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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  Smooth Ride - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By rlhinmi - June 8 - 12:13 pm

  After comparing with Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Hyundai, and Mazda5 we decided that the Nissan Quest was the best minivan for our family. After 2500 miles we continue to be very satisfied with our selection. The 3.5L V6/CVT combination is very smooth. Although the exterior design is an acquired taste, we like it better than the Honda design. Toyota seemed to cut costs on interior materials--too much hard plastic. Chrysler and Hyundai build quality still seems lacking. We decided that the Mazda5 was too small for our desired use. So far the Nissan has been a very capable family hauler. MPG average has been 22.5 with mixed driving. We managed 24mpg on a recent road trip.

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  One fine convertible - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By walywrld - June 7 - 5:30 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car and it paid off. This is one outstanding car which I am completely satisfied with. It is more enjoyable than I expected. The power is awesome, it drives great, is great for weekend road trips, the steering is dead on, exceptional driving experience. I find it quiet for a convertible, quieter cruising at highway speeds than its competitors. I find the seats comfortable and supportive, it is cozy but it is a 2 seat sports car, what does one expect? I have taken several long trips in the car and find it comfortable on the road. I can drive all day and am not tired and "beaten". Overall, the Z is well laid out and comfortable.

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  Lovin it! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By teachWV - June 6 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased my Rogue on 7/12, trading an 01 Toyota RAV4. After doing a lot of research (via Edmunds), and test-driving a few other vehicles (Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson), I tried out the Rogue. I was sold! The ride is incredibly smooth, seems like a much larger, more expensive sedan. To echo another WV owner, it has plenty of power to get me where I need to go in our Mountain State! Im on the first tank of gas that Ive purchased; mileage is looking good! I would like to see a locking fuel door, however.

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  Great car to drive - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Lynn4137 - June 6 - 10:43 am

  I got the fully loaded AWD with all the add-ons. I find the ride very smooth and comfortable. Style is an eye catcher and Blue Tooth and Home Link are features you normally only find in high priced cars. Nissan never disappoints when it come to class in its cars.

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  Good Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Hitesh - June 5 - 8:43 pm

  We have had this car for 7 years now and it has been great all along. The car is very smooth in running and the handling is great as well.It is a great family car. Though it doesnt seat 5 in the most comfortable manner it still is a great car. Of late the fuel economy has been a bit on the disappointing side. I also am a bit disappointed with the trade-in value of the car as I am looking to trade-in this car for the new Altima later this year. Overall a great car.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By bobincinti - June 5 - 8:59 am

  I have owned this vehicle since the beginning. Currently it has about 210,000 miles on it and it it no longer my daily driver. I primarily use it for yard work, mulch, etc. I have had some problems with the vehicle but that had to do with a wreck and not a manufacturer issue. When I did have a problem (this year had a rear axle problem), the dealer and Nissan worked with me to fix it at no cost to me and even provided a me a loaner vehicle for over a month. Overall the vehicle has been a good truck. Every vehicle will have issues (supercharger) and I have owned practically every brand out there. This is one brand that I would do again.

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  Deal of the Century - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian - June 5 - 5:00 am

  I bought this car used with 82,000 miles on it. I have put over 100,000 miles on it since I purchased it. I have only had to put new brakes and tires on it. I change the oil every 10,000 miles. Thats right, 10,000 miles. It burns no oil, leaks no oil and runs smooth. It floats smooth at 80mph. The car runs flawless.

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  Grownup style, with a rocket for a heart - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By O. Ludlow - June 4 - 1:33 pm

  The Altima is a lot of fun. Its the first new car Ive ever owned, and its neat to chart how it feels for the first thousand miles, and the next. I use the cruise control for long straight freeway trips, and get 32 MPG. In town, more like 24. Im 63" and it fits me well. I think it really comes down to the rocket under the hood. Ive never been happier to get behind the wheel and GO somewhere. Its really a great ride and I wholly recommend it.

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  murano - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By tony novello - June 4 - 10:33 am

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  Excellent Buy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Kyle - June 3 - 4:20 pm

  At first I was skeptical about the new Nissan but after test driving it, the car surprised me in many ways. I bought the 2.5 SL package and I love everything about it. It is a nice quality ride with great sound (if you get the Bose). It looks sharp and runs even sharper. I really have no complaints so far either. For a four door sedan, Ive recieve many compliments for its sporty look and great looking interior. The new Nissan also gets great pick-up for a four-cylinder and has excellent gas mileage. Excellent choice of a car for the price.