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 - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Simraan Dhillon - February 12 - 5:29 am

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  I got the power!!!! Nissan Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By diko617 - February 12 - 3:03 am

  Im really impressed with the redesigned nissan frontier. I test drive the Toyota, Honda and Dodge, nothing compares to the engine power of the Nissan Frontier. Its beyond comparisson to other mid-size pick up truck. A worthy investment! Its definetly the most powerful mid size pick up truck!

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  All the right stuff - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By cp4wd - February 12 - 1:43 am

  I wanted the most capable off-road vehicle without having to modify. Think Jeep Rubicon capability in a far more reliable and refined truck that also seats five. I live in Colorado where off-roading is a passion. With rear lockers, hill descent control, 9.5" of ground clearance and the new 4.0 265 HP engine, you have one rugged and extremely capable 4x4. Pleasant and fun on-road with a well thought out no-nonsense interior and full instrumentation. A winning combination all around. My Xterra has been 100% reliable with no mechanical or fit and finish issues. The Xterra has exceeded all my expectations.

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  My car is so awesome! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Barbara - February 11 - 10:10 pm

  I cant stop staring at this car... along with everyone else that sees it. It not only looks great it handles wonderfully. We have an 07 Altima sedan. I didnt think I could love a car more than that, until I got the coupe. I have the premium pkg. in both and wouldnt get anything else. The coupe is definitely smaller inside but it works well for me. There isnt one thing I dont like about this car.

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  14500 lbs pulled like a champ - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By brad - February 10 - 10:33 pm

  i got my nismo in 8/05 i have not been easy with it i work on a tobbaco farm and i use it every day driving through the fields at high speed that i would not dare to take a ford or dodge because you would tear the hell out of it. now power all i have to say i weighed in at the scalls at 14,500 lbs and pulled it better than any half ton truck. it is a awsome 4 welling machine i have only got stuck twice and that was becouse i sunk stright down to the chasy u could only see about 3 inches of the tires. it i s a great truck and well worth the money.

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  Still loved my 2008 with 61k miles - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By quezon118 - February 10 - 7:43 pm

  Bought this car brand new in 2008, S model. Loved the CVT engine, got used to it after 3 days of driving. Comfortable drive, car turns like a dime. Did not have any major issues except 2013 when the dealer have to replaced the brake cylinder for leakage (under warranty.) Still driving with original tires and break pads which I need to replace soon otherwise, it runs and drives beautifully! This is my 2nd Altima, my first one was a 1994, drove it for 15 yrs. with 170k miles on it.

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  LOVE this truck! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By toelint - February 9 - 11:08 pm

  I ABSOLUTELY love this truck! I have the 08 4.0L V6 4x4 Frontier and think its a great truck for its size. I bought it "new" (it had 1 owner before me who bought it from the dealership new, didnt make a payment on it, and had it repossessed 6months after buying it...the truck hit 2k miles on my test drive), and have put 28k miles on it in just the last year and a half. It drives like a car, but can act like a truck. I use it off roads and its reliable, handles well, and climbs obstacles. On the road, its quiet, acceleration picks up really quickly, and steering is perfect. Not super tight, but definitely not loose. Turn radius is great and 4WD doesnt compromise it at all.

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  Nice Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Nice Versa - February 9 - 10:20 pm

  Considering 2008 versa 1.8S and 2008 Hyundai elantra SE, purchased 1.8SL from very nice private party for a good deal, however it came with new car smell. It had just front ABS, however brake was good. Roomy back seat. A bit noisy on windy day. The noise also has to do with the type of hard tire for better MPG. Soft tire would reduce tire noise for less MPG. I need to adjust my driving habit to handle small engine for better mileage and durability. Good handling and adequate power (not ample power) on highway for 70-80 mph cruise w/3 adults. Passing trucks on highway was ok. Did not feel dangerous. Not tested for any rain or snow condition yet. Better than Honda Fit.

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  RR - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By KR - February 7 - 11:56 pm

  I purchased the care new in 1999. Have 180,000+ miles on it and its still going strong. Had to replace struts, ignition and blower motor ... not bad for 10+ years of ownership. Still getting 20+ mpg too! Only down fall is it doesnt have the 3rd row seat ... guess that gives me an excuse to get a new one!

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  Xterra - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By stultze - February 6 - 3:06 am

  Great truck. Good performance, great build quality, OK gas mileage for a 6 cylinder SUV, good looks and a blast to drive both on and offroad.