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 car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jacob - March 1 - 12:40 am

  not only was this car more affordable than its competitors, but the quality was outstanding. this car can really get up and go. i would consider this is you want more out of a vehicle than just a daily commuter. it will instill a passion for driving

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  Fun ride - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nerdbasher - February 28 - 7:29 pm

  We have had it for a month now. We had a 4 hour trip to see family and with a head wind for much of it still got just over 24 MPGs! We can slide the second row back so our two kids in car seats dont kick the back of my seat. Getting nieces and nephews into the 3rd row is nice because you can just slide the middle row up even with a big carseat! The transmission was a concern, lots of people moaning and groaning there. It feels different, BECAUSE IT IS DIFFERENT.The "stutter" described is likely just a result of inconsistent pressure on the gas when accelerating. I have tried to get the tranny to act up and if I press down, then let up then press down again it "transitions" gears but no prob

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  Breaking in our 2009 Versa SL CVT - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Bombero - February 28 - 3:36 pm

  Got best gas miles on a trip to casino. Oct 30 2008 188 divided by 8.3 = 22.6 @259.9 per gallon 00188 Nov 11 2008 133 divided by 5.7= 23.3 @ 2.35 per gallon 00322 After trip to casino using cruise control first time above 45 mph Nov 11 2008 133.4 divided 3.2 = 41.6 Wow... no hills... 00456 Still driving easy for the first 1000 miles.

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  Awesome Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By jcook74 - February 28 - 1:53 pm

  There isnt a single thing Nissan didnt think of. Everything about the Titan is first class starting with the engine and going to the rugged look of the body and the utility bed to the comfort and roominess inside. Im 63 and have more than enough leg room behind the wheel. Sure the gas mileage isnt great, but it isnt any worse than other trucks and Nissan has never been terribly competitive in that area anyway.

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  Nice car for the price - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Sue - February 28 - 4:53 am

  I only have had this car for a couple of days, and I absolutely love it. It looks great, rides great and handles like a sports car. People have actually approached me to ask if it was a Maxima or an Altima. This car has a lot of interior and trunk space for its size, its bigger inside than it looks from the outside.

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By palaman - February 27 - 9:10 pm

  I have owned this car for three years and I have only had to have the rear bearings changed, a new batery, new tires, and new sepentine belts. Just regular maintenance ... except for the bearings. Even though its a 98 it is comfortable and very reliable. Recommended!!

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  We love it! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Richard - February 27 - 7:20 pm

  My wife and I traded in a 1999 Mustang. She called me on her way home from work and said we were going for a drive. She said, "I am not driving this car one more day." She drives it daily and is very happy with it. She loves her daily 20 mile commute now. We have taken it on two weekend trips and it is an excellent road car. There is more than enough room for luggage and us to ride in comfort. I would highly recommend Nissan and the Rogue to anyone who asks. Our experience at the dealership was also very good.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By woodman - February 27 - 6:06 pm

  Checked out all full size SUV,s this is the best for the money. In 3 months I have driven 12,000 miles without any problemns Gas mileage is combined city 15.9 Hwy 18.1. I love the room of this SUV easy to Park with Back up camara and the radio with Sirius is the greatest.

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  Love It - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Matt F - February 27 - 8:06 am

  Ive owned the car for just over two months now, and am completely satisfied with my purchase. Mixed highway and city driving gives 27-30 mpg (over 4000+ miles so far). The ride is smooth, the car is comfortable, and I love the way it looks and handles. Passengers have commented on how well it rides and how it looks. It is a quiet car even at highway speed. Another reviewer complained about the sound of the turn signal; I think its so quiet I have to visually check to see that its actually on. Keyless entry/push button start takes some adjustment, but is very convenient. Good A/C and stereo with the convenience package. Absolutely no doubts or regrets to this point.

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  Nissan Engines design to require timing chain replaced after 100k miles - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By ctylr12 - February 27 - 4:47 am

  I have been a Nissan fan and loyal customer for 20 years. The 2007 Nissan Quest was a huge disappointment when it came to reliability. When I had the major service done at 105k miles, three Nissan dealers informed me that I needed a new timing chain kit and would cost $3,200. The purpose of a timing chain is to be maintenance free unlike timing belts. Nissan told me that this is a normal wear and tear item and is normal to replace every 100k + miles. My 2000 Infinity has 235k miles and never had a problem. Several independent mechanics have told me that all Nissan and Infinity vehicles after 2006 have poor engine design. Its a metal chain riding on plastic guiders. Purposely set up to fail