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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  I like my 2014 Nissan Versa Note 5 Speed - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By tim226 - February 18 - 5:10 pm

  I am in outside sales and drive about 49,000 miles per year. I selected Nissan because the dealer is very close to my home. I wanted an economy car with good gas milage and I wanted a stick. The 2014 Versa Note is a nice looking, professional enough, economy car. First, the EPA gas mileage puts it in the low 30s combined. I am averaging about 38 MPG combined, which does include a lot of interstate, but also in town and awesome TN Backroads. I like the 5 speed, which gives me great control. ANOTHER GREAT FEATURE, the Versa Note has a computer driven feature that allows the engine to maintain a safe speed on a steep mountain decline. This is an awesome feature.

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  So far so good - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By racerx - February 18 - 2:20 pm

  Id have to say that over all, its a pretty solid little car. Good interior space for the segment, especially the back seat. I got the 6 speed manual and boy does it require a lot of shifting. Im in 6th by 45 mph. The fuel mileage hasnt been what I had hoped for at about 29 mpg with a mostly highway commute. Maybe it will get better with the engine completely broken in.

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  Outstanding Vehicle (3.5L LE 2 WD) - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nissan2k1 - February 18 - 3:06 am

  Bought it a month ago, vehicle garaged, serviced and well maintained by the orig. owner. I gave it 10s across the board, still trying to find flaws with the vehicle, other than the minor scratches that the vehicle was exposed to in an apartment parking lot environment for 6 months. 10s because my expectations of it are tempered by what it is. 135K miles, many newer SUVs wont run with it.

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  Spec V rocks! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Spec V driver - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best sport compact for the price. I have the sunroof and rockford fosgate system, and it is great having a loaded car (17" wheels, 6 spd, helical limited slip, racing suspension, strut bar, sports seats, mongo brakes, etc) without breaking the bank. Extremely fun to drive, plenty quick, corners awesome, and the car has plenty of "attitude." Go buy one now!!!

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  still a little cheap - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By TwistedPixel - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The car is great but when you hit a bump, it doesnt feel much different than my Camaro. It handles exceptionally well, accelerates well, but the bumps get ya. Also, the transmission feels "weak" and seems to stall when shifting.

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  Greatest Crossover Value for Under 35K - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By boogaboo - February 18 - 2:00 am

  After searching hi and lo for a replacement for the Mazda Tribute, and after lookind at RX300, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander, the natural choice was the Missan Murano in the SL trim with AWD, the Premium Package, the Leather Package, Sunroof, and the Cold Package. This loaded configuaration was cheaper than the loaded MDX, almost as good a buy as the Honda Pilot, and overall a much better ride than all the aforementioned. The quality of the Nissan build was there and the style of the Murano will take you easily into the next 4 years. Dollar for dollar, look for look, performance for performance, there is no better crossover SUV.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By waxsa2000 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a VW Passat and I have allways sworn by German cars. This car is so much fun to drive that I sold my Passat and purchase a 3.5 Altima. I think it is well worth the money

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  Another Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Spawnman - February 17 - 5:16 pm

  Just found a brand new 2005 Frontier on the lot, bought it in less than 1 hour. Traded in my 2000 Frontier. This is an awesome truck. If it didnt have a bed in the back I wouldnt believe its a truck! Rides and the doors close like a car. Very quite inside while driving.

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  Best Of All of Them - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By john - February 17 - 6:40 am

  Im in my 60s and for all the cars I have bought and driven over the years from Chevys, Fords and other imports, this car is the best of the breed. Its comfortable, its fun to drive and very very reliable. If I had enough money I would buy one for every day of the week.

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  Great On fuel - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By JC4220 - February 17 - 2:50 am

  Bought this car is 08 to replace my 04 avalanche gas guzzler (14 mpg). I have to say it was a great decision. When I got the car, I replaced the plugs with the Bosch platinum 4s and replaced the air filter with an increased air flow filter, and gave it an oil change. Since then, I have gotten 59 mpg driving at 55 mph (flat interstate). Its definitely a step or two down from the avalanche but the gas mileage more than makes up. No major problems with the car so far. Perfect little grocery getter.