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 Commuter - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rick Geiger - January 18 - 2:36 am

  I was looking for a commuter car that would be comfortable for my 100 mi R/T commute. I was driving a Nissan Titan. I kept the truck, but I bought the Versa. Really roomy and loaded with convenience items (intellegent key, bluetooth, and even the same Rockford Fosgate audio system that came on my Titan LE. I love the sunroof. This car rides like a much bigger car. I have owned it for exactly one week and so far I love it.

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  New Pathfinder Review - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By rixy716 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! Its powerful, comfortable, and fun to drive. Its excellent in the snow. Its also great looking. This is the third Nissan I have owned in a row. Ive never had to do anything but change the oil every 3000 miles.

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  Pleasure to own - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By gill - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Meets all my expectations..no disappointments.

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  What a thrill! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Gremmie - January 18 - 2:00 am

  After driving my Triumph TR-6 for the last 32 years, it was time to get a sports car that I could contimue to enjoy. The 350 is just terrific and $50,000 less that the Porsche, every bit as fast, and looks even better. I purchased the Touring model (Silverstone) 6 speed, and put on high performance wheels which are a knockout. Love the car and it is so much fun to drive. It turns on a dime and the 6 CD is terrific. I give this car a 10 all the way around. Thanks so much.

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  Awesome machine - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Steffi - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream come true! Its a car that makes heads turn. Great acceleration and awesome handling. The vehicle dynamic control system helps adjust power to the wheels. Stability bars front and rear keep the car stable. Accelerate the car to his speed and its extremely stable - doesnt feel like youre going fast. Suspension is tight so youll feel the road. Also, due to high torque, and wide tires, this car does not handle snow and ice. Best to keep it in the garage on snowy days and take it out when the roads dry out.

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  Hot Rod Nissan - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Jake - January 18 - 1:00 am

  Just like almost everyone else writing here, it was between the Tacoma and Frontier for me. Always wanted a Tacoma, until I drove the Frontier. More options for $2000 less than the Tacoma, more interior room, bigger engine, 4-wheel discs, and traction control. The engine revs like my dads G35, I had to get out and check under the hood to make sure it wasnt the same engine. Nope, just the same technology. The truck also rides much sportier than the Tacoma, again, makes me feel like I am driving that Infiniti again. I am getting between 17-18 MPG around town going from work and back, but I also dont hammer on it.

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  A drivers car with comfort and class. - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By tomthumb - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Jaguars, Camrys, Mustang GTs, and 240s (both Z & SX), and I have trouble thinking how the Maxima could be better designed. It delivers absolutely wonderful performance for a sedan, with a nearly perfect balance of handling and ride comfort. The cabin is a joy for the driver, while still being quite pleasant for passengers on long trips. I bought my 95 GLE in late 99 with 39K on it, have 76K on it now, and expect to drive it for at least another 50K, at which point Ill look for another used Maxima.

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  Great car for the $$$ - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By flyboy730 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money! Fun to drive and very reliable. Mine has 2600 miles and has never given me no problems yet. This is a great vehicle to own!

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  Murano 07 - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Phillip - January 17 - 6:00 am

  I drove all the other SUVs that I could find that interested me. This one won me over hands down to all the rest. I bought the SL loaded with everything except the navigation system. I was impressed with the quality and detail that Nissan puts into their cars. This vehicle is very well made and just a great ride, etc. If you have not given this car a test drive you should do yourself a favor and drive this one before you buy.

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  crashed 2005 bought 2006 - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By shelley mann - January 17 - 1:40 am

  this is my second frontier in 9 months both mid size. curently totaled 2005 frontier, rollover didnt hold up well, it was horrible i should have died, but im alive so i weighed the positive factors to the negative and chose another nissan FRONTIER 2006. its so smooth, so powerful, it FEELS safe to be behind the wheel.i drive mountain roads it handles better than a car, all i want to do is drive all day long. you would too. the only thing i would change is put in a roll over cage to better protect occupants lives. nissan did a wonder job, it still saved my life.