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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  Great small SUV - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By carolinabob - June 7 - 8:36 am

  Great small, but not too small, SUV. The FWD version gets very good mileage and is the most comfortable and quietest riding of any small SUV. Luxurious interior and lots of gadgets, especially if you get the SL with Premium Package. Lots of safety devices. Voice control of infotainment takes some getting used to and is a little slow, but it works fine. Only problem so far is the sunvisors wouldnt hold position, but that was probably a supplier issue. Both replaced and no problems since. NO CVT noise even going up 6-8% grades in the mountains; no searching by CVT either. Prices much more reasonable than CV-T and RAV4.

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  Needed better mpg with this truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - June 7 - 4:53 am

  I needed a truck. After I got this one I wasnt getting the mpg I thought I should. Well, one night I was on the interstate and I went just below 2000 rpm, about 1800 and locked in the cruise control. My mpg went up to over 24. My speed was about 65. With the present gas prices this might help you get some better mpg. Now I dont feel so bad. I like this truck. Mine is a 2 wheel drive Nismo with automatic. My best mpg is 27 using this method. I avg about 24 on the highway. Around town , 17 like everyone else. Hope this helps. You can go up to just about any speed and cut your rpms to about 1800 (or a little above) and improve your mpg.

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  Love It! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By jyamser - June 7 - 4:07 am

  The CV Transmission is a pure delight. Edmunds reviews mentioned that there was resistance to it. Resistance to acceleration when stepping on the gas? You NEED to hear the transmission going through gears? This is probably the cheapest and best car I have owned. VERY satisfied.

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  Pleased One - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By sfvtiger - June 6 - 9:30 pm

  Yes, I agree, there has been numerous recalls on my Sentra but other than that, it has been in the shop quite a few times. My clutch went out at 60,000, very pricey repair!! Brakes are a frequent repleacement and it will be going on its 3rd set of tires here pretty soon. The engine has excellent power and runs well to this day with on time maintanence. Service engine soon light is on because of a cat converter being damaged by running over a construction cone. This is pricey to repai and am considering purchasing another vehicle in order to avaoid fixing this. Everything on the inside is great, except the stock stereo, the backlight went out. All around pleased with this car.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Elnur - June 6 - 6:20 pm

  I have driven this car across the continent U.S., no problems through rain, snow, Ice or dust. Have had zero problems since owning it. I hope to own this car forever, perhaps an unrealistic goal, but that is my view.

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  Wow what a car! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Matthew - June 6 - 6:50 am

  I love this car!!! I almost chose the SPEC-V, but my girlfriend does not know how to drive standard, so thats that. Anyway, the brakes stop on a dime, the suspension is amazing, the CVT pulls hard. The fuel economy is not as good as I thought, but I do push the car somewhat. The stereo is great, but wished it played MP3s; I am 63 and pretty big, and it fits me like a cadillac would. I bought an extended warranty only because CVT is a new technology, and did not want to get stuck with a $4000 bill if the tranny fails. The a/c is strong; I have nothing but good to write about this car, it is truly the best of all worlds. Comfortable, fast, reliable, solid, and everything is just excellent.

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  2TheMax - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By kendra - June 5 - 12:36 pm

  GREAT acceleration. Sexy and fun. Great leg and head room for me - 62". Very comfortable and stylish. Reliable.

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  Sexy Mama Van - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By imariquinn - June 5 - 12:03 pm

  I have owned my 08 Nissan Quest for 5 months now and have put on 4800 miles. I have had it in the dealer one time and that was for the first oil change at 3000 miles. The van is beautiful to look at, I love the auto hatch door. It is very convenient to have it open and close with the touch of a button! Also, the dual sliding doors both work and I dont notice any rattling. The fold flat rear seats are quick and easy to manipulate and came in handy when I was moving some furniture. My gas mileage is great, not as good as my Odyssey with the VCS engine though. I am averaging 24MPG using 87 Regular gas. I have flat terrain and avoid highways. I recommend!

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  Great vehicle! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rachel K A - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned a Nissan Maxima and I am experiencing the same level of quality and fun with the Pathfinder. I think I will continue to purchase Nissans and I would highly recommend this SUV to others. It has been great.

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  Love it!!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By April - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. After months of research and test driving, I decided to purchase the Pathfinder. I am very pleased with it and so are my girls. It is fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. (It has the side impact air bags).