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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  So Far So Good - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By afellows - August 29 - 10:10 am

  I have loved every minute behind the wheel of my Juke unless the driver in front of me is driving ten under the speed limit. I have never had a problem with the car, though Im still under the 40k mile mark. Ive put in some long trips with it and have managed about 34mpg on those trips. I average 23-25 mpg in the city. The AWD has gotten me out of some slippery situations. I enjoy the stiffer suspention and the cornering. Overall, probably my favorite of the cars Ive owned.

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  The Best Maxima Yet - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By moondan1 - August 29 - 7:30 am

  I have been leasing new Maximas every 3 years since 1996 (except for 2006 when I opted for the V6 Altima) and the 2009 SV is the best one yet. For the money, it is the best FWD sports sedan available. It is extremely powerful, the CVT is very smooth (although opting to drive in the "S" or "Manual" modes allows you to feel as though the engine is shifting gears), and provides a nice balance between sporty handling and comfort. Based on Edmunds review (which I am in complete agreement with), I did not get the Sport package and am perfectly happy without it. I have been disappointed with Nissans treatment of the Maxima these past few years, but am thrilled that for 2009 they nailed it!

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  Incredible Car! - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Fantastic car !!! - August 29 - 5:23 am

  We purchased the Versa with all the available options including premium package, cvt, nav, and sunroof. This car is awesome!I drive a BMW and the Versa is still a blast to drive. You have to go with all the extras for sure to make this car purchase worthwhile.Upgraded stereo is incredible with satellite and unbelievable sound with six speakers. The cvt is a must and the interior upgrades are a outstanding. the center console addition is perfect. We drove the basic model without the extras and there is no comparison to the fully loaded version. The price was crazy cheap given what we got. Gas mileage is great. We love the car!

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  Good Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jason - August 29 - 3:56 am

  Bought in 06 used with 20k. Did have a sending unit problem causing engine light to come on at 50k. Bought one online for $80 and spent 2 hours by myself swapping it out. Not to hard to do. And also was not painted very well in the gap between the front pillars and fenders. Found that out at high press car wash, used touch up and cant tell anymore. Other than those two problems I am pleased with her, lots of power, not bad in the dirt or mud and I dont baby it. Rides good on highway and handles a trailer well. Was looking at Trailblazers but Pathys have better reliability and much better crash ratings. Important to me when its the wifes car and shes always hauling my 2 girls.

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  Good Small SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Joe - August 29 - 12:40 am

  Traded in 04 Murano as it approached 100k miles. This has been an excellent alternative. After driving for a full year, gas mileage is consistent at 23 everyday with closer to 28 on highway. CVT transmission can slow your start but overall is very good. Cargo space adequate for this sized vehicle.

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  Problems solved, hopefully - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dargon - August 28 - 10:41 am

  Purchased in July, 2010 with 82k miles on it from dealership without knowing what issues the vehicle had. After reading all the reviews I took preemptive measures and replaced the radiator myself, $200. Evap code tripped on the way home from dealership same day of purchase. Took evap canister out, found out a tab holding the evap valve in place was insufficient and zip tied the crud out of it and havent had a problems with it. According to carfax report the fuel sender had already been replaced. Havent had an issue with it since, but transmission has always made a small clacking noise when it makes its first shift after start-up, hope this is normal.

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  second quest - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By vanman - August 28 - 9:56 am

  ok, not as firm a shift as i remember nissan having, this is my 5th nissan product. air noise is noticeable as is wheel bounce at higher speeds. Rear pop side window rattles when open.does not always catch when start.

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  Could Have Done Better for the Money - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By VegasJ - August 27 - 11:53 am

  It is still new so it is still nice. BUT I have to say I am disappointed. Especially since I was so happy with my previous Nissan Altima. The Sentra is a budget car in driving experience but no so much in dollars. I could have found a less expensive way to be bored. The quality is ok but nothing special. Not so comfortable for rear seat passengers over the age of 10.

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  great all-round suv - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Matt - August 27 - 10:30 am

  My Pathfinder was well equiped w/ leather, Sirius radio, sunroof and stickered for $36,125. This was my first foreign car and has impressed me enough to want to buy another. It is very off-road capable, has a smooth ride on road. Has alot of cargo space. But the thing that impressed me the most is the engine and drivetrain combination. Throttle response is great and with the

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  Pretty Happy after 1 week - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By paltima - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded a a 99 Nis Max (with bothersome engine prolems)for this car. Wanted an 05 Pathfinder but too much $$ for it. Altima is roomier than my old Maxima. Love the styling, love the interior. Handling is awesome - better than old Maxima. Engine feels like it is more "spirited" than 99 Maximas 195hp V6 but the Altimas 4 cylinder is more noisy - although the aggressive "growl" the motor makes somewhat fits the sporty character of the car. Convenience plus package adds very useable options. Got about 4K discount/rebate off sticker so Im happy with the price. Bottom line- Camry may be more refined but lacks any emotion. Altima is more fun to drive and has a welcomed personality!