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, some reviews not too fair - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By mrjosephmama - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2006. With more than 75k on the odometer, I have no complaints about the car. I have driven it several times across country in the seat for 16 hours. Driver fatigue was low and comfort was excellent even for that long. Some other reviews I have read complain about gas mileage, premium gas required, gas tank size etc. Not to sure if they did their research but these arent flaws. Its like complaining that a Corvette has too much power. Do you research because this isnt an "economy car" its a sport sedan. 28 MPG on the highway and 21 mixed which aint too bad. If you bought this car used and complain about reliability, it was abused.

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  Real Time - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Ken - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I love it. 31K miles and still love it! It does move in windy conditions at high speeds or is pushed by trucks on interstate. One push on the gas and I am passed that though. Gas is always 28-29 mpg highway or city. I am big and my son is 67" and we both have plenty of spare room front or back. I am totally satisfied.

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  My 2011 Nissan Rogue SV - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Gary Byars - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Rogue that I have purchased. Traded my 2009 Rogue S for the 2011 Rogue SV. The SV comes really loaded up and the Premium Package really gives you so great options for a really reasonable Price.

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  Best Frontier yet! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Asantoni - December 28 - 1:46 am

  Having owned a 1998 Frontier, words cannot describe what an improvement over the old model the 2005 Frontier is. There is plenty of low end Torque from the V6 engine and its a pleasure to rev. 5 speed auto transmission is extremely smooth (same is in the Titan I believe) and it helps deliver respectable gas mileage. So far Im getting about 18 mpg in mixed driving and 21-22 mpg hwy. Handling is also a strong suit. Only complaints I have about the truck is the small nearly vertical rear seats and the General Grabber tires. These tires will break loose in even the slightest rain and just dont belong in a truck with this much power.

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  My SL is sure luxery - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Tom Brown - December 26 - 9:32 am

  After owning 5 Camrys decided to jump ship based upon the appearance as well lack of comparable features of the 2013 model year. This of course carries over to the 2016 as well. We liked our 2013 Altima and now own a 2016 Altima, which we like even better if thats possible. Our concerns about the 2013 have all been addressed with this model years refresh. Way to go Nissan you listened to your customers and made the necessary changes. We really hadnt intended on buying another Altima due to the fact it basically looks like our 2013, but after checking out the competition and being able to get the features that we wanted at a price we could afford, the refreshed Altima made it an easy choice.

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  New Frontier better than Tacoma? - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By michael - December 26 - 2:30 am

  Driving my moms tacoma trd after my nismo frontier i noticed this: The frontier is noticeably faster/more powerful. The steering is easier in the tacoma. The frontier had more hip/knee room. Tacoma is quieter. Fronter is sportier. Tacoma sits a tad higher. Frontier has much better price. Tacoma has prettier interior. Frontier has better functionality of interior. Tacoma has nicer wheels. Frontier gets better mileage 19avg vs. 16avg. for tacoma. Tacoma has better bed. Frontier has nicer one piece fenders. Trucks are essentially equal.The difference is Frontier is sportier and for young people.Tacoma is more luxurious and for older people.oh yeah frontier has real chrome bumpers. like em both

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  The Perfect Car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By PETER - December 26 - 1:33 am

  The new 2010 Altima is everything i have ever looked for in a car, sporty styling, fun to drive. and the price was better than The Honda or Toyota. My insurance is lower on the Altima too!!

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  5 stars - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By senojdr2 - December 25 - 1:53 pm

  This is a dream car,The price is extremely low for a great performing automobile. My only complaint is lack of radio.I think this is a game to increase price.I ordered a Sony CD radio for a total price 151.24. Will pay 40-50 installation. Versa comes prewired except a radio. Ebay tell me of 200.00 saving over Nissans radios.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Pleased owner - December 25 - 10:43 am

  I bought my Altima 6 months ago and have not regretted my decision once. I bought the fully equipped Technology package and I have found the features included comparable with cars costing significantly more. I am getting a consistent 33-35 mpg with about 50-50 highway/street driving. I have not experienced any issues at all, not even a minor squeak or rattle. I must say that I love this car!! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a hybrid that still feels and looks sporty.

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  Amazing car - 2014 Nissan Juke
  By mltabarez - December 25 - 8:06 am

  I nicknamed it "The Ugly Duckling" because my first instinct was to NOT buy it. However, my husband and son fell in love with it and I agreed because its a Nissan (this is our 5th Nissan) and a manual (I hate automatic cars). My husband drove it exclusively for the first month until I tried it out. I refuse to give it back! Ive been driving for more than 40 years and this car is the BEST Ive ever driven. It has incredible power, amazing maneuverability, and is good on gas. There are NO blind spots. Really grabs the road.