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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  After 5000 miles - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Banker John - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I just passed 5000 miles on my Xterra. I have found that the more I drive it, the more I like it (this is my 11th new car, but my first truck/SUV) Very solid and comfortable for a truck. My wife went on a short trip (400 miles round trip) with two adult lady friends and found the ride to be very pleasant. Utility for hauling is very good. Folding the rear seats does let you haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood (with the hatch open). I have an XE 4x4 with an automatic. Id save my money and avoid buying the SE or the supercharged version. Absolutely zero problems so far.

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  Xtremely Happy Owner!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By XterraUTE - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Im an extremely happy owner of this vehicle. I have done my research with other SUVs and came up liking the Xterra. This a very capable and solidly build SUV, the vehicle does double duty for me as my wife utilized it as a daily driver and then for family recreation utilizing it for camping/fishing go offroad to some places (exploring). So far we luv the Xterra and hope to enjoy its usage. Highly recommend the top of the line model SE/SC model.

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  Excellent car!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bettio - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I think it is a cross between the SUV and a sporty car. Good Job!!

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  Quest for the best - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By coleman_lot - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very fun to drive and an eye catching machine. Finally the minivan doesnt feel like a minivan. It truly feel luxury, futuristic, fun to drive and tons of gadgets.

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  HMMM...Very nice - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Bryant Cox - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Everything is unbelievably nice. One thing on the exterior I dont like is the back end doesnt look sporty enough...and its torque isnt as high as I want. But theres nothing that a turbo charger wont fix. lol

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  Nostalgia Strikes - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By GAR - July 11 - 7:56 pm

  I owned 72 240Z and my wife had a 280ZX. I have several similar cars over the years. When I first drove 370Z I was reminded powerfully of my 240. This is a drivers car. You dont step into it but instead you wear it. You feel the road in your hands and the seat of your pants. You hear the roar of the road and judge its condition from the sound. The sport package makes the handling even more precise. The car seems to go where you want it too by thought control. This car demands your full attention but you are rewarded with an exciting driving experience that makes any trip even the daily commute fun. If you want a 2-seater sports car the Nissan 370Z deserves your serious consideration.

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  Good Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert - July 11 - 6:26 am

  Bought truck used in 2001 with 27k miles. Now has nearly 102,000 miles. Still going strong. Back seat does not have a lot of leg room, but is great for short adults or kids. I added a roll-n-lock bed cover to use for covering luggage on family trips. Rear cup holders are good with kids in back. My daughter is learning to drive and likes this better than our car.

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  XE 4 cylinder Great Choice - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ron - July 11 - 1:23 am

  I really enjoy my XE Frontier. The 4 cylinder engine is quiet and runs smooth. The 5 speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and is great on gas mileage. The seats are very comfortable. The new body style looks great. I am very pleased with my Nissan Frontier.They did a fine job from design to assembly.

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  Love This Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By K Lewis - July 10 - 7:03 pm

  This car is fun to drive. After switching out the Continental tires for Bridgestone tires, it handles better, and the ride is out of this world! Specs are awesome! Suggested for any young professional who has to travel 20+ min to work, great ride.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Rocket Z - July 10 - 2:23 pm

  I never thought I would say it...AWESOME! I have never had more fun driving a car. I got a great deal (saved $20,000.00) off the price of a new one. Test drove both and could not justify the price difference to buy a new one. This car has it all. Pleased and in my favorite color...RED!