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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  Nissan Rogue S with 360 package - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By jimmy - September 15 - 7:00 pm

  Have had the car only a week but love it so far. The variable transmission is just great. The ride is quite and comfortable.The car came with 48 lbs of air in the tires and after I adjusted them to the recommended 33 lbs the car seems to ride even smoother. The backup camera is a nice feature but is very wide angle and things seem very far away when actually they are close. You have to use common sense and not rely on just the camera when backing. Some little things that I did not realize when purchasing the car was no front bumper and the gas fill is on the right passenger side and has no lock on fuel door. I am afraid of the damage if I hit something with the no bumper front end.

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  VERY disappointed with car - many problems. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By sad owner - September 15 - 5:32 pm

  I dont even have 36,000 miles on this car and have had to replace the transmission, brake pads, battery and now waiting for rear shocks to come in to replace them as well. I bought a new car so that I wouldnt have issues and worry that can come with an older automobile. I work a lot and the inconvenience of having my car in the shop frequently, as well as the time I have had to wait to be towed, etc. is ridiculous. I have had two Acuras, a Honda and two Toyotas and have never had a complaint. I will NEVER buy a Nissan again after this. I just cant take that chance. I can only hope these problems are behind me. If not, Ill come back and update for you.

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  What a great little ride! - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By cubedriver - September 15 - 1:28 pm

  We just got our cube a couple of weeks ago. We could not possibly be more pleased. For the price, this is the best car on the market. If you can live with the styling, you get so much comfort, ease of access, mpg, and functionality in a well-designed package.

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  What a fun truck! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Nancy Ellis - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted a truck, but had never driven one and knew nothing about them. I test drove them all, and settled on the Frontier for reasons of price, 4 doors, and appearance. I was lucky to find a 2003 used, low-mileage SE Crew Cab in solar yellow with all the options I wanted. It is SOOOO fun and I enjoy the attention it generates, (although I am a middle- aged lady with a kid in college!) I am sure glad I traded in that "soccer mom" beige minivan!

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  Its the 4WD Maxima - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kayakingmom - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough good things about our 2001 Pathfinder. We were skeptical trading in a 1999 4Runner. This pathfinder Wins HANDS DOWN. Safe, nimble handling, much better gas mileage than the Toyota. We Just Love it. Two kids in car seats rinding in the back seat now, Golden Retriever in the way back. Two Kayaks on the roof. The Power and Handling are key. Great Feel for the road. The reliability is BULLETPROOF. My husband is on his 3rd Maxima and he prefers to drive the Pathfinder AKA the "4WD Maxima" Cheap Gas does not affect the power.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Sandra L. - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car. Its such a pleasure to drive. The ride really amazed me. The engine is so smooth also.Compared to my last car a 2001 Altima. I havent had any problems to speak of with this car. Also that this car doesnt have to have a tune up for 110,000 miles was a real selling point. Just a all around great car. Go get one.;)

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  I Love My Car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Josephine Novak - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle last May 2003. The performance has been absolutely great. It is easy to handle. Very confortable with the lumbar in the drivers seat. We have driven for at least 500 miles in one day and come off the trip feeling fine and not exhausted. It has not caused me a minute of worry. We have had it serviced several times with oil change and that is all that I have invested in one year except gas of course. I seem to get 24 miles to the gallon in city driving. The leather has held up great.

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  Titanium Tough - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JG ATVS - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have approx.2000 miles on the truck and the acceleration,torque and towing capability is great.The mpgs is a little lower than expected but the ride, handling and interior features are excellent.Would recommend truck to anyone.

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  28,000 MISTAKE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By in2tv - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I beleive I made a 28,000.00 mistake. After test driving the truck on a smooth highway, I decided, well it a little stiff but power makes up for it. But now I am driving it everyday on the 10 FWY in the San Gabriel Valley and I am practically being tossed out of my seat. The ride is extremely rough and harsh. Yes I have already checked the tire pressure!!

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  Tough to Beat - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Alteema - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Drove almost every family car out there. This is by far the best of all worlds. No compromising size with sporty character, its all in here.