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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  2005 Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BBabcock - May 24 - 6:36 am

  From the day I purchased the vehicle through the present it has been a joy to own. Although it lacks somewhat in head room, it is comfortable once I get in. Being 6-2 and 290 doesnt make for ease in getting into any vehicle. It handles well in the snow and other crumby weather. I am looking forward to another summer of towing the motorcycles and enjoying the great outdoors.

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  Nissans Best Kept Secret - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By bighat - May 23 - 11:26 pm

  We test drove it a few weeks ago, and that set the high water mark. Almost bought a Lexus IS 250 for $4k more, but the Altima coupe is much more fun to drive, plus has more rear legroom!

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  Power truck with roomy interior - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By steve - May 23 - 6:13 pm

  Use this truck for work. V8 305 HP shows when you crank the gas pedal to leave other trucks behind. Best truck I have ever own.

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  Good Decision - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Colorado - May 23 - 9:53 am

  I bought my Murano in late March. I drive a lot for my job, and needed something comfortable, reliable that does well in the snow as I live in Colorado. I love the design of the Murano, and so far Im happy. Its everything I was looking for. I have a Bose stereo, and it doesnt sound as good as I thought it would, but it serves its purpose. I love to drive it, and my friends love to get in it and be driven around. I think its a great car. Havent had the chance to drive it in snow, so I guess Ill have to wait until winter and put it through the real test. The intelligent key is hard to get used to and not sure I like it that much.

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  Big Big Big Problem - CVT - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By ebch - May 22 - 3:56 pm

  Hello future buyer, If you are willing to go Nissan service center at least once a month, you can buy this car. Please go Nissan forum first and check what are problems of this car. [HTML removed.] My case is RPM suddenly down to 800 RPM at 20-30 mph range, it feel like loosening power. Not always. 800 RPM means car stopped at the road with engine running. Extremely nervous situation because car bounced with bang sound from power train. Nissan have to step up to recall for CVT problem.

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  Solid - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Regor - May 22 - 4:00 am

  Overall, a very solid vehicle. Nissan delivers on the promise of a no BS vehicle. If you want leather(like some misguided reviewers), buy a Pathfinder. If you want a solid vehicle, no-nonsense performance, good off-road performance (even with an SE), and reasonable creature comforts (go for the Pathfinder for Luxury), then buy this vehicle. No other brand fits this niche. By the way, this is an SUV, so dont expect great mileage. Pros include power, great engineering, comfort, utility, great handling (for an SUV), and the rear bumper side steps (just cleared the snow off the top, awesome). Cons: uneducated buyers. If you want a car- like ride or economy, buy a hybrid sedan.

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  the mobile command center - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By jfortune - May 21 - 11:28 pm

  Have had the car for about 9 months.....gas mileage is as claimed......the ride is more than decent for a car of its size.......and it handling is very good....i was pleasantly surprised for a car of its size.....the seats are very comfortable, have taken it on some 4 - 6 hour car trips and did not feel beat to death as I have in some small cars in the past.....all in all, I am very pleased with the car so far

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  2004 nissan titan le - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By titanz - May 21 - 9:26 pm

  the nissan titan is by far the best truck built today however, because of this there are a few kinks that have to be worked out but overall it is powerful, great looking and a thrill to drive.

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  In Love With My Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Dutchess Rogue - May 21 - 5:03 pm

  Ive had my 08 Rogue SL for 6 months and I can honestly say "Im in love with my Rogue." Ive had a RAV and a Tribute. They cant compare to my Rogue. I picked the Blue and of course had to get the Bluetooth package with Bose and Xenon Headlights. Everyone that sees it loves it. I wouldnt give up my CVT for the world. Do not miss that archaic gear shift feel from the old days. I had an 07 Altima with the same 2.5 and CVT and glad that my Rogue came with the same. I average 25.8 mpg and couldnt be happier. I was averaging 31 mpg in the Altima, but I traded the slight difference in economy for utility. Fair trade off. Its great in the snow, on the highway and even around town.

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  Not Very Happy - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By rangerdeppe - May 21 - 4:22 pm

  I bought a 2008 Pro4X new from Nissan, and it has not been one of my better vehicles. Its had numerous recalls, the gas milage is terrible, the locking differential has never worked, the drivers seats squeeks loudly, the rear doors rattle, and now the rear bumper is rusting. This is the last straw for me. Since the truck is 3 years old, and has over 36K miles, Nissan will not fix the bumper. I cant believe it! This truck was nearly $40K, has never been in any kind of accident, and Nissan wont cover rust?! They told me that the rust warranty only applied to body panels, and bumpers were not covered. The rest of my truck still looks new, and the rear bumper has a big rust spot!