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:

• 

  nice crossover if you do not need real SUV - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By stevko - June 26 - 9:51 pm

  I bought this car in Aug11 used from Hertz car rental 15.500$ an 2010 S AWD model with 38000mile on. After 6mon in use I decided to write this review as I used this page to choose the Rouge. I was looking for SUV but did not wanted pay the higher price and more on gas, therefore I was looking at sportage, tuscon, forester and rouge. I choose Nissan as I drove nissan sentra before and rogue is basically lifted sentra kind of w/ AWD and SUV look, car like driving and SUV feel and safety. We live in NortWest so this kind of car is ideal. I doesnot need fancy ride and towing capabilities so city like SUV = Rogue was an good choice. And the price was 1.500 - 2000 lesser than those others.

• 

  should be called TITAN - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By grnii627 - June 26 - 9:50 pm

  Formerly owned three large suv ( ford/lincoln)... none had the superior cargo space, moviing space or body room. Nissan is a pioneer in the minivan family owned industry, amazing design and options all parent and child friendly. Will purchase again, no question.

• 

  Excellent choice - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jp - June 26 - 2:56 pm

  This is my third Nissan vehicle. Have not had any problems with this 2.5 altima. It has leather seats, moon roof, Bose system. After driving my 92 Nissan truck for years without any problems and my 2000 frontier without any problems, I decided that Nissan was by far the best, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Both pickups are still running today and had 189,000 miles or more on them when I traded them in. This 2006 altima exceeds my expectations everytime I drive it. I knew the engine would be a little bit louder than other cars because of the timing chain instead of a timing belt. But in my opinion makes it more reliable.

• 

  The best SUV - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By RCKEV - June 25 - 9:50 pm

  I picked up my Xterra after driving Explorers for 12 years. This is the best truck I have ever owned. It performs flawlessly whether going in town shopping or to my favorite mtn bike trail in the mtns, it has been perfect. I avg 18-19 in mixed driving. I have never been so happy with an suv. This thing is twice the suv my Explorer was. Better engine better ride all around sound. Ill be driving this one till it falls apart

• 

  Prod date 11/04 compared to a 03/05 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By TERRI - June 25 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased prod date 11/04 on 1/05, numerous problems [eng rattle, hard pull right, r/r dr pnl incorrect, clunk in drivetrain accell/decel, shudder 3-4 shift trans, brk pedal squeak, washer nozzles misaligned, rolls too far in park, hood & sunvisors vibrate, r/f rear seat trim panel broke off, r/f a pillar rattle, a/c knobs loose, prk brake out of adjustment, frt windows grind up/down] dealer said normal- not!!! Traded back in for same model later prod date 03/05-different characterist truck-no problems. Love the truck-awesome power 4.0L, ride, handling great, bigger than my 01 nis frontier 2wd cc xe; electric blue screams buy me! Love the red dash lights & fact sprayed bed liner!

• 

  First Impressions - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - June 24 - 11:53 pm

  Ive only owned the vehicle for less than a week now, so this review is not intended to be anything more than the title states. Im only 58" and feel that the seats are made to fit my size perfectly, so taller drivers may have issues with comfort. Im generally very pleased with everything about this truck and pretty well initially convinced that I made the right purchase. Only time will tell if this is a lasting impression.

• 

  Great truck for a lot of gas - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Darby19d - June 24 - 9:23 pm

  My Frontier is a great truck: fun to drive, comfortable, reliable, does everything I ask it to without complaining. But my only complaint is that it sucks gas like no one elses business. I average about 15-16 MPG. Granted, I live in the city, which isnt optimal for fuel efficiency, but it still hurts the pocket book. It still gets below average gas milage on the freeway (about 16-17 MPG), but its still better than in the city. My recommendation, if you do a lot of freeway driving or dont live in the city, its a great truck to drive. If you live in the city, you better be rich.

• 

  Touring 6 speed, Nismo exhaust - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By OC350Z - June 24 - 9:50 am

  The new Nagaro Red looks awesome and the car handles well. I only have 250 miles but it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Had a Nismo cat back exhaust installed prior to delivery and it is the best option you could ever purchase. Sounds awesome, quality build, and is covered by the new car warranty. Looked at vettes and mustangs but their quality was lacking. The extra features like bose stereo, leather heated seats etc are worth the extra money in mp opinion. Drive one and you will buy it!

• 

  Glad to be back - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By New York - June 24 - 2:06 am

  I have owned a number of new vehicles and had left Nissan when I had a paint issue with my 2001 Altima. My last car was a 2004 Camry and when it came time to trade I headed back thinking I was going to like the new Camrys & was very disappointed. My husband & I decided to try Nissan again and fell in love with a 2008 Altima. Even though its a 4cyl. with the CVT its perfect. The price, style and options were amazing for the price. It definitely beat Toyotas line up. If you want something sporty, economical and fun to drive, this is it.

• 

  exitement - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By otto v. bismarck - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Just got rid of my GS300 with about the same hp. I got the SE with 17/235/45 Toyos - what a fun car to drive! beautiful interior Negative: turning radius, no memory seats.