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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  Very Satified Owners - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Curt - November 10 - 4:06 am

  We purchased this car for gas mileage and the fun factor. It delivers both. Our trips from Kansas to Texas deliver better than expected fuel economy and we like the 6-speed manual. We like the solid feel and little to no wind noise. Seat fabric and interior components feel of high quality. We are very happy with this car.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Henry - November 10 - 2:49 am

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  Solid - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Brandon64 - November 9 - 8:06 am

  Purchased my Xterra in the summer of 01. It has been a reliable and durable truck. Its suffered the scorching summers of Phoenix, Az and the freezing winters of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and has never left us stranded. All parts still work. With regular maintenance itll last forever. At 110K still runs strong no big repairs except for a high hose leak in the air conditioner, the power steering pump leaks but was fixed with a $10 additive and the rear main seal (common amongst Nissan trucks) is leaking oil but was fixed with another $10 additive I picked up. Overall been a fantastic vehicle. You can always depend on your Xterra

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  Hoping for the best - Beware of catalytic converter - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By ams5db - November 8 - 10:31 pm

  I bought a 2007 Altima 2.5S 4-cyl from a private seller in July 2011. It had 117,000 miles on it, mostly highway. The car was in great condition and I even had it inspected at a shop before buying it. About five days after driving it, the check engine light came on. I thought there couldnt possibly be something wrong with it already, so I manually turned the light off and waited...two weeks later, it was on again. The catalytic converter was the problem and I had it cleaned out, but was told that it still may need to be replaced. Everything was fine for about 3 months, but the CE light just came on again at 121,000 miles. I dont want the engine to get ruined, so Ill have to fix it asap.

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  Nissan Scores Again - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Gen - November 8 - 10:30 pm

  Checked it out at the Motor Trend Intl Auto Show and its everything everyone is raving about. My friend, (near 6ft. and is a researcher by trade) fits comfortably on the rear seat with extra knee/leg room--even with the front seats all the way back. So I picked one up at the local dealer today to use as an economical commuter (for work) next to my Chrysler 300C and Porsche 911. It shifts smoothly and lightly. I like the idea that no matter what my gas mileage is, it wont be as painful at the pump. The drivers view of the road is more than I can say for most cars I have driven. My family has owned several Datsun and Nissan vehicles were all dependable and mechanically sound.

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  Excellent truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Serenity - November 8 - 11:33 am

  I have wanted this truck ever since they came out, and when I finally bought one, I dont regret it! The sound system, rumble in the engine, the pick-up-and-go when you want it to... everything you could want in a truck!

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  Step away from the VW - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rbitterman94 - November 8 - 10:23 am

  After having a horrible experience with VW I researched my next purchase with a vengeance. I looked at the honda, Camry, Altima and theG6. I fell in love with the Nissan. Although the others were very compatible I could not justify spending the additional money for the Honda or Toyota and the G6 fell short of the hype. I received a 2.5S with the ABS & airbag pkg along with a few other goodies for $18,075. The car is quick off the line and extremely plush and comfortable for a 6’3” driver. I love the stereo and the interior layout, as well as the overall look of the car. I would recommend the Altima to anyone who wants an accord or Camry type quality at a more affordable price.

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  Manufactuing defect. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Carl Carlson - November 8 - 7:03 am

  My wife and I really enjoyed our Altima, we had 92000 on it and planed on another 100000. But to our dismay we found that the passenger floor board had nearly completely rusted out, shades of the 50s. It was so bad that when you put your hand on it it felt like a sponge. The dealer and the company did not care about this and would do noting that had to be a manufacturing defect. We will never buy another car from that dealer or company. We have bought a 2009 Mazda6 and love it.

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  A Class Act of a Car! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tracy - November 7 - 12:56 pm

  The new Nissan Pathfinder 2005 is a wonderful vehicle. I just purchased one before just before the new year and I cant drive it enough. The ride is so comfortable and the style is so classy! It really has a good take off and the brakes work like a charm. I especially like the hill descent control (HDC) feature on the Pathfinder. The new Pathfinder is completely different than the older models. I traded in my old 1997 Nissan Pathfinder which lasted a long time so I know this one will as well. I highly recommend the purchase of this vehicle. It is such a beauty and runs extremely well. Everyone looks at it!!

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  Very reliable car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Joe D - November 7 - 10:36 am

  A spacious, reliable, and economical car. I bought it pre-owned with 25k, it now has 90k and has cost me next to nothing to maintain beside mandatory maintenance (oil changes, tires, etc.).