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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  Wow - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Penny - May 13 - 12:36 pm

  I have found just what I needed. I was looking for a all wheel drive vehicle. Checked out a few other, but keep coming back to the Rogue. The style is classy and uplifting. Not the standard handling or look for a SUV. Drives more like a car.

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  Best Mothers Day Ever!!! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Cheryl - May 12 - 11:46 pm

  I was absolutely thrilled when on Mothers Day my husband and I went to a nearby Nissan dealership to look at a 2006 Enthusiest. I had been saving for this car for a few months or more after test driving one months earlier. We bought the enthusiast in the Silver Alloy/black top 6-speed manual and it is gorgeous!! We have had it for two weeks now and we are so impressed with the ride, handling, performance and how easy the top is to open and close! Not to mention I am having the time of my life!! This car gets a lot of looks and the regular interior is just fine and comfortable. I would not get the leather, too hot to sit on with top down. The stereo is alright.

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  Excellent truck - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Arlene - May 12 - 4:03 am

  When looking to purchase a vehicle, I looked at the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the Lexus RX 330. I ended up with a 2005 Nissan Murano SL. As far as I am concerned it is a luxurious vehicle, fun, and very sharp looking. My husband owns a Mercedes and he loves driving my Murano. I think some vehicles are overrated because of their brand image, but Im happy with my choice. The ride is great. It drives as smoothly as my husbands vehicle, if not smoother. I am one happy customer.

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  wow, what a car! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By andreas - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle. If you are in the market for a family sports sedan and dont want to spend $40,000+ on a BMW or Mercedes you should defenitely check this out.

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  Good all-around!! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By typo31 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Good all-around vehicle..Performance is excellent for a naturally aspirated 4-banger....With such a rough-riding suspension, vehicle should handle better...Six speed might as well be a five speed seeing as how first gear is useless and sixth gear tachs around the same as most five speeds...It is still a blast to drive..

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  What can you get better bang for buck? - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Madfreak - May 12 - 1:40 am

  Best car for money for performance but the one thing a lot people dont know about this car is bullet proof build engine and trans. Somehow you can still get 30 mpg on highway!

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  Reliable Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By cy04547 - May 11 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased this car in 2004 with 35,000 on it. It now has 154,000 miles. I have gotten 40 mpg on the highway and this is what I absolutely love about the car. I consistently averaged 35 on a mix of back roads and rte 1 (60 mph). Besides regular maintenance, I have had to replace a front coil spring (cheap fix, got the part from a junk yard). There are tons of sentras in the junk yards so get used parts! This cost me about $40, the horn went just after I bought it and probably several other really small things. Currently the connection with the radio and lights to the gearshift have blown. I can deal. I am having trouble giving up the car because of the reliability and gas mileage!

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  Squeaky Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By My Cube - May 11 - 2:13 am

  I love the look. Everyone has said, "that car is so you." its very comfy. I fit two surfboards inside when a part of the back seat is folded, as well as two surfers (my son and his friend) and me (mom). It feels spacious inside, even though its actually quite compact. It has, however, had problems even in the first couple of months. There were some minor things and very squeaky brakes. I have had it for 5 months and have had to take it to the dealer 4 times! Its a bit disappointing. Other than that, its lovely.

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  Lamaeque Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Louis - May 10 - 8:53 pm

  This is my first Frontier and I love it. I was used to Toyotas (Good Trucks) but I have to say that the Frontier beats them all.

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  The right midsize truck for the job. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By A. Martin - May 10 - 6:20 pm

  The 265HP engine is very responsive. The truck handles as well as many passenger cars. Excellent for Hwy and city driving. Fuel economy is avg, but much better than my wife’s 2002 SC Xterra, and it runs on 87 octane well. The 5 speed automatic transmission shifts very smooth and does so when I would want to. (I have always been a manual guy until now.) The exterior is very nice with less “plastic” than on some new trucks and previous frontiers. The spray on bed liner is first rate with a great rail system for securing cargo. The interior is made of very high quality materials and the fit and finish is grade “A”. If you don’t like plastic you may not like it as much as I do.