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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  Love it! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By ChrissyTina - May 9 - 4:13 pm

  We just bought this car and are absolutely in love. We upgraded from a WRX - we have a 1 year old and needed more room. My only quirk is the speedometer. I like having the numbers at every 10 MPH, and a definitive line at the 5 marks. most of the speed limits here are 25, 35, 45. everything with a 5. But thats just my personal quirk. The view through the back is smaller then I am used to, but i dont find that its too small and have no trouble backing up. It is comfortable and fun to drive, and much easier to transport a 1 year old, and all of his gear in.

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  yall come on now - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By worldismine - May 9 - 4:20 am

  I am at 9000 miles at just 6 months. so you know I am driving this car. I drive 42 miles round trip to work and take trips when I can. I love this car. It is 90 degrees now and I am comfortable with the air. I have only driven it on setting three once or twice. I usually drive with it on the first setting after letting the hot air out. I have moved an office in it so I know it has plenty of space. It is very comfortable for anyone sitting in the back. I drove 211 miles at 85 miles without stopping and got good gas mileage and made really great time. This will get you where you want to go. It might not be the fanciest car out there but for the price. It is hard to beat. Artic Blue my fav!

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  Second Titan - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Jesse Williams - May 8 - 10:06 pm

  My review title says it all. This is my second Titan. I owned a 2004 SE King Cab and now a 2007 SE Crew Cab. The only complaint on the King Cab was not enough room. And gas mileage, of course. But as another rater mentioned, if I wanted good gas mileage I wouldve bought a smaller truck or a Honda Ridgeline. YUK!!! Interior room is great and the new iPod accessory hook up is great. No complaints.

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  Gets better gas mileage if you drive it - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By circpro - May 8 - 1:26 pm

  At first, I got around 35 MPG like most on here. I learned about hyper milers (people who get well above gas mileage by behavior or modifications.) I learned by simply accelerating slow, coasting to stops rather than braking, my mileage stays at 39-40 for city, and 36 highway. Simple laws of physics and the laws of energy and motion dont change! I love the style, ride, interior, and going 650+ miles between fill ups. I picked this car as well because it still has the $2300 federal tax rebate. It uses the Toyota 2nd gen hybrid system (same as camry) so I wasnt concerned with "new technology" When backing out of the garage in the morning, the engine starts 1/2 way and can scare you at first

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  Great American Built Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By bruiserdog1 - May 8 - 9:36 am

  I was going to trade-in my 05 Mustang GT and buy a F150, but the dealership irritated me so I drove around the corner to Nissan. I didnt want to buy a foriegn truck, but I discovered that it is made here along with the V-8 engine, and the Ford is made in Canada. It can out-tow, accelerate, and brake all light duty trucks. The interior rivals that of my wifes Infiniti. The performance is outstanding, fit and finish is top notch. It has more passenger room than my old 2002 Navigator. Drive one and you too will buy one. I love this truck!!

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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By stephanie - May 7 - 11:53 pm

  Just hit 1000 miles. I went from an automatic Toyota Echo to the 6 speed Versa SL. The stick is easy to get used to and is so much fun to drive. The interior space is incredible and I love that I finally have a sunroof! MPG could be a bit better but highway miles are seeming to be about 35+ mpg (and it is getting better as I put more miles on). Also, the engine is not loud. I decided to get every option available. If youre looking for a small car with loads of extras for less, I would definitely say the Versa is the way to go.

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  All around superstar - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By vm - May 7 - 7:16 pm

  Best all around vehicle for the money. Plenty of power and comfort and outstanding performance on mountain roads and snow. Perfect blend between car and truck.

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  Having fun - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By dink - May 7 - 11:23 am

  Had an 04 Maxima and traded for 09 sv sport Max. Rides better, definite power upgrade and even purrrs. Seats more like cockpit hug you in/out of turns. All electronics upgraded to luxury status. Sound system great and with hard drive do not have to remember favorite cds for long trips.

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  Best Ever Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By brr - May 7 - 2:00 am

  After five previous Nissan vehicles, this is the best ever. Nothing but praise. Who would have thought a SUV could be look so good

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  sues car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By hermit - May 7 - 2:00 am

  An exciting and powerful car, reminiscent of the 1970s