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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  2007 SE 4x4 CC LB - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By cfm628 - June 18 - 10:53 pm

  I checked out the Tacoma and the Ridgeline prior to purchasing the Frontier. I didnt like the Tacoma ride and the cost. The Ridgeline was very nice, but not "trucky" enough for me. The ride and feel are so much better than the 2005 Ranger I traded. I have owned two other Nissans and this is the best yet.

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  this car is the bomb - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By SSJVegeta - June 18 - 12:50 pm

  this car is the bomb

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  Great College Car for My Son - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By mike - June 18 - 8:20 am

  For the price this car can not be beat. Especially considering the favorable financing. THe first car my son looked at and after looking at several other we came back to buy. Safety features were a big selling point to his mother.

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  far better than anticipated - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By ion - June 18 - 2:00 am

  88,000 miles and nary a problem. I love the handling, the speed the growl of the motor. I have outmaneuvered many more powerful and supposedly better handling vehicles with the expectant higher price tag all over the Rockies and the Sierras, as ell as PCH up to Frisco. I have 205s but will change them back to 195s as the difference is only minimal.

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  ZZZZZZippy! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By mssdoc - June 16 - 12:26 am

  I had a flashy red 2005 350Z (til hubby wrecked it on a slick road ). Just bought a 2008 350 (same trim level). Life is good again; its my daily commute vehicle, and I laughed outloud for the sheer joy of driving again on the way home (on the mountain roads) last night. I like the new steering wheel radio controls; the blind spot doesnt seem as bad as the 2005 version. Course that could be because Im so happy to be zipping around the turns again. WooHoo!

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  The Best Pickup for the money - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Schweg - June 15 - 9:10 pm

  I absolutely love this truck. I cannot believe how amazing the MPG ~18 city/hwy mix. Before, I had an R/T Durango that only got 10.5mpg. This truck is really fast, I barely have to use the gas pedal. The backup sensors are a really nice feature. It has really nice seats, very supportive and comfortable. They are even more comfortable than my Mercedes SUV. The towing mirrors make it easier to see vehicles in blind spots. Really Easy and fun to drive for a big vehicle. I have already put 800 miles on the odometer in less than a week.

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  best suv dollar for dollar!!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By BARNEY FREEDMAN - June 15 - 1:56 pm

  i have been the car business for 22 years an drove mercedes, bmw, landrovers etc...i have never driven a $36,000 vechicle that handles so well and offers packages that highline suvs offer, rear camera when you put car in reverse a smart key that lets you open the door without a key. all in all the dollar value for a mid size suv!!!!

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  Could not ask for more - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By MLB - June 15 - 11:26 am

  I have driven my Xterra for 35,000 miles and have not had a single problem as of yet. I would recomend this suv to anyone, it is fun to drive, rugged, and very reliable so far. The only detractor is the fact that an suv drinks so much gas. Although, the gaas is fine for a typical suv.

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  Tundra Trader - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By tundra trader - June 13 - 11:36 am

  I traded in my 2006 Tundra sr5 4x4 doublecab for the Frontier. it outshines the toyota by miles. parking, cornering in tight situations, gas mileage, you name it. Its too bad more people dont test drive these trucks cause they rock.

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  Love the Car But.... - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Zoom.... - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Love the Cars Performance, its a blast to drive, and it gets lots of looks... BUT...the door sills are high which makes it difficult to use drive through banking services, it is somewhat difficult to get in and out of the car, and replacement tires for this model are very expensive. FYI...You do not rotate the tires front to rear on the touring model...the tires are directional tires and the front and back tires are different sizes. The dealers do not inform you of this...I just happened to ask while I was closing the deal. However, these factors did not prevent me from purchasing the Z.