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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  real suv - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By xterra fan - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 50k on it. It has been the most fun to drive vehicle Ive ever owned. It has a much better feel off road and on than my previous explorer. It still feels tighter than my explorer did when it was new.

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  real suv - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra fan - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 50k on it. It has been the most fun to drive vehicle Ive ever owned. It has a much better feel off road and on than my previous explorer. It still feels tighter than my explorer did when it was new.

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  Poor performance - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By kim - July 3 - 9:56 am

  Having problems with the CVT trans. Hesitates upon acceleration. Took it to the shop and said that is normal. Car is getting used to your driving. Tries to anticipate what you are going to do. Now I am having problems with the windows opening on their own only the 2 front ones. Has done it 3 times since I bought in June. Dealer cannot find anything wrong. Just have to live with it. NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!! But Nissan will fix it if the inside gets ruined by rain. I am not pleased. Sure they will argue that I left the windows down. At this point I will NEVER buy another Nissan. Very unhappy after all of the great reviews.

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  Luv my Xterra ! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Kelly in Charleston - July 2 - 4:10 pm

  I am past the "soccer mom" stage and wanted something FUN to drive. My entire family drives, or has previously driven, Nissans so the choice was easy. I would only trade my 2003 Xterra for a new one. It is the perfect weekend and/or tailgate vehicle. The seats are a bit uncomfortable but the Rockford Fosgate stereo ROCKS ! You dont buy an Xterra for the mileage but it is as good or better than most SUVs. I highly recommend the Nissan Xterra !

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  Number 2 - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Ramon - July 2 - 12:53 am

  I had a 2005 that I bought used at the end of 2005. Traded that one in for an 2006 because of the wonderful deal I got from Ferman Nissan. As a previous Nissan Maxima owner, owning a 91, 97, 2002 I went from the norm and went to an Altima 1 for price and two the difference is no longer worth spending the extra $3000 on a Maxima. While its is not as classy as a Maxima it does deliver excellent performace and Nissan reliability. Over all th4 car is steal for what you get yes you ca get into other cars like an Acura TSX for a base BMW 325i(and I dare you to find one) Besides maybe an base Infinti G35 6mt it is the most car your gonna get for the money

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  Good enough to keep - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By KP - July 1 - 12:10 am

  Had some issues with the power windows and had them replaced under warranty. Still have occasional problems with it. Had a significant problem with the A/C, basically had it replaced only after 3 years. The first repair under warranty was poorly done by dealer. So, I had to pay out of pocket. I drive several hours at a time occasionally and would like to have a more comfortable seat. Fuel economy approaches 20 at 65 using fully synthetic oil. Needs a bit more highway merging power about 15-20% would do.

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  Versa works for me - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Paul - June 30 - 4:53 pm

  I test drove the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa numerous times before making up my mind. I chose the Versa and I am extremely happy that I did. It feels substantial, looks good and the CVT, Intelli key and Blue tooth hands free are awesome. The trunk is small but the ride is smooth and quiet. The engine tends to "lug" a bit when cruising around 30 mph but smooths out quickly when gas is applied. The engine sound is "buzzy" during quick accelerations but quiets right down. MPG so far is 26.44 but that is strictly around town driving (hardly ever over 50). Overall so far, I love it. I added a very light weight trailer so the small trunk isnt an issue plus I can now haul larger stuff to the dump

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  Solid Versatile Truck for a Good Price - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By dallas70 - June 30 - 5:23 am

  Bought new 4yrs / 42k miles ago and Im more impressed than ever. Rock solid performance and reliability so far. Id say it provides more capability and livability for the price than just about any other 4x4 SUV. I paid $23,800 after rebates and I think the only area of the Xterra that reflects the bargain price is some of the interior parts (seat material, hard plastics, cargo area plastic not as tough as Id like). Weve made many family trips and commutes with this SUV in all conditions and the only thing I would do differently is go for the nicer PRO4X model.

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  Solid SUV With Superior Reliability - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bcwalt - June 28 - 10:00 am

  All-around a very good SUV. Good value for superior reliability. Reasonable to maintain.

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  Nice Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By mdsentra - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Sentra, Corolla, Protege, and Civic. All were good cars. I got a really good deal on the Sentra and thats why I chose it. Now after 15,000 miles Ive had no problems.