilitarian. Its a vehicle that can go from dirt to pavement with unanimity, and haul all your stuff. Oh, and at this price point how can you beat it??

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  Good car some major flaws - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin - December 28 - 6:53 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and very fast . The Bose system installed is not Nissan quality. My base Saturn sounded much better than the stereo in my Nissan. This vehicle has been in the dealership for repairs more times than I can remember. The service department has taken good care of me while the vehicle was under warranty. Now everything is very expensive to fix. High pressure powersteering hose cost $225 just for the part. Cannot get these parts anywhere but Nissan. I have always dreamed of owning a Maxima and now I cant wait to wake up from this nightmare.

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  Fun, Smooth and Stylish! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By joannahb - December 28 - 1:50 am

  I recently purchased the Sentra SR model and I am very happy with it so far. I initially was interested in a Versa hatchback, but after test driving both, I feel that you get more for your money out of the Sentra. Its very roomy inside, quiet and smooth. It can turn on a dime and has very responsive handling. The CVT transmission is a little odd at first since it doesnt make the typical "vroom vroom" noise when you accelerate. It quickly got used to it and I found that it actually makes the whole driving experience quieter and less jerky. All in all it was a pleasure to drive. It feels like its made with quality, moreso than the Elantra, Scion xD, Focus, and Corolla I test drove that day.

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  ex-Ford Owner - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Stacks - December 28 - 12:23 am

  I have been a Ford truck driver for 30 years. When it came time to replace my F-150 xlt I did my homework and read-up and researched every truck that was in my buying zone. Nothing could beat the TITAN 4X4 for the money, I am one totally satisfied buyer.