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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  Z Z Tops - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Norman Hindley - December 15 - 12:30 am

  Im 60 years old and bought the Z for myself as a reward for living this long. Ive owned it for 8 months and during this period Ive enjoed it like no other auto Ive ever owned. The Z is pleasing to the eye, reliable, easy to drive (meaning Im not always shifting in traffic. The Z accelerates in 6th going up steep hills.), Gets about 23mpg,if driven in a sane manner, has plenty of guts under the hood, its exhaust note is pure Coltrane, the steering and the Zs ability to stick where its aimed is very reassuring as is the braking. Ive only broken rear- end loose once, and it was my error not the Zs. The car is forgiving. The trunk is plenty big enough for family shopping needs.

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  Nice handling vehicle. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Two Old Crows - December 14 - 3:23 pm

  Now I understand why all the complaints on this forum about the poor visibility out the rear of these Rogues. I was backing down my driveway at night and scraped the left rear wheel rim on a low stone wall because I couldnt judge distance properly due to the small rear window. Hope my gas mileage improves. Lowest has been 19.9 and highest is 21.6. Vehicle has less than 2000 miles on it, so Im hoping for improvement as my mileage increases. Car drives and handles beautifully.

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  Not so beautiful beauty - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Lorrie Hyatt - December 14 - 2:47 pm

  I love the exterior and interior of my 2017 Nissan but I am extremely unhappy about the way it drives. All of the technical bells and whistles work fine but the engine is VERY LOUD. It gets even louder when you try to accelerate . Acceleration is slow so you have to wait until all cards near and far have gone by to change lanes because it moves very slow and the gas peddle seams as though it is pulling back when you try to press the peddle down harder. Cars constantly ride up on the back of me while Im waiting for it to finally speed up Its been to the shop 3 times since I purchased it but the mechanics cant find anything wrong with it. Ive only had it for 4 months and I cant wait to trade it in for something more dependable. Very frustrating.

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  145K miles and still going strong - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By greenquarter - December 14 - 1:13 pm

  I bought mine new and it has been amazing! Approaching 150K miles, its just now starting to wear down (new water pump and deteriorating engine mount were a problem at 140K miles), but other than routine maintenance this car has been a gem. While under warranty I had minor problems, such as power window failing, but thats it. Spacious backseat for a compact car, lots of storage, decent sound system. Handling is sporty for a compact, as well. Interior feels more expensive than it is. Great value for the money! Gas mileage could be lots better for a small car (rarely got better than 25 mpg highway, usually 22 city). Owning this car has been a very positive experience!

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  Very Surprised - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By boysen - December 14 - 10:07 am

  I bought my 3.5SR wit 24,000 miles on it and I am very happy with it. I have the fully loaded edition. Drives smooth, very comfortable, the leather is great quality and it has 270 hp so it is a blast to drive. I drove 210 miles and used 1/2 of a tank. I am 6-2 and have wide shoulders but i feel small in the car because it had tons of room up front and in back. My friend is taller than me and has plenty of leg room while sitting behind me. Its a sound car with no rattles or hollow sounds. Well built. I would recommend a altima to anyone.

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  Best I ever had! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dupedj - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has turned out to be the best car I have ever owned, it seems as if every day I drive I seem to like it more & more... Plenty of power and handles very well. I seem to drive more than the average person and my commute flys by in the car.

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  Oustanding SUV!!! - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Relichunter00 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Ford Explorer a couple of years ago and thought "if this is what SUVs are like, I dont want one", but after some prodding by my wife we started looking and found this one. It has been an absolute joy to drive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Awesome freaking car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Peatrie - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best Ive owned. I went from a 98 Neon to My 02 sentra and I love this car. The 6 speed manual is easy to shift and the stereo is awesome. The sub could use a little more power but still awesome. The styling really looks ballzy.

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  03 SE Glacier Pearl - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By giant56 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Max (previously owned 93 GXE and 98 SE). Love the Xenon headlamps, roominess, power and ammenities. I hope this vehicle is as dependable as the other Maxs I have owned. This is the main reason I checked out the Maxima a third time.

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  Not like the 93 - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lk - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Should have 4 wheel dics brakes! Lose the drum brakes. My 93 stopped much better. Head rest move to freely. No back hatch release.