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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  Good Choice - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By D Choy - July 19 - 6:30 am

  This is 2nd vehicle by Nissan we owned. Loved how it drives and its sharp looks. Little disappointed about 21 MPG during a recent trip (mostly hwy driving). It has about 3500 miles now. Otherwise it is a great vehicle to drive, handles very well.

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  Fantastic Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By lz - July 19 - 4:53 am

  I sold Hondas and Acuras for seven years and I thought that they were a gift to the automotive public. The truth is that they are damn good cars, but the Maxima is truly an exceptional car when one examines it closely. The V6 out performs any other V6 in its class and those well above it. The layout of the controls, the quality of the materials, and the interior space are all unequaled in a sedan at this price. It is a good handling car, it brakes well, and it has very good safety features. Plenty of trunk space, and a great Bose stereo brings it together.

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  Great Family Car/Daily Driver in one - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Virginia Gentleman - July 18 - 5:13 pm

  Great car, cool looking, hatchback is cooler looking but I like the huge trunk room of the sedan. Rides great for econ car, better than most mid size cars. Lots of room for long legged people. Acceleration is good, not that I really care about that, the car has lots of options and standard options I like. Best looking car of its class, very modern look. It is Our 1st Nissan and so far we are very impressed. Easy to park, even in city. Ride is nice , I have a bad back so I feel all the bumps on the road and it is the only econ car that I have ridden in that doesnt cause me undue pain, and comfy seats, and head doesnt hit roof when on bumpy roads like some econ cars. THE BEST.

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  Third Titan - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By MOTS - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my 3rd. Titan Crew Cab. Drove a Ford and traded it for my 2nd. Titan. Liked my Titan better. Bought another one. Just drove home about 200 miles at 70-75 mph and average 18 mpg. Not bad for a truck. I am very pleased with all my Titans. Great quality at a good price. Nissan has made some changes from electric fans to engine mounted fan and interior changes. Few less bells and whistles that I liked on my previous Titans. Still love the truck.

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  First New Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By fatal_degree - July 18 - 8:20 am

  This is my first ever never used car. The fuel economy is spot on estimate during the summer months. Under estimate in winter (bear in mind fuel mixtures are different in winter). I do mostly 55mph+ driving, with city errands and cruising on the weekends. First and second gear have good power for its size. Im always tearing up my tires. A lighter flywheel would make the shifting more responsive. After driving a series of beaters that lacked, power, heat, AC, floorboards and door windows that functioned, this little car is like a dream. Super quiet! I often have people ask me if its on. Spacious. Handles wind shear well... ever driven a tiny Ford Festiva in the wind? HUGE difference!

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  Nissan Love - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By LL - July 18 - 2:53 am

  I love the new Nissan Altimas! I traded in my 2003 for a 2005 and I am not disappointed at all. The V6 has power, performance and get handling power. I you have interest in Nissans....check out the Altima!

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  The best smaller SUV on the market now! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tsar1269 - July 17 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased the AWD SL version in black with a black leather interior. I added all the bells and whistles as options to the car and it rocks! When I went to pick it up in the showroom, there was a crowd of people surrounding it. It is a show stopper! My favorite thing with this car is the bluetooth integration. I love being able to make calls from the car thru voice activation. It has never confused a command I speak or get a number wrong when I speak to it. The leather interior is flawless. You have as much leg room in the back seat as the front. I also love the fact that the glove box is big enough for a laptop if you so wish.

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  Best Truck Ive Owned - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By JB - July 17 - 5:00 am

  This is the first vehicle I have owned and not looked forward to trading for a new one. The truck is fun to drive, sits very high, and makes you feel like the king of the road. Smooth ride, great looks, comfortable seats all around, and more interior space than you could imagine. Deep console is great for storing anything and everything, with ability to lock for security. Honestly best truck on the market for comfort and reliability. Solid truck. Repair shop said Titans are the most reliable trucks with the fewest problems.

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  What the others are missing! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ted - July 16 - 4:06 am

  The Versa is a Renault design. Going all the way back to the Renault Dauphine, they are the only small cars I have ever seen with no front wheel well incursion into the passenger cabin. Not only can a tall driver stretch out, you also have lots of leg room side to side. It feels as comfortable and spacious as a Cadillac, to me. As I often rent cars to tour Europe, I am accustomed to the style and it is not goofy, to me. It is actually something distinctive. As the French invented front drive and have been making quality small cars for 50 years, I was ready for some Franco style and design in a Nissan package!

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  Great Truck! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Marc - July 16 - 3:03 am

  Bought this (XE Crewcab) w/11000 miles on it. Had an 05 Impala and wanted a truck. Looked at the other trucks, but once I drove this I was hooked! Its a fun truck to drive and own. Looks good, sounds good, and with the power available, its FAST (love the acceleration, when you need it). The whole family fits in it comfortably and whats more, safely! I thought the bed might be too small, but with the tailgate down and the bed extension down Ive hauled a queen size mattress set with no problem. A little hard on the gas, but as others have said "Its a truck", if I was concerned about gas I would have purchased another car. Overall, an excellent vehicle!