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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  Great Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian Judd - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Maxima, I sold the previous one with over 200000 miles, this one is almost there!

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  What A Find - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jim Smallman - May 30 - 1:30 am

  I read the cons of the Nissan Murano and cannot beleive what they are saying about the lack of power. It ts more than sufficient.

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  My 2nd TITAN - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By reservoirdog - May 30 - 1:23 am

  I had a 2005, kingcab 2x2 xe. Traded for a 2006 LE 4X4. I love this truck also! Ive been a Nissan certified tech since 1989 now been with Infiniti for 9 yrs. I know Nissan. The Titan, for the money, cannot be beaten.

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Tim - May 29 - 5:00 pm

  I dont have any regrets or complaints after driving the Altima Hybrid for 2 months. The best mid-size exterior styling, pretty nice interior. MPG is right inline with EPA estimates. My only beef is that it does seem a little heavy. Adding several hundred pounds of batteries between the rear wheels makes the back end a little heavy when corner, but hey, its a hybrid, so dont expect a sports sedan. Great car.

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  Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Godwin Duru - May 29 - 6:16 am

  This SUV is compact and seats 7 comfortably. The drive is smooth and comfortable. Handles well on curves. The instrumentation is very visible and within reach. Excellent driver visibility.

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  super bulletproof - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By addy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Pathfinder. Used them for company vehicles. 08 has 132,000 miles and 06 has 185,000. Cant wear them out. Cheap to maintain also due to no timing belt (chain). Super reliable, durable. Engine goes and goes. Body integrity is super! much better than the big Armadas made. So much better than anything I have driven. Fuel mileage from 18-23. Pulls everything I hook up to it. Very comfortable seating position.

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  Love Nissan, LOVE my Juke! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By jenngotjuked - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded in an 06 Jetta for my Juke and I am SOOOO happy I did. This car is super fun to drive and is very comfortable to travel in. I like the looks, the features and so far the performance. Ive had my Juke now for going on 3 weeks and its proven to handle pretty well on compact snow and ice. I LOVE this car!

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  Great Vehicle for your Money! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Windfalls - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle after owning a Nissan Pathfinder for 10 years, So far we are very happy with the Rogue. Love the handling! Extremely stable on icing roads. Nav system and intelligent key are marvelous. Leather seats very comfortable. I am over 6 feet and find the leg room great. Very happy with our purchase.

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  Best value of any car Ive ever bought - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Harrison W - May 27 - 9:55 pm

  For the money, this is the best equipped and most fun-to-drive car Ive ever owned. Might be partially attributed to my recent experience (driving a Prius for a couple of years), but this car feels luxurious, quiet and powerful, especially considering the price point. The SR is very stylish and sporty looking - spoiler, dual exhaust, upscale alloy wheels, dark tinted glass, manual shifters on the steering column (but automatic transmission primary) - but fuel economy is as good as an econobox. The ride is truly outstanding, barely a notch below the Lexus ES350 I owned a few years ago at not much more than half the price! I have owned 3 Maximas in my life and this car is every bit as much fun to drive as any of them. I am admittedly a bit partial to Nissan since I live in the Nashville, TN area where their US headquarters is located, but would never settle for second-best just out of loyalty. Would recommend anyone considering an economical, comfortable and fun mid-sized sedan to try out this car!!!

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  Best value of any car Ive ever bought - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Harrison W - May 27 - 9:55 pm

  For the money, this is the best equipped and most fun-to-drive car Ive ever owned. Might be partially attributed to my recent experience (driving a Prius for a couple of years), but this car feels luxurious, quiet and powerful, especially considering the price point. The SR is very stylish and sporty looking - spoiler, dual exhaust, upscale alloy wheels, dark tinted glass, manual shifters on the steering column (but automatic transmission primary) - but fuel economy is as good as an econobox. The ride is truly outstanding, barely a notch below the Lexus ES350 I owned a few years ago at not much more than half the price! I have owned 3 Maximas in my life and this car is every bit as much fun to drive as any of them. I am admittedly a bit partial to Nissan since I live in the Nashville, TN area where their US headquarters is located, but would never settle for second-best just out of loyalty. Would recommend anyone considering an economical, comfortable and fun mid-sized sedan to try out this car!!!