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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  You have to buy one - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Its miked again - June 23 - 3:23 am

  We just came from a 3200 mile driving vacation to the east coast and back to Kansas. Our van performed excellent and almost matched the rated mileage of 25 mpg. we got 24 mpg with the ac on, averaging 70 mph, and having the van fully loaded with people and cargo. We were happy about that. Also, all of our family that saw, rode in, and drove the van were very impress with the comfotable ride, power of the engine, roominess of the interior, and the cool design. No problems with the van whatsoever.

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  Best by far! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Jonathan - June 22 - 10:13 pm

  This is by far the best truck on the market. I had an 04 Titan and traded up for the 08 and I am strangely imprssed more with this truck than I was the first go around. Great interior/exterior, awesome luxury features and it drives like a car with tons of power. People will only gripe about the mpg, but what do you expect from a truck with this type of engine. All the testing reports prove that the GM brands claim they get the highest, but get the lowest. I have been getting about 15 city. I priced out every vehicle with my options and this truck was not only the best, but with the current rebates on all 5 makers, it was 3,400 cheaper than any, and mine is an 08 compared to their 07s

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  LOVE my Versa, dont miss my Clunker! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By manyskilz - June 22 - 11:43 am

  Ok, so Ive only had it a week, but its been a great week. I drove everything before deciding on the Versa - it was the best equipped for the $, and has a solid feel, not like that "tin can little car" feel youd expect. If youre buying, spring for the SL with CVT - great mpg, and surprising zip factor. Got 29mpg on first tank. Also surprising - the roominess in the cabin. No cramped legs, no bumped heads. LOTS of storage. Parking is a breeze. Great price, great incentives, great warranty. I drive a LOT, and am very happy and expecting only to grow happier with my choice. Getting lots of compliments too...from "cool car!" to "adorable!" to "wow!" ... this is my second Nissan, wont be last!

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  My first import... - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By SubVet - June 21 - 10:43 pm

  I traded a 1998 Buick Century with well over 100,000 miles for this new Versa, and to date, am very happy I purchased it. My Buick was like a member of the family. For ten years, I got in each morning, turned the key, and she started. Never a problem. So far, my new Nissan is proving to be a worthy replacement. I average 35 MPG with a 6- speed transmission and the car is very comfortable. For the price ($10,000 + my trade), I cannot complain. The car even included power everything, ABS, keyless entry, cruise control and splash guards.

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  Fantastic! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By aesgemini529 - June 21 - 8:25 am

  There isnt much I dont love about this car. Ive had it for 8 months now and I have the SV/SL "everything" package. The leather is nice, my friend says the seats are more comfortable than in her CR-V. Im slightly disappointed with the gas mileage, but I have a lead foot (20/22 city with AC in Texas heat, 28 tops highway). I went from a 2000 Cavalier, so I really love sitting up higher, and the sunroof and back-up cam are must haves. It is very quiet, and it doesnt feel too large unlike some others in the category. Accessories feel high-quality, not cheap.

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  Presidents Day Bargain - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By frozentone - June 20 - 9:43 am

  We purchased our 2014 PathFinder SV on a very snowy presidents day. In the last few months we have logged almost 5,000 enjoyable, uneventful miles. This includes a road trip and numerous trips to sporting events hauling 4 kids, 2 adults, and 3 sets of hockey equipment. The ride is great, handling good, and acceleration smooth. So smooth that it is accelerating faster than you at first realize. Mileage has been very good, usually 22-23 in mixed driving (overdrive enabled, towing mode disabled for normal driving). I am looking forward to seeing how well it handles our boat. No shudders, or hick-ups, at all... Just enjoying the ride.

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  Good Car - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kano1017 - June 20 - 8:41 am

  I got my Path used 3 years ago its a 2005, Im very happy with it then I started reading the reviews and got concern I know that this is a Nissan design issues but I was not going to wait till I have to pay a lot of $$ to get the radiator and tranny fix so my friend and me started looking for some options and we found the solution so we cancel the lines that go thru the radiator to cool the tranny oil and put an independent oil cooler so now I will never need to be concern on this issue, cost to do this 70 bucks for the oil cooler + what you mechanic charges you. Good luck

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  tight and smooth - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By mike - June 19 - 3:13 pm

  performance is better than 1.8 and transmission changes are revolutionary. steering is tight like a sports car.really fun to drive.

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  Great truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By travgt - June 19 - 8:56 am

  Great truck especially for a suburbanite type. Design reflects thoughtful analysis of how a customer actually uses the truck. I compared with an F150 loaded up and the Titan LE definitely provided more features and at a lower price. I use the utilitrack and the exterior toolbox. Love the exhaust note! Nissan did a great job with the balance of power in the endurance v8 too. It also has a power rear window.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By zope1986 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have owned more than 20 new cars in the past 18 years and this is the most fun and noticed vehicle ever