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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  The Altima Has Arrived! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By dcurbelo - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned three previous Altimas, my first bought in 1995. This is by far the best Altima ever made. This car truely can compete with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and any other mid- size family sedan. I dont say this lightly. I have owned several Accords and a Camry. The car is quick, comfortable, roomy & stylish. It has all the creature comforts at a reasonable price. Gas milage is good in the city and great on the road. I drive in excess of 35000 miles per year. All of my previous Altimas have been very reliable and I expect this one to be as well.

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  Awsome, Outstanding Mid-Class Sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Handry - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle, very reliable, fast enough, good braking response, cool interior, power everything, very comfort,

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  The New Engine Rocks! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Luis L. - May 8 - 6:00 pm

  I compared this truck to the new Tacoma and Chevy Colorado. At the end of the day, the look of this truck and the engine power won me over. The exterior is really nice (most people think its a titan at first), and the interior is no nonsence. The engine is solid and has a nice response. The stock tires and wheels are nice. The back seats are roomy and the fold up seats are great for cargo you dont want to put on the bed

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  Abz zzzzzzzzzz Forever - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ABZ - May 8 - 3:36 pm

  The Z is fantastic. Initally people followed me to find out what kind of car it was. We live in the country and its great to drive into the city with top down most days. Even cool days with elec seats and heater on it is just terrific. Absolutely tremendous sound system (try Billie Idol "White Wedding" on high volume...fantastic! Light in the backend though so you gotta slow down to live...but hey, its so much fun to drive! Great carz!!! Roadster only though!!!!!

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  Just drove the 2011 Quest today - 2011 Nissan Quest
  By spookydoo - May 8 - 12:25 pm

  My wife and I drove the 2011 Quest today. Nothing stood out one way or the other in terms of its handling. However, the seats were incredible. They are big, beefy, and Sooooooft. It was cold outside so we turned on the seat heaters. Warmed us up quickly. We didnt want to leave the vehicle. Middle row seats were decent. Back row was ok. Had to move the middle row seats up a little to get enough back row footroom, but nothing that would bother a child and most adults. The exterior boxy back is a little weird, but like most things in life, Im sure well get used to it. Who knows, in a year, we may all be raving about it. We are shopping for a minivan. It is between this and the new Odyssey.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By 111zzz - May 8 - 11:23 am

  I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO NOT BUY THIS CAR. I have read other peoples comments. They are right. I also have met a lot of problems in this car, like jerking, transmission. I will not fix the transmission. Probably I will fix the jerking. I just want to to drive it for a while. Then I will throw it. I am lucky that I did not spend much on this used vehicle. DO NOT TRUST NISSIAN.

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  not too great - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By dfs - May 7 - 3:46 pm

  this suv is good for offroad, if u plan on driving everyday make sure u have ALOT of extra money for gas. It is unbelievable how much gas this car eats if i would have known i would not have purchased. It slides all over the place in the snow unless u put it in 4 wheel drive! even if its less then an inch of snow!!! u def. cannot fit 3 people in the back seat unless they are super skinny! so unless ur specific use for this car is off road i dont recommend it

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  1.8 SL CVT - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By shine1314 - May 7 - 8:53 am

  I used to own a Nissan 200 SX SE and I just bought a Nissan Versa SL yesterday after comparing and shopping around. Ive considered Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic, and Mazada3. Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris felt cheap and uncomfortable compared to the Nissan Versa. Mazada3 and Civic EX-L seemed unnecessarily expensive. I also read reviews that said the Civic EX is loud on the road. The Versa is very smooth, roomy, comfortable, quiet on the road and beautiful. Not the prettiest appearance on the outside but definitely practical. So far I love everything about it and I cant stop smiling. Really love the CVT transmission, b/c its so quiet that my boyfriend kept on falling asleep in it.

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  Just Purchased a new Rogue - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By shattered - May 7 - 1:23 am

  Have had my Sl Rogue for 2 weeks. The car is fun to drive. Im getting used to the cvt tranny. Im coming from a truck so its a bit different but so far I really like it. The inside is very sporty gray and black. the Bose system is awesome if you love music and blue tooth on steering wheel is a great safety feature, I wish my wife had it in her car. I also drove the Santa fe and Tiguan. Santa Fe was boring but a lot bigger, Tiguan drove nice and had a lot of power for 4 cyl.They are a bit more money and less features though. Hope this helps anyone with making a decision. As note in other reviews there are some bad blind spots. Thats my only negative so far in 2 weeks of ownership.

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  Pathfinder - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rebecca - May 6 - 4:06 pm

  I purchased the Pathfinder new last October and it feels like Im driving a luxury car. I love it. Aside from a few squeaks (most likely from something that needs tightening) it is awesome.