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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  My Wife and I Love this SUV - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By georgebake - June 1 - 1:20 pm

  We have absolutly have no complaints about the car. I test drove Suburu, Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav 4, Ford Escape and Hyandai Santa Fe and the Rogue blew them all away. Very good ride, quiet, confortable seats, lots of room. We got the premimium package which provides back up camera, GPS, auto head lights, roof rails, keyless entry and start and power seats, all for about $1400.00 for the package. My wife is 65 and she says it is the best car she has ever owned. I have a CX-9 which I love but prefer to drive the Rogue. Great pickup and very quiet. Great rebates (2K).

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  He-Man Truck - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Paul - June 1 - 7:56 am

  The new 2005 Pathfiner Se, 4WD is an impressive, fun truck to drive. The new body style, especially the front grill, is eye-catchig! The ride is very smooth due to the independent four wheel suspension and absorbs bumps in the roadway a little better than the 2004 model making for a smoother ride. In addition, the turning radius is great. The interior cabin feels like i am in a luxery vehicle because of features like the automatic moon roof with deflector, 9 speaker Bose sterio system with 6 disc cd changer, dual adjustable digital temperature control, and titanium trim! I highly recomend the comfort & premiun package on the SE, well worth the extra money!

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  We have loved our Quest from day one!! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Love our Quest - June 1 - 3:13 am

  We bought our Quest new and have loved it! We have had no problems other than the weather stripping on top of the van coming off. We have them fixed and they come back off but the dealer always fixes them again. We actually got rear ended at 70 miles per hour shortly after buying this van and were very happy with the van in the accident, very minor bumper damage, due to crumple zone, and my 2 small children were not injured and neither was I, no whiplash or anything. We take our van on 1000 mile trips at least twice a yr to see family and it is great on trips, comfortable and no problems out of it. Recommend this van to anyone!! Its been great. Would definitely buy another Nissan!

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  Best in Class - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Ken Morris - May 31 - 11:33 am

  I test drove the Honda Pilot, Saturn Vue, Chrysler Pacifica, Suburu Outback, Audi Quattro, and Infiniti (and had been driving a passat wagon). This is the best value in its class for both price and handling when looking for a wagon/smaller SUV. It is almost the same as the Infiniti in design and handling, but about $10,000 less. I like the lower to the ground SUV. It is not boxy like some of the others and dosnt get pushed around in the wind. It handles great and has many nice interior features. Thus far, I have no significant issues with the car and my wife loves driving it.

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  New Review - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Truck Driver - May 31 - 11:23 am

  I owned a 1994 Nissan pickup and decided it was time to update. The Nissan is a dream to drive, and the 4 cyl provides enough power and fuel economy to boot. The economics proved in favor of the Nissan with getting the preferred, power, bed liner packages for $1000 less than a lesser equipped Tacoma. A very satisfied return Nissan owner.

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  I really enjoy it - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Wesley Bray - May 31 - 7:23 am

  I have always been a Ford truck man. I love the Titan. I have been looking at these trucks for over a year now and finally broke down and bought one......I LOVE IT. Gas mileage is normal for a truck. It is easy to get around...the rear back up beeper is great. Lots of room for all the family and friends...well thought out truck. I cannot say enough about it!!!

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  Function over Form - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By JB - May 30 - 12:33 pm

  Had it for 10 months (17,000 mi), and I love it just as much as the day I drove it off the lot. This vehicle is for "outdoorsy" pragmatists who crave functionality and are willing to give up some bells and whistles (leather, GPS, etc.) for performance at a great price. Other than lack of auxiliary jack, gas mileage (I get 17 city/20 hwy) is only real drawback, but you get a whole lot of performance for it. Many have knocked all the hard plastic in the cockpit, but Id rather have extra money in my wallet than upgraded trim. The Xterra offers excellent visibility, ground clearance, handling, and acceleration, which make it fun to drive both on and off-road. The consumer ratings say it all.

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  BEST I EVER HAD - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By BALDEV - May 30 - 2:00 am

  NISSAN FRONTIER IS EXCELLENT...LIKE ALL NISSAN PRODUCT ...EXCITING,FUN AND BEST VALUE

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  Move on a dime - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Hamzah Abdur-Rahman - May 30 - 2:00 am

  When i test drove this car I feel in love with the way it took off and the handleing on the road, but before that i allso test drove the camry,and the honda accord 4cyl. and the altima beat them hands down. so that was the reason that sold me.oh yeah and the price was real good too. thank you nissan.

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  The altima is a great car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By maria - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. Ive had a Maxima before this, and it doesnt even compare. The stario system is especially great. There is also alot more room, too.