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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Happy Owner - June 19 - 7:36 am

  I have always owned American made vehicles until this purchase. I now ask myself, what took me so long! Drives like a dream, great fuel economy and pretty to look at. Very classy and comfortable car. I will never buy anything else I am sold for life. If you havent decided what to buy, look no further!

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  Great mid size truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By William - June 19 - 6:30 am

  The cash for clunkers program stimulated me to trade but it would have been well worth it, even if I had to pay the extra $4500. Nice ride, better mileage than what I was driving and looks great. The 4 cylinder is sufficient for my purpose of mostly driving and some hauling.

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  The best Hybird - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Paul - June 19 - 2:50 am

  Just bought it. It is powerful, very quiet and fun to drive. Save a lot of gas and got the average 42mpg.

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  Love me some cube! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By mommymezzo - June 19 - 2:13 am

  We are so happy with our Cube--never expected this would be the car for our family (2 adults, one pre-preschooler.) But, it is the perfect fit. While all of our neighbors are toddling around in mini vans or gas-guzzling SUVs, we feel like weve got the secret car that no one ever thought to buy. Super fun styling, very roomy inside (the tall ceilings make it feel bigger than our small SUV did inside), and crazy-good gas mileage. Weve owned the car for about 6 months now with no major complaints. There have been 2 voluntary recalls, but no problem at all and pretty typical of first-year model cars. There are a few quirks wed change inter-wise, but no more than any other car weve had.

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  Great 2 years! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By lexky - June 19 - 12:40 am

  We have owned our Rogue for a little over 2 years with about 28,000 miles and have only had to have one thing fixed by warranty. Climate control dials that are supposed to light up during the night went out. Very happy with our purchase!

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  Rotor problems - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Jacqueline Fowler - June 18 - 9:46 am

  I am constantly going back because of a grinding noise when you press on the brakes. They have turned the rotors 3 times, and tell me that is is a result of driving. I have less than 45000 and it started happening at 10000. They replaced the rotors and after driving 1500 miles they are grinding again. Another person, my son switched cars with me to dispell the theory that it is my driving, Otherwise this is an excellent car. The driver side window motor constantly goes out is replaced and burns out again. The ride is a little sporty but it turns with ease. Overall I would buy another one.

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  Yes, Im buying out my lease... - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Deb - June 17 - 7:56 pm

  Fast, fun - get lots of compliments all the time everywhere I go. Went to lease blue, came home with black. Love the dash, foot pedals and overall appearance of the car. Mileage is OK, depends on how you drive it (lead foot = lower mileage). Normal driving nets better mileage, but its hard to stay under the speed limit. Would have leased a new one, but the dealers arent dealing, so Im going to keep mine with low mileage, 3,000 mile oil changes and hand washed since I brought her home. Shes a keeper.

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  So Far, So Good - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By rcusack - June 17 - 7:26 pm

  Ive had the car for just over three months now. My miles per gallon is steadily increasing but Im still not satisfied that its anywhere near the EPA estimate. I understand that isnt a perfect number, but it seems unattainable especially considering most of my miles are highway. The design of the car is great. I get compliments constantly. The noise levels in the cabin are average. Nice weather is just arriving so Ill know more about the windows and sunroof soon. Ride quality is very comfortable and the steering is responsive. The engine has enough get up and go to survive city and highway alike. Rockford Fosgate Audio is stellar and I love the intelligent key.

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  Great car.. - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Eddie - June 17 - 5:50 pm

  Driving this feels like rolling on the cloud.. This car Rocks.. Purchasing this car was thee Best choice I have ever made in my life. Drove a few months, no problem at all. Gas Mileage was not as good as advertised, but improved later.

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  Fun to Drive - Altima SL - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Daniel F Spies - June 17 - 3:13 am

  I do not like rattles however we found that the sun-roof sliding door will rattle when it is fully closed. The rattle goes away when it is partially or fully open (not the sun-roof itself, only the sliding interior door). I have overcome this problem and found that I really like the car. The get up and go is there when you need it. The CVT transmission provides excellent fuel mileage while maintaining low RPM balanced through the assist of the computer. This car handles very nice through curves on the road. The brake distribution appears to be proportioned perfectly from the front to the rear without unwanted jerky movements.