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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  Happy With Mine - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Happy - July 29 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased it new. Its my second Nissan truck and without a doubt, Id get a third one. Past couple of years I drive 22,000 miles annually. The only parts that were replaced were from routine wear and tear. Ive done everything recommended to maintain it and replaced all parts as they wear out. 2007 my mechanic said the engine would go over 200,000 miles and now 2009 hes saying itll go over 300,000 miles. Im getting a new car end of this year but definitely keeping my truck.

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  Greatest Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Dick W. - Phoenix - July 29 - 7:03 pm

  I have owned many pick-ups but this is the finest. My previous vehicle was a 2002 Frontier SE Crew Cab and was no comparison to the 2005. The 2005 is a most impressive vehicle in terms of build quality, power, handling, ride, just everything! I looked and compared Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Dodge and GMC and there was absolutely NO COMPARISON! They all fell well short of the Frontier in all areas. The Ford and Dodge were really inferior in every way, do yourself a favor and drive the Frontier and you will buy it.

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  reliable family vehicle - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Tallahasse Family - July 29 - 2:06 pm

  Very reliable, only problem was VCR & it was under warranty. Very comfortable on long trips, video and lots of power outlets for kids stuff is great. 19 mpg in town.

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  Love My Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Max - July 29 - 10:33 am

  Coming from an 02 Ford Explorer, my concept of spacious is a little warped. But my Versa is BIG inside! The rear storage under the hatch is deceiving - it looks small but is very deep. It handles great, and everything seems really solid. Interior design is a little funky, and the comfy front seats (the dealer tells me that theyre Maxima seats) leave not so much room for good cup holders or useful console. So what? Ill get used to it. Great door buckets/pockets, even in the back seat. Ive driven over 800 miles in a little over a week and have been running the A/C pretty much non-stop. Averaging ~32 MPG on the first 3 fillups.

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  29K Miles .. so far so good! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mbp2011 - July 28 - 2:46 pm

  So far we love this car. We bought it in August of 2013. At about 9K miles the odometer quit working. It just froze up one day (still had display, the mileage and trip just wouldnt change). Took it to dealer and they replaced no questions asked. The same day, I had them to replace the backseat because there was about a 3 in. place where one of the seams hadnt been sewn up. I have been pleased with the customer service on warranty so far. My husband drives it back and forth to work each day (87 miles, one way) and averages 35 mpg. Hes a big guy and has plenty of space and headroom. Love it!

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  Spec-V Wrap-up Review - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By J Ruff - July 28 - 11:16 am

  Recently turned in my Spec-V for an Altima. The Spec-V was a very fun car to drive and was a performance bargain that could not be beat for a few years. Finicky handling, but fairly high limits once you were aquainted with the car. Good strong motor, brakes, and nice steering. The only real weak links were the shifter (sometimes) and torque steer. After a while though you do become accustomed to these quirks and the car never lost its charm. The car felt solid all the time I had it. The only big complaint I had was the ease with which the paint got chipped in the front. My other big complaint was that Nissan did not see this as normal wear and tried (but failed) to charge me for it.

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  Split Seam - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ignatius1 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  After only two months, one of the seams on the drivers seat has split. The dealer is ordering a new seat bottom to replace it, though. I am getting about 34 MPG in mainly highway driving. I was hoping for more with gas prices around $2 and rising! The front cup holders are only good for very short cups. Many of the under frame and engine components are rusting badly.

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  Great Compact truck for the Money - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By billc66 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  If yur looking for a compact truck with outstanding quality, great features, and a super low price. The Frontier is for you. I shopped all makes Ranger, Dakota, S-10, Colorado and non of them compare to the value you recieve from the Frontier. Nissan should own the small truck market. Ford, Chevy they have nothing to offer except higher priced compact trucks. We love our Frontier.

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  Got it Today! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JFP1955 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up a 2005 SE 3.5 today. Traded the wifes 99 Pathfinder. Had an excellent experience with the dealer, Autoway Nissan of Brandon. The car is a kick. Wife almost went for the 2.5 SL but the lack of ABS swayed her to the 3.5. Smoke in color. A real head turner. Only question is, how do I get my wife to let me drive it..

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  More compliments than on my Caddy - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Debbie B. - July 28 - 2:30 am

  I love the spunk of this car! And especially the custom colorization. Since I was purchasing the car, I purchased all of the color accents that I could. The car is a beautiful dark blue, with red accents. I get compliments on the car daily. Everyone loves the look of it and especially the color accents. I previously has a Cadillac ATS and before that a Caddy CTS. Obviously both of the Caddys road smoother. But frankly, I got tired of the exorbitant repair and maintenance bills on cars that were only a few years old. Also, there was so much technology on the Caddys that it was constantly in the shop. One even a needed a new transmission when it was just 4 years old. So I was looking to downsize, have a car with less electronics, better mileage and just a simpler ride. The Juke is all of that and more! I cant say enough about how happy I am. I purchased it in June of 2016 and it really does get 30 mpg. And I have had no problems in the year and a half Ive owned it verses the probably 8 times the Cadillac was in for service during the first year. Often, the service visits were recalls or simple technological glitches, but frankly I dont think a new car should be in the shop at all in its first few years. And thats the case with my Juke. Yes, the back seat is small, but it is typically just me and my husband and my mom and I fit in the back just fine. Yes, the trunk space is smaller than my previous car, but the seats lie down easily, so its actually better then than before. Love, love, love it! Thank you Nissan for a solid, sporty car that spends more time on the road and less time in the shop.