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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  Great car! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By smgon99 - April 4 - 5:56 pm

  I went from an older Maxima to the Altima. I realized quickly how much car I was getting for the price. The drive is smooth and fun. The interior is super comfortable. I do have two complaints, however: The drive is loud, especially with the larger engine. In addition, I have already managed to lock myself out of the car twice! The interior lock is right above the door handle and very easy to accidently push while opening the door. Otherwise, I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Sad Its Time To Let Go - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By apapple - April 4 - 3:38 pm

  I purchased my Maxima off a 2 yr lease with 35k miles on it. This week, after 7 years of ownership, it rolled past 190k and I can honestly say, hands down, this is the best car I have EVER HAD. Aside from normal maintenace wear and tear, I cant make any complaints. The most major thing ever replaced on this was the alternator, about 3 years ago. I am hard on cars and this Maxima has defintely been through the ringer. The two issues I can note would be the check engine light coming on for a bad oxygen sensor and the 6-disc player jamming up. Other than that, no complaints here. It has been reliable in all weather and the only reason it is time to go is because we need a larger vehicle.

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jenn - April 4 - 7:43 am

  After totaling my GMC Envoy and breaking my leg. I began my search for a new SUV, (I would never purchase another American made SUV) I wanted an SUV that was reliable, safe, and comfortable. I found all that in the Murano. In fact i was so impressed with this vehicle that my monther also purchased one for herself. I have never had any problems with the car in the 8 months that i have owned it, and I have never felt more safe in an SUV than i do in this one. I feel that Nissian has their act together. I am one VERY SATISIFIED CUSTOMER! I am now looking foward to purchasing the Nissian Titan to tow my horse trailer. Nissian is an increidible company that I stand by.

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  Most Fun Full-Sized Pickup Available - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Dave R. - April 4 - 1:13 am

  I was looking to buy another Sierra until I sat in a Titan at the Auto Show. This truck has the most comfortable seating of any vehicle I have ever sat in as well as a ton of leg room (important for me as I have long legs). I tow an 18 fiberglass boat that is kind of heavy and this truck pulls it very well. The nav system is excellent and a nice option to have. It was hard to find one with side air bags as the package for air bags includes an electronic stability system - both of which I feel should be standard on all vehicles. Gauges are well designed and easy to read. The transmission temp gauge is nice to have if you are towing anything.

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  new age family truckster - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By big rebel - April 3 - 4:50 pm

  sad to say, converted Jeep owner. the Germans have taken over at Chrysler! We needed a real 4x4 which could handle growing family and many roadtrips to our VT vacation home. We looked at everything in the segment (pilot, highlander, jeeps, fords, GMCs etc). The Pathfinder is excellent: spacious, yet quite stable on the highway; Great handling in the snow and VT mud (jeep like characteristics, which impressed us all); and just well thought out inside - quite practicle. One can actually use the third row! One can actually use the fold down passenger seat as a changing table! And it can still get out of its own way on the highway at 80mph

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  Fantastic - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By JOSEPH - April 3 - 11:30 am

  More comfortable than yaris and honda fit. Another great car from nissan

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  Excellent Buy! - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Melissa - April 2 - 1:50 pm

  I love this SUV. I was so scared to buy an SUV, because I was afraid I would have trouble parking, etc. But this is so easy and I dont even slide to the side of the seat when I make a turn (leather seats). In my husbands car, I practically get thrown off the seat! Great reliability, Easy to get the kids in and out, and great comfort too!

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  Wonderful for what it is - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rick - April 2 - 7:56 am

  This is a great car. Stylish enough so you wont be embarrassed to admit you drive one, but also practical, good on gas (Ive noticed a few complaints about the MPG here but I can attest its really good if your own driving habits are efficient) and reasonably priced! The cargo area is deceptively large and therefore perfect for roadtripping, and its fuel efficient enough for both roadtrips and commuting (and its comfortable too, which is good in those instances where youre sitting in dead-stopped traffic in it!). A 62" friend of mine called the backseat "roomy."

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  Sips gas and comfy ride - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Fran - April 1 - 7:10 pm

  I love this car! I had a 2001 Altima GLE and traded it in for the hybrid. Purchased 10 days ago and traveled almost 1500 miles traveling from NYC to North Carolina and back. I averaged 41 MPG at highway speeds of 60-70. Coming home we hit a tremendous amount of traffic on US 95 and in the bumper-to-bumper traffic the car averaged 47 MPG. Besides the great gas mileage, the car rides quiet and smooth. After driving over 500 miles in a day, I still say: I love this car!! I have the basic model with no frills and with the 2.9% financing and the $2,350 tax credit, the purchase was a no- brainer.

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  Youve gotta know! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Dad w/3 kids - April 1 - 12:03 pm

  Coming out of a Nissan minivan I wanted to stay high up, w/room for 3 younger kids.With 86k miles not one problem. What a great experience and no money out of pocket. Being a car salesman myself and now going to a Nissan SUV. I do recommend for a used vehicle buyer. The back seat is smaller but overall handles very well.