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:

• 

  Good Buy - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Rodney - June 24 - 1:10 pm

  We purchased the Armada on 4/29/06. I test drove the car and I felt very comfortable in the seat.(510" 290 lbs.) I love all of the bells and whistles. This car is very loaded with nav system, DVD, back-up sensors and seat memory. I have to issues: gas mileage. It is very poor. The other is the position of the inside door handle. It is too low.

• 

  Nice Little Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Bob22 - June 24 - 9:36 am

  This is the third Sentra I have owned. These are very reliable cars and the gas mileage is great. I get 36 MPG on the highway.

• 

  less pay for the value - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By jjj33 - June 24 - 7:08 am

  I bought 2015 Altima S (with Audio Pacage and power seat Pacage) in very cheap price, and I am satisfied with that. My driving is 1250 miles until now and in only town. I got 33-34 MPG, but EPA estimate is 27 MPG in town. The MPG number on dash is 37.5 but the number when I calculate in pumping is 33.9. So the difference is really big. I do not know why. Overall value and satisfactory are great.

• 

  Great Luxury Ride! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Lois - June 24 - 5:23 am

  After researching and test driving most of the crossover SUVs and Sedan AWD vehicles on the market, I found the Murano the best in both luxury feel, modern styling, and wanted options. Plenty of leg and head room for a tall person and awesome comfortable, heated, memory seats with lumbar. The nav system is easy to operate and fun to use. I love that I had a choice between XM or Sirius. The cruise is on the steering wheel and so easy to use. The back seats recline with a touch. I really love this vehicle!!!

• 

  this cars great 3.5 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By ryan - June 23 - 2:30 pm

  love the car, no problems. the 3.5 has alot of power.leather, bose and fog light are a nice touch to the car. no problems so far after 1 year.

• 

  problems - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By robert - June 23 - 12:03 pm

  the car has had countless trips to the dealer for tranny, clutch, suspension, window motors,and audio....all of it has been replaced once or more times! There is countless tsbs on the vehicle as well, i suggest if you get a z get an 06 because i heard that they have improved most of the problems.

• 

  new rogue owner - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By deadeye63 - June 23 - 2:51 am

  have only had my rogue three weeks and so far so good. had looked at the rav 4 and outlander sport and went with the rogue because of price/looks and all the great features . this car is loaded with everything that you can get on a rogue. only thing i can find so far is the noise when driving on a wet road, like a window is down. also the color which is platinum graphite does not match in different light. doors do not match rear panel. will know more after a few months.troad

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Shellie - June 22 - 7:33 pm

  Look if you are worried about the price of gas dont even look at this suv. That is the only downfall I can find about this Fabulous Ride. Handles smooth, no noise, no rattles, feels sturdy and the best choice we have made in a purchase since learning how to drive 30 years ago. Been through 6 cars and suvs This is top of the line! I really wanted a TrailBlazer when we started our three months of research and shopping but the Amarda LE stole my heart. I think the $41200 was well spent. We have 25000 miles on this already and we have had it for 9 months. Nissan has found the problem with the rotors and are in the process of the recall and should be perfect after that.

• 

  Nice! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By marioh - June 22 - 4:10 pm

  This is my first NEW truck! I love Nissan. The way it drives, the security I feel when Im driving it. This is my daily driver, and I dont mind putting miles on it. (OK mileage, and fun to drive). To and from work, and use it on the weekends to go places with the family. I love the fact that I can use it as a truck, or family vehicle. Work and play. Nice... Definitely a KEEPER!!!

• 

  Very few better cars - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Fan - June 22 - 2:50 pm

  Ive owned 2 1997 Nissan Maxima SEs. One had been in a wreck and had been repaired. (It stil drove like a champ though.) And the other was only two years old when we bought it. This car is the right car for someone who wants a dependable sedan, but also wants a sporty car. Maximas are known as "FDSC" Four door sports cars and they hold that name very well. I had it for a long tome and it didnt have any problems that werent recalls. The alternator has a recall on this model. Note to all considering the 1998-2002 Honda Accord: The trannys are TERRIBLE. Just look on this website at the consumer reviews and youll see what Im talking about. (although Honda does make a good car.)