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 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By AMartinez - October 18 - 6:33 pm

  Fun to drive car and very smooth on the highway. Tons of room inside especially in the rear seat and a huge trunk. Has enough power to have fun with. Girls love it when I let them drive my car.

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  Great Truck!!! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By jaydog7 - October 18 - 7:23 am

  Have had a Chevy 1500 in the past, just traded in my Xterra. This truck has impressed me since the day I bought it. Great power, smooth ride. Gas mileage better than the 2002 xterra, even with the bigger engine. I have friends with Fords, Dodges (all 2005 or newer)that are full sized, would pick this truck every time. Price is great...performance even better.

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  2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By grrrldriver - October 17 - 11:50 am

  Earlier in Dec 07, my Â’05 Murano SE AWD was totaled. Due to money and fuel considerations, I didnÂ’t want to replace it with a similar Â’08 Murano, so I looked at RAV4s, CRVs, and Rogues. The Rogue won hands-down, mostly due to styling: itÂ’s hard to go from a Murano to a RAV4. The Rogue is the best small crossover SUV for me.

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  Best Midsize SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Mike - October 17 - 11:36 am

  Very happy with the performance so far. No problems after 16,000 miles. I chose the 6 speed because of the better gas mileage and lower cost up front. I spend alot of time on the highway, and i cant complain about the handling and comfort. It helps when you have the optional stereo. Road noise at 80 mph is minimal.

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  Nissan Has Won Me Over!!! - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Michele S - October 17 - 10:00 am

  After driving "domestic" cars for 14 years, I dont think I will ever go back.Started with a 1995 Maxima SE and in a little more than 1 year, was into a Pathfinder. The reliability is bar none. I am so pleased with my truck that every time something new and hot comes out, I just look in the driveway at what I have. Love it. Think Ill keep it. It may be my 12 year olds first car in a few years and I have no doubt that even with over 100,000 miles, it will still be going strong! Thanks for building such a great vehicle.

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  Wish I had a Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Maikou - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive even though transmission went out about 2 weeks later (driving it normally). Good thing I had factory warranty.

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  Fun but expensive - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By reynaldo77 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome, great styling and amazing performace for a 4-door sedan. But repairs are far more expensive than they should be, and seem to happen more than they should after 100,000 miles. The engine does not have problems, its still running strong, but other random parts keep breaking frequently.

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  Love this Car!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Danielle - October 17 - 5:10 am

  Ive been so happy with this car! My only comment is that it takes some getting used to when the car switches from electric to gas as it feels a little bit like when spark plugs misfire. I was assured that this was normal, however for most hybrids. Also, if you live in a hilly/mountainous area (I live in California) dont expect to get the gas mileage advertised but thats to be expected. Great buy!

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  Very reliable - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By RAC93 - October 17 - 12:34 am

  I purchased a 2007 Nissan Sentra brand new and owned it proudly for 10 years. It was a very reliable car, which I had driven just over 144,000 miles. The only time my car left me stranded was when the battery died (which happened twice in 10 years.) I would still be driving this car today, however it was totaled last week, when I was hit from behind on the freeway. Thankfully, my injuries were minor. The car did a great job protecting me.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By BTS - October 16 - 1:30 am

  I bought this car in April 05 and have put around 2000 miles of mixed highway and residential driving. I am getting around 25 MPG combined which I am satisfied with. The V6 engine is responsive, acceleration is always there when you need it. 80 MPH at the end of a highway entrance ramp is way too easy to accomplish. The car is very roomy. I am 6-1", 220 lb and I fit comfortably in the drivers seat and also in the backseat with plenty of leg room. The handling is great. The Maxima is rock solid and smooth on the highway, but its great on curvy back roads too. We have gotten numerous compliments on the car from family, friends, and strangers. Great car!