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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  i love my titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By derek acosta - March 23 - 12:36 am

  Me and my father decided to buy a titan for haulin our trailer that we use for our business. Every weekend we drive from Phoenix to Tucson, this truck is a pleasure to drive. you cant feel that you are pulling 6000 lbs. takes off like a bat out of hell. we were skeptical about the gas also, but when you step on it and it puts you all the way back into your seat you kinda forget the mileage. Anyways we get what all full- size trucks are getting but with more power and torque than most

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  Three is a Charm - Part 2 - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Third Timer - March 22 - 4:16 am

  Currently. 7500 miles & 10 weeks in service. I wrote my first review just after I had taken delivery of my car around may 25,2010. Here are some longer term impressions. First, the CVT transmission is something you have to get used to. Read the instruction Manual to fully explore its functionality and performance! Second, you do not need to use synthetic oil! Regular 5w-20 is all that is required. Only 2009 models required the fully synthetic oil. If the dealer tells you otherwise, call Nissan! He is lying! Third, this car is built more solidly than any I have ever owned! Fourth, you can get over $6000 of the msrp without even trying! This is a great car!

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  Couldnt be more happy! - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Armada Owner - March 22 - 2:30 am

  The Armada has met our needs and surpassed them. It provides everything our growing family needs; space, comfort and reliability. The MPG is what we expected; we bought a large SUV knowing the gas mileage would not be excellent. Price you pay for a large SUV.

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  2016 Nisson Frontier - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Gary Wittenborn - March 20 - 9:13 pm

  Ive only owned this truck a month but love it so far. So I cant tell much yet about fuel economy or maintenance cost. Purchase cost was no bargain but after-all, it is next years model and they dont budge much on price. It has a comfortable and quiet ride. I am 62 tall and weigh 270 but have ample room in the drivers seat. Cabin over-all is comfortable. It has a very comfortable and quiet ride. This is my first Nisson after owning six Hondas so it has a lot to live up to. I never did a single repair on any of my Hondas. I wish it had keyless entry and start but this was not a deal-breaker. The white back-up lights are quite dim and dont help your vision at night but I will either replace them or add-on lights that will be brighter. Also not a deal-breaker. So far I would recommend a Frontier to others.

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  My Review:Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Lonestar - March 20 - 8:36 pm

  I have had my SE-R Spec V since mid January, and have loved it the entire time. You know you like a car, when walking away towards a long day of work, you look back 3 or 4 times before heading into the building. Sharp acceleration speed, even when already up to 80 mph+. Great road feel. A very nice stereo (Audio Fanatic Package) right out of the stock model. Mes love the car. PS: Its relatively cheap, for the way the car feels.

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  The Beast - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - March 20 - 9:46 am

  Great all around truck with great towing power and torque. I added a k&n intake. E3 spark plugs. And drilled and slotted ebc rotors with ceramic pads. I have to say for some small bolt on mods. The truck performs like a sports car and pushes over 300 hp. With the truck breathing and sparking so well I have been getting 21 mpg city and 27 highway. I also use the high octane fuel the owners manual suggests. Nothing under 91 octane. You can use 87 in a pinch but if the folks who designed the engine ask for the good stuff. Its for a reason. Use it!

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  Solid - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Gary - March 20 - 9:20 am

  The new 05 Xterra is solid in construction and handling. Ive only driven it 200 miles so far but I have notice a smoother ride, quiter engine and a decrease in air noise at highway speeds. By far this is the best Xterra I have ever owned!

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  Love that transmission - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Fredee - March 19 - 3:20 pm

  The 5-speed auto trans with bucket seats and gated shifter is a dream. 3rd gear with my 21 foot travel trailer allows almost any speed up almost any hill. Still averaged 10 mpg on a 2000 mile trailer trip. The only vehicle I have been able to drive without extra back suppport. I have the 8 way electric driver seat. (Could be just an inch or two wider) Four wheel drive works great. Wish Nissan had some better brighter exterior colors to choose from.

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  Great basic car - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By MaryB - March 19 - 1:43 pm

  This is a reliable car with many comforts. The air conditioning still functions after 7 years, as do the power windows and locks. Maintenance has been minimal - brakes and exhaust - about what you would expect. I will probably buy another Sentra when this one goes to the auto graveyard.

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  Love this SUV - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TravelwithGirls - March 19 - 11:30 am

  We purchase our Pathfinder several months ago for our family of four (plus friends and gear) based upon it spaciousness and fuel economy. We absolutely love it! This car is a joy to drive every day and the third row entry is Great for the kids. Plenty of power and amazing fuel economy, would highly recommend!