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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  Everyones Right..To a Point - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By PettisFettis - June 7 - 5:43 pm

  I researched this car for two years (and the Accord Coupe) before I got this one. The blindspots, the jerkiness, the "average" stereo, the A/C plug-ins behind doors, the hub caps, the small trunk, all of this stuff is true, but none of it is excessive, or low-grade. So for the price of this vehicle, Im very impressed with what I got. And the acceleration, handling, fun factor, and sturdiness are unmatched in this price range. Read all the Honda reviews (Ive owned three accords), and youll see that they will let you down too if youre expecting perfection out of a car under 20K. I can definitely live with any of this vehicles shortcomings, kinda like I can deal with my own.

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  excellent truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By reza - June 7 - 1:46 pm

  I have been driving my nissan for exactly one year and I still enjoy every moment spent in it. It has so far met all my expectations. I feel I will never get rid of this one!

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  2005 Xterra is Awesome - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Sean - June 6 - 10:20 pm

  I purchased my Xterra in April. I have about 8,000 miles on it and it is excellent. It is the best vehicle I have owned to date. Fun to drive, smartly designed and runs like a charm. Has good power and everything I could ask for. Would recommend to anyone.

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  Our first Van - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By Nosoyo - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Of all the new vans we have seen on the road and have looked in the web, we liked 3 of them the best. We have road tested the Toyota Sienna, Honda Oddesey, and Nissan Quest. We wanted a van with an attractive exterior so as we can feel proud to drive and own the vehicle. The Nissan Quest exterior looks much better than the other two although the Sienna was close for us. The Interior had to look attractive also or we would not buy the Van. The Nissan Quest had the best looking interior. Very attractive control panel!! Love it! The driving was good, the ride is smooth and overall the Nissan Quest was the best!! We bought the Nissan Quest!!

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  Gotta try a PATHFINDER - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By luvin the Pathfinder - June 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been by far and away the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Fast, sturdy and air tight..I honestly do not have one squeak. The families growing so Im looking forward to a fullsize SUV from Nissan (rumored anyway).

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  Best in Show - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By T-Dog - June 6 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best mid-size SUV on the market. I drove them all, and the Pathfinder has the most bang for the buck, great acceleration, and decent towing capabilities. The back seat could offer a bit more room, but it will be fine for 2 full size adults.

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  LOVE MY MAXI - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By the greeder - June 6 - 12:20 am

  I love my 07 maxima. I also drove an 07 Camry and an 06 maxima, but once I drove the 07 maxi it was over. Just love the sporty looks inside and out.I only have one complaint and it really has nothing to do with the car itself. My husband and I wanted the SL because of the woodgrain look but now are having a problem buying a spoiler for it because ours didnt have one on it.

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  Great vehicle - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By crawldog - June 5 - 6:57 am

  We purchased a platinum premium about a week ago...After going with the intentions of buying the Infiniti JX we decided to drive the Pathfinder and actually like the drive and ride of it better. On top of that it saved us $10,000 compared to the JX, now we realize there are some options you cant get on the Pathfinder that the JX has but we could not justify the $10k difference...also its avg 22 mpg around town on the first tank!!!

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  From a Ford to a Nissan - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Rogue17 - June 5 - 6:10 am

  After years of driving Fords I bought my first Nissan back in August when I decied I wanted to go back to an SUV I absolutely loved it!!! I compared the Rogue SL to the Escape Titanium loved them both but the Nissan was about $8,000 less and has all the features that the Escape had. Its more fun to drive and has a sportier styling. Theres not much difference in the gas millage between the too. I just might a Nissan man from now on

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  Almost a grand slam - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By wizjam - June 5 - 4:43 am

  There is a lot to like about this car! I shopped around and after trying several competitors, the 3.5L won me over with its smooth power, quiet ride, and extremely comfortable seats. Before I got this car, my daily 45+ minute commute was an ordeal. But now the daily commute is comfortable, and I arrive without stiffness or back pain. When traffic is heavy, I just sit back, turn up the Bose system, and enjoy the extremely comfortable ride. Overall, the car hit a home run that would have been a grand slam except for a few details with the Nissan Connect app - its buggy.