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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  Excellent car, fair price - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Claire - March 23 - 8:40 pm

  I gave up my Suzuki Grand Vitara for this Versa SL Hatchback and it is impossible to be more happy. I cut my gas expenses a lot (you save more using cruise control), it has plenty of room, actually the back space is bigger than the SUV, my kids are more comfortable now, there are plenty room for legs. I feel pretty safe driving it, very stable on highways, very comfortable to ride (65 miles commute daily) with the back sit folded I have plenty of space to load almost everything, so I dont miss my SUV, without folding them you can fit 2 medium suitcases perfectly. Excellent car and very fair price

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  WOW - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By larryk - March 23 - 6:49 pm

  I bought mine 6-20-16 and was on the road a week later to Oklahoma, and was comfortable and Im 6"1 230lbs so I have no complaints as of now.

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  love at first sight - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Bruce G. Pope - March 23 - 11:20 am

  I went in to just shop for a price of the sentra. I had been looking and pricing the Kias, Hondas, Toyotas. When I saw the Versa I was amazed how roomy it was inside. I test drove it for about 1/2 hour; High speed hwy and city. It was responsive, quick and fun to drive. It has a high headroom even from the outside. Its very European looking. Its unusually long too. It was cheaper than the Sentra and I bought the only one on the lot with no second thoughts. I am sure Im going to love this car for a long time. So far there doesnt seem to be much written on it yet. But Nissan has a sure fire hit on their hands. Its fun and sporty. Well done Nissan!!!!

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  A purchase full of regrets - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By danielbrian142 - March 23 - 6:58 am

  I completely regret this purchase. I’m a mid-30s guy, and this is bar far the worst new car I’ve ever owned. I’ve been lucky enough to own 4 in my life, all Hondas. But after the infotainment issues in my Accord, I went on a limb. The limb broke about 3 months into ownership, when a persistent rattle started in the dash where the instrument panel connects. About two weeks later, upon the first below freezing cold spell, the sunroof started to rattle when the cover was opened. Three visits to the dealership later, the problems are still present. Their fixes last for about a week, and then the problems return. The blind spot system is also completely useless in the rain b/c of false +s.

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  2001 Pathfinder LE 4WD driving experienc - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 01 Pathfinder LE - March 23 - 6:13 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive. It has a very ergonomic setting for gauges, sound system, and heating/cooling. It is very safe vehicle to be in when driving in all the seasons.

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  One of the best I have ever owned! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By cardinalbama - March 23 - 3:22 am

  I was looking for a mid priced crossover and decided on the Rogue. I bought the Krom edition and love it.

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  2008 350Z - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By boney71114 - March 23 - 1:50 am

  Excellent coupe for spirited driving with great reliability. Only complaint is needing new tires at 12,000 miles. Handling, acceleration and comfort and good looks are the best for the price! Would buy again in a second.

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  Great Used SUV - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By timmer24can - March 23 - 12:43 am

  I was a big North American fan on SUVs but I decided to try Japanese. So I did my research and found that the Pathfinder was rated very high, I found one at a small used car lot and the rest is history....what a great SUV. Motor, Tranny, look and feel A1. I cant stop driving it.

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  No test drive needed - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By manager - March 22 - 11:27 pm

  Once again Nissan made a car that was so easy to drive and enjoy........But I warn everyone that if you do not spend another $600 for the LED upgrade on the headlights you will not get the boomerang daytime driving lights on your car. Gas mileage is thru the roof and seating space is ample and comfortable.

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  Oh what a feeling . . . Nissan!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By madcow_mtn_biker - March 22 - 9:36 pm

  Simply put the 2005 Nissan Frontier is an excellent truck at an even better price. It is far less expensive than a comparable Toyota Tacoma. The new V6 with automatic are a smooth and powerful combo. The frame is solid and the 4WD works great (I just tried it out in a blizzard). The base LE model has all the options most people will ever need. I am 63 and even with the front seat all the way back there is room for me to sit it the backseat. this truck is a tremendous improvement over many other small trucks. Although I havent used the utilitrack system yet it appears to be very well thought out and the adjustable tie downs are perfect for securing cargo. Also, the dealership was the best ive ever dealt with.