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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  Tammie H - 2015 Nissan Rogue Select
  By Tammie H - October 8 - 6:30 pm

  The Nissan Rogue Select was cheaper then all the other SUVs and I wanted just a basic one. I opted for NO Sunroof I did request a backup camera and the hands free phone. We LOVE our SUV!!! It is SO comfortable and the second seat is very roomy compared to the other SUVs. Not a problem on gas it uses the 87 oct not 91 like my Mazda. Its very reliable and I feel safe in it! I am 5 9 and so we are tall people and when we go out we usually take our vehicle with comfort. My dram vehicle was an SUV I am 44 and I am so glad that I picked the Nissan Rogue Select. There only a slight difference between the Rogue and the Select. We made the right buy!!!! I do have to say that I would buy this vehicle again BUT do NOT get it with the luggage racks/rails on top. They cross winds will hit it just right and makes an AWEFUL sound!!!

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  Love it! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By pinkyjones - October 8 - 9:33 am

  I got my Xterra last November and love it! I never had an SUV before and was afraid I wouldnt be able to handle it. It handles great and is easy to drive. The gas mileage is not the greatest but is better than I expected. Tons of cargo room and lots of extras like extra outlets to charge stuff, cargo tie downs and netting to hold groceries. My only complaint is the stock tires. They do not grip well when it is wet. I also replaced the radio since the stock radio was lame.

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  Bought another one - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By subdal - October 7 - 4:12 pm

  I had a 2007, the beginning of this models current design. I was hit by a red light runner and the car was a total loss. I bought the car for $18,500.00 and after four years of ownership I received a check for $13,000.00. That means this great car was mine for only $114.59 a month. I could not believe it! It held its value so well.

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  What A Great Vehicle - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Pleased Customer - October 7 - 1:20 pm

  I purchased my Nissan at 32000 miles,I now have 394,000 miles. I still get excellent gas mileage 24 city and 30 hwy. This vehicle is driven slightly over 1000 miles weekly. I replaced the alternator due to a recall, only oil changes as recommended, tires and of course brakes. The Bose stereo system still sounds awesome. Slight tear on driver leather seat. If you perform the maintenance required on this auto I can surely guarantee you will find this car to be a keeper.I will continue to drive this car until sadly it has to go to the "Automobile Haven". This is truly is a well handling vehicle on highway.

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  Brakes and Gas Tanks - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Breaks and Gas Tanks - October 7 - 3:26 am

  Its a Very Good car overall. Its powerful and handles well. Its Roomy inside and the leather feels nice. I had some problems the dealer cannot fix. Brakes squeak in the morning when backing out of the drive way, Complained 6 times and the dealer really try to fix it but cannot. Another problem is when fueling. The pump shuts itself off because the tank does not have "air return"?? The dealer know of this problem and has ordered a new tank. The dealer said its the fuel pump inside the gas tank. About the squicky breaks, dealer said its the type of material Nissan uses on the breaks, no solutions.

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  Sweet Set of Baritone Pipes! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By 2003Brickyard - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Nothing compares to starting up my Z! The pipes just let out that sweeeet looooww sound! I love that car! Whew!!! If you are still considering purchasing one, then you are wasting valuable driving time!

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  Excellent - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Karen Settergren - October 7 - 2:00 am

  There has been 100s of people young and old who have told me "I love your car"

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By bill b. - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought one in 2002 and it made me buy another one again.

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  US cars no threat to Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By toriannecortez - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the best one Ive owned in many years. No problems, nodown time and great mileage!!

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  Did some one say fun? - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By DEEHROX310 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Spec V about three weeks ago and I have no regrets. Well maybe just one, shifting the gears feels really crunchy. Other than a little getting used to shifting, this car is one bad MOFO. The interior is roomier than any civic, Integra, or lancer that ive been in and the ride is smooth, even for the SPEC V suspension. If you do your home work you will see that that this bad boy offer more bang for your buck when comparing to the VW GTI, the Civic Si, the Neon SRT4 and the Focus SVT. Tests drive them all and make your own decision, but for the budget conscious sport car enthusiast the Spec V is definitely the way to go.