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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  I love my Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By pantherhawk27263 - January 22 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my Versa at the end of September, 2008. I love everything about it. Ive had only one problem (a faulty gas cap causing the check engine light to come on) and I have only two things I could complain about. 1) I would like a lock that can be opened with the key on the hatch door, and 2) the heater/defroster seems to take longer to warm up than any other car Ive owned. Item 1 could probably be solved by having power locks, but I didnt want them so I have to unlock the drivers door to unlock the hatch. I also disagree with reviews complaining of a lack of performance. I cant keep this car at the speed limit! I have a manual transmission, so that may the difference. Buy one these!

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  You Should Buy an 06 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Terry - January 22 - 1:33 pm

  The Altima is very under-rated when compared with the Camry & Accord. It is better than good on gas mileage, very spacious inside, beautiful outside and a pleasure to drive on long trips or around town. Im proud to own this car. (Please note that this is my 2nd. Altima, Ive owned an Accord & currently own 2 Corollas).

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Lesley Bowen - January 22 - 10:10 am

  This has been a excellent vehicle, no problems at all, and we now have over 40K miles on it. May lease another one.

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  i love this car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By peter f. - January 22 - 7:05 am

  i keep reading how people have issues with power.have any of you ever driven a car with overdrive before?overdrive is like the fifth gear in a manual,it is only for highway driving.city driving and back roads you turn off overdrive.when i drive mine and am getting on the highway my overdrive is off until i get up to speed and think it has great pickup.i havent had any other problems like the muffler issue or bad allignment.did have to change fuel injectors but not in an amount of time that would make me think it is substandard.had a bad o2 sensor,same story.i would buy this car again

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  Lovin it so far - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By ers - January 22 - 4:30 am

  Ive had the SL for three weeks and I love it. I considered an Avalon, a G35x, a Passat, and the Maxima. For me, it was the best combination of sportiness, size, reliability and looks.

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  Luxury - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By jbesad01 - January 21 - 6:36 pm

  I got mine for 3,200 from a private seller who had taken good care of it since the day it was bought. The inside of this car is beautiful. I felt like I was driving something I paid $20,000 for. Great combination of power and mileage. I got 33mpg once on a long trip. I love this car.

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  Great Commuter - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By djjerabek - January 21 - 10:13 am

  I was looking specifically for a fun car with an automatic transmission to share the daily driving chores with my 5-speed manual Miata. Other subcompacts that I tested just didnt have the get-up-and-go that the SE-R provided. Dont know what other car would provide this type acceleration with an automatic transmission and still get 27 mpg.

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  LOVE IT! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By cody - January 21 - 9:26 am

  Its worth every penny. Before I bought this truck I test drove the F-150 and the Tundra and neither compared. The power and torque are amazing. The gas mileage isnt that great but what do you want from a 5.6L V8. The flatbed carries more than a ton and it tows what it says it can. Its very easy to maintain and always gives me peace of mind that I will get to where ever Im going safely. The interior is huge, I still am finding new places to put things in. Totally recommend to anyone in the truck market, this truck is much better than the F-150 by a long shot for value, price, and quality.

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  Sarah & Toms Ride - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Sarah & Tom - January 21 - 5:40 am

  Love everything about it, glad we went with the 07, Nissan just keeps getting better and better all the time :) This is our 4th Nissan, great performance machines ! Loved the Armada we traded for the Maxima but gas prices were not so good, so we decided on the Maxima. Great choice love the looks you get when you are setting at a red light :) It sure turns heads that is for sure. We love everything about it.

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  Best little car Ive ever owned - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Mac88 - January 21 - 2:16 am

  Bought this car with the idea to save money in the future to counter possible rising gas prices, and I was surprised at the design and overall quality. The CVT tranny is a little weird at first, but its a great performer. Some may say its boring, but if you just want to drive and not worry about shifting or rpms then this is the one. Torque right off the bat is good, you can feel it in the seats, once car is at the speed you want, rpm goes down low, and its quiet, surprisingly quiet on the freeway for a small car. Small on the outside, roomy on the inside. Big trunk, good styling, and fairly wide. Its comfortable enough for my commute, AC kicks butt, a real quality motor, quiet at idle.