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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  Im Lovin it - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Max Munson - July 13 - 11:06 am

  If you dont mind driving a rugged SUV, this car rocks. I expected a bumpy ride, as its built on a truck frame. In my opinion , the bumpiness combined with my 5-speed manual transmission makes my X-Terra very fun to drive.

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  My nice SUV - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Joe Clark - July 13 - 9:05 am

  This is a great car for the money.

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  7 years & still going - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By derosa - July 12 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased my Maxima new in January of 2003. Its the best car Ive ever owned. I now have 168,000 miles on it. Its never been in the shop for any repairs except 2 small items that Nissan contacted me about that they did for free. I change the oil regularly with Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 & replace the oil filter & I have no oil leaks. I also change the coolant and transmission fluid every 50K miles. And I replace the air filter every 15K - 20K miles. Replace tires & brakes as needed. It has more than enough power. Great brakes and fantastic balanced ride. Plenty of room for 2 car seats in the back. My wife drives it mostly now & she loves it also. I will update when we reach 200K.

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  Fun to drive! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Teresa - July 12 - 7:36 am

  I drove SUVs for 12 years and decided to go to a car to ease the gas budget. After test driving many vehicles I chose the 07 Max. Driving a car took some getting used to, but Im having fun driving the Max. The CVT is quick and smooth. I love how it looks inside and out! I am pleased with the amount of interior room and trunk space.

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  Very pleased - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By sgilbert - July 12 - 5:17 am

  Have about 2200 miles on it. Have been very impressed with thoughtful design (large trunk, ample rear seat room, large glove box). Seats are comfortable. I really like the tight, solid body, with no squeaks or rattles. Excellent gas mileage (38-39 mpg on highway at 65-70 mph). No wind noise, and quiet on the highway. Excellent build quality - doors have a quality "thunk" on closing. Nice dash lighting. I enjoy the trip computer, but wish it had a compass. The CVT transmission takes some getting used to, but its OK. Ride is firm (reviewers say "harsh" over bumps, but I dont find it objectionable. All in all, a quality product Id recommend.

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  Best Hatch for My Cash - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By jasonnwin - July 11 - 3:16 pm

  So far, I love the car. Its onyx blue with beige interior. It had about 16 miles on the odometer. Ive put about 300 miles on it driving to and back from work on the freeway. Feels very upscale for an "econo-class" car. I chose the Versa after test driving three different versions (Manual, Auto, and Sports Auto with paddle shifter) of the Honda Fit. I found the Fit nimble but has too much of an "econo-car" feel to it. Plus the CVT and the Inteligent Key on the Versa are a couple of the many awesome "upscale" things that I appreciate every time I drive my Versa. I couldnt ask for more for the price that Nissan is selling it for.

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  Reviewers just dont get it.... - 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By 925349 - July 11 - 2:16 pm

  Ok, we have all seen the negative reviews. Actually, one negative review copied by a lot of others...that obviously, never drove the car!! This car is one of the GREAT ONES! It has every creature comfort, plenty of power, a great roadster look, ease of entry, great roominess in the comfortable back seats, and has led to one GREAT SUMMER OF FUN. At this time, you wont see many on the road because that one reviewer scared the masses, but he will be made to look as stupid as those that dissed on the MUSTANG and the CORVETTE when they first came public. We know how that turned out! Kudos to ...and anyone that thinks this looks like a jeep..get GLASSES. ;)) Five Stars from CT!!!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Doug - July 11 - 9:06 am

  I owned a 2003 Xterra and it was ok. I traded that in for the 06 and what a difference. I love its off road capability. This SUV is very capable on road and the ride is much smoother than the older body style. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Excellent - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By gh81 - July 10 - 7:43 pm

  I brought my 2006 Altima 2.5 S last year with 76000km on the clock, now it is just off 100000km. So far Im impressed. Its been 100% reliable and great to drive. Its not a ground breaking car but I like it, and look forward to driving it every day. I would have purchased the 3.5 had I been able to, but the 2.5 has enough guts to make it fun to drive. If I could change anything about it Id make the engine and transmission a bit smoother, and put more feel in the steering. I would completely recommend this car. When I eventually sell it I will almost definitely be buying the 2007 onwards model.

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  Great vehicle for the $ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Geddis - July 10 - 5:10 pm

  This is my second Maxima and Ive owned this model for 3 yrs. Goodyear replaced the OE tires and outside of the basic maintenance, the car has given me no problems. Would recommend this particular Nissan to anyone.