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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  2011 Juke - First Impressions - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By uwe2 - December 12 - 7:15 am

  I got my Juke last weekend - its my 3rd car, and supposed to be my "practical" vehicle - able to transport more than a briefcase, be pretty good at the gas mileage department, has a relatively cheap price, and handle reasonably well in bad weather, especially snow (the 2 other cars are a 2005 Porsche 911 Turbo S, and a 2009 Mustang Bullit - you can probably see my point). I picked the Juke as it offers a lot of bang for the buck (mine was listed for $24,100). It is naturally lacking some refinements e.g. interior material (lots of plastic), engine power. However, given what I was shooting for, this car definitely meets all requirements. Very unique class of car.

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  Nissan did it again! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By anne - December 11 - 5:10 pm

  I bought my first Nissan 3 years ago. Nissan altima. After having 2 bad accidents the second one totaled it out! Both accidents no one was hurt which made me a Nissan buyer forever! I miss my altima! Great gas mileage 33 mpg! Roomy. Quiet and nice on the freeway! You will be become a Nissan buyer for ever take my word! Thank you Nissan for saving my husbands life!

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  Nissan needs improvement - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Tab - December 11 - 4:20 pm

  I bought a 2010 Sentra in April and Ive already put 13,445 miles on it. I drive a lot for work. The one thing I really wish they had is cruise control. Why is not standard. I dont know. Also, theres only power source. I use a GPS and a cell phone so I have interchange the two, which is annoying. Some things should just be standard. Overall, its not a bad car for someone who doesnt drive that much.

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  My Titan has Frontier Brakes - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tom - December 11 - 2:56 pm

  My brakes are terrible. The dealer and Nissan have been trying to fix it since 3900 miles. Now, 4 months later and 5000 more miles, it is still not repaired. Nissan Consumer Affairs doesnt care about anyone. It took them 2.5 weeks just to call back and aclnowledge my problem and then they said that they cannot get any parts? They said that I will just have to wait! Not me, I am gonna dump this for something that can be repaired! I have also had tire troubles, squeaks and a new ceiling console. NISSAN better rethink this one! Best of luck to any other owners of the TITAN!

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  Great small car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Dreama - December 11 - 1:13 pm

  I purchased this car new with about 12 miles on it and now 5+ years later it has 44,000+ on it. I really love it. Its fun to drive this 5 speed. I have a lead foot. Great gas mileage. My son and I fight over who gets to drive it. I have replaced the rear brakes, including the calipers. I havent had any problems. Recently an exhaust issue, the replacement OEM will be 595.70 for the muffler. WOW that is expensive. I havent found it less expensive yet. Ill keep looking on the web for a better deal.

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  Wheres my Mileage? - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Diane - December 11 - 10:50 am

  I traded in a Hyundai Santa Fe on this car back when the gas prices skyrocketed. I was told I would get 35 mpg. Not. I gave up many extras that I had on the Santa Fe (heated seats, leather interior, etc.) Not worth it. I drive 42 miles round trip to work 5 days a week and get about 28 mpg. I make a 5-6 trips from Cincy to Columbus (about 200 miles) and only get 29-30 mpg. This may not seem like a lot but I would have been better off with the Hyundai, it was paid off.

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  Well traveled - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By white_devil - December 11 - 9:32 am

  My wife and I bought this car w/ 35k on it in 08. We have driven it w/out...W/OUT problems on numerous road trips. From Ft. Stewart, Ga,(home)cross-country,(round trip), to San Diego, Ca w/ a stop to see family in Shreveport, La for a week. Got to San Deigo to see more family for 2 weeks. While in SD, my wifes friend was getting married in Sacramento. Drove up to see that. Ive made countless trips to Atlanta. (7-8hr round trip) 4 trips to San Antonio,Tx. 5 trips to Shreveport. Jacksonville every other weekend. My wife took her friend to New Hampshire to visit her family. All this travel + daily commutes to college, work, day care, ect. Has 110k today. All of this w/ NO PROBLEMS. None.

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  2004 Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Joyce - December 11 - 7:30 am

  Safety issues with this car. Towed twice for different problems. The transmission had to be replaced. Had to replace front wheel bearings. The alternator bracket broke and split the alternator cable (this one year after an alternator recall).

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  The best minivan - 2013 Nissan Quest
  By carlsbad2 - December 11 - 5:51 am

  We had Honda Odysseys for 12 years one if them a top of the line Touring. No real complaints but the Quest LE is better. The vehicle is luxurious. The ride is superb for a van. This van is overlooked by many buyers and as a result there are big discounts to be had on remaining 2013s. Every gadget you could imagine . Technically less cargo space than others but the seats fold flat to a Make cargo room rather than get removed. Leg room in the first row is wonderful. I am 6.4 used to feeling crowded in most vehicles not this one

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  My Favorite Car... Ever - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve - December 10 - 1:40 pm

  This is by far the best car I have owned and I have owned pretty serious horsepower cars. This thing is a blast to drive, it turns heads, and it feels good handling wise.