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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  Good if you dont get snow! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Aimee - May 27 - 12:46 am

  This is the worst car I have ever driven in the snow. I live in Vermont and I would trade for my Stratus any day. It is not front heavy and is bad in snow. The rear window defogger is insufficient in cold weather, the car creeks when it has ice on it. The rear lights get foggy, I already had one replaced. The car is fun to drive, as long as there is no snow. The CVT is amazing on the highway. Excellent for driving in the city. The dual exhaust looks great. Great brakes, four wheel disc. And the intelligence key is fantastic...except I never know where my keys are to unlock the house because I never need to take them out for my car!

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  I have two NAHs - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By steve - May 26 - 6:43 am

  My second report. Have one with tech package, now have 3200 miles, still averaging about 32.5 mpg (although computer says higher) Have a second vehicle bought at same time (5 weeks ago) with 700 miles first fill up got 28 mpg (trip computer said 31.5). I suppose dealer never filled it quite full like I do. Second vehicle with convenience package but not tech. Love the backup, nav system, very quiet with roof open, but, still, a poor bluetooth system too much road noise or background noise people cannot hear me clearly. Also, love that I can keep key in pocket never take it out. Same for my wife leaving it in purse. Less chance of misplacing. Oh well, out of room just about!

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  Excellent get-about - 2015 Nissan NV200
  By Whitecrow - May 25 - 4:25 am

  Pros: Great on gas and parking...shopping made easy. GPS system fantastic, exterior design awesome, topside mounting anchors for luggage rack excellent...double sliding doors made for exiting easy. Split rear windows(on mine) assist backing out-a little better. Makes for long distance drives fantastic. But, tight fit for large individuals to set comfortable... rear passengers seats should not be an option. Cons: driver front seat comfort sucks-right arm rest made for child size individual. Large front side view construction design makes for poor blind-spots...extra caution taken at stop lights and cross walks. Also, front side rearview mirrors block side view when making lift or right turns...back up monitor needs to remote viewing control-left/right, for backing out safety.

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  Nissan Forever - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Nissan Rich - May 24 - 2:16 pm

  We have two other Nissans (and our 1969 AMX). We buy them for the longevity and value. This one is no different, good value for the money, a/c, p/s, p/b, cruise, CD, auto. Not sure if that is the series or extra purchase. Gets about 30 mpg, city/highway combined. Got 35 mpg highway at 85 mph in Colorado, Washington on a trip to see my son. Has had a few hiccups, fuel regulator causes you to turn key three or four times to start while pressure builds, fixed under warranty, tire pressure sensor goes off for right rear tire but so slow a leak dealer cant find it, steering wheel made a scuffing sound when turned lock to lock. Overall very satisfied, 11,000 miles already, fun to drive, good mpg.

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  Great Car!and a must own for any looking in this class! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By englddriver1 - May 23 - 11:01 pm

  I have to say after reading some of the other reviews I laugh at what people find as annoying...Claiming there AWD doesnt work when they dont lock it? Or the fact that they think the car is a 4X4. Nissan/Infiniti AWD is one of the best in the world and as a long time Infiniti owner of the M class X series I love there AWD and I live in snow country.We purchased this for my fiance as a baby is on the way and wanted a great MPG Cross over.We look at the Infiniti Cross over but my Fiance didnt like any of the looks and felt it had to many gadgets. So we went with the SL AWD Rogue and she loves it! Great MPG love the CVT tranny fun on highway and holds well in the snow for the high RMPS.

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  Excellent Crossover - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By as6004me - May 22 - 10:00 pm

  I went from an Acura TSX to the Rogue, so that could have diminished my vote a little bit. I think the features are great and are conveniently laid out. Versitility is amazing, The seats could have just a little more support for the lower back and the SL 2wd premium package could have included the HID lights, bluetooth and it would be great to have turn signals in the mirrors. But overall it is a great car with just the right attitude and good gas mileage (about 25)

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  great SUV- horrible Service Dept @Dlrshp - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By robert - May 22 - 7:06 pm

  I have a Sequoia and just bought a new Armada. I really like this SUV. I think it rides slightly better than the Sequoia. Very comfortable and roomy. Unfortunately I have had to deal with a couple of warranty issues already. I ve owned it for only 2 weeks and I am already absolutely DISGUSTED with the Dealership and their maintenance department. It takes 2 appointments to balance a wheen properly. They have still not been able to order the right part or figure out what they are going to do to fix my A/C fan. I would give the SUV a thumbs up and give the Dealerships service Department a huge Zero (even a thumbs down would be giving them too much credit).

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  Love The Truckie - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By maxmilo01 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Well I had the truck for Two and a half years, and have not had any mechanical problems.It is a comfortable ride,fuel economy is not bad either.Handles pretty well.I Get alot of compliments, I must say its a great looking truck.

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  Good family transportation - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Zfamily - May 21 - 3:16 am

  Purchased in April of 2005. Mostly happy with vehicle. Had to replace right half shaft, under extended warranty, and rotors twice. Went to after market slotted rotors and no more problems. I get 22 mpg mixed driving and 26 mpg on highway driving 70 mph. Seats are wider and pretty supportive for most people.

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  love my CUBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By tom - May 20 - 4:16 pm

  Bottom line: this is an econobox so dont expect infiniti luxury. However, what this car does offer is unique headturning design (people will point/look all the time), great mileage (28 so far, but only first tank), decent build quality, great features in certain packages (bluetooth, auto climate, intell key), and unusual roominess inside. This car does its job for me... Daily drive, good mileage, can load up on stuff when seats are folded, bt syncing, and above average stereo. What more can you ask for in this price range. CVT takes some getting use to. Suspension and steering is a little floaty at times. Bought the sl b/c krom doesnt have intellikey (very weird) conclusion: love my cube