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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  A real SUV - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Jimmy Neutron - June 3 - 7:16 am

  I love our Xterra. It really is a 4wd. The sunroof is useless and the front seats could use a bit more leg room. Plenty of room in the back seat and lots of cargo space including the top.

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  The best!!!!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Snowymaxima - June 3 - 5:40 am

  This is the best car I ever owned. I purchased my 1996 Nissan Maxima GLE from a private party in 2003 when the car had 55,000 miles. I am now at 140k miles, and the original engine, transmission, exhaust system etc. What a car it has been!!!!This 14 year old car is more reliable than the new cars. Why cant Nissan replicate this car, with all of the high ratings it has gotten over the years. The Maxima after 2003 was never the same, and the Altima is a cheap joke. I was recently starting to look to purchase a newer auto, however with what I know about the car, and after reading the reviews I may hold on to this car a lot longer than I thought. What a car Nissan!!!!

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  Rogue Rocks! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Navyman - June 2 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my 2008 Rogue for 2 years and have put 47,000 miles on it.I drive every day 120 miles to work and back in norhtern Colorado where we get all types of weather snow, rain. heat etc.This vehicle has been nothing short of outstanding.I never worry about the heavy snow, rain, wind or anything on my way to work.I am as comfortable in the Rogue as I am in my Camry or my Altima.I have taken it on long trips in excess of 1400 miles and have loved the performance,gas mileage up to 30 miles per gallon(avg 28.4 overall for city and highway, ) This vehicle was assembled in Japan and the Nissan quality and craftsmanship show.The Tires are Continental and have 47,000 miles on them and are like new!

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  Exceeds My Expectations! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Meshella - June 1 - 10:40 pm

  I have to admit, I cried when my husband traded in our 02 VW Beetle for this car. This is my first Nissan and I am VERY impressed by the quality of this car. The ride is smooth and quiet, plenty of head and leg room for everyone to fit comfortably, and amenities galore you would not expect to find on such a well priced car ($18,400)! We have close to 8K miles on our SL Versa. The gas mileage went from OK (27 mpg) to GREAT (32) as it becomes more broken in. We have every option imaginable, sunroof, bluetooth, remote keyless entry/ignition, cruise, CVT, stero upgrade with AUX port, steering controls, power everything, sporty body kit upgrade and no problem with any of it.

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  Best Ive owned - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Chris - June 1 - 9:23 pm

  I got a leftover 2007 SL fully loaded (roof rack, nav, dvd, power pedals, HID, etc.) and so far it has been the best car Ive owned! Previously had 04 A4 and 01 S4. The Audis dont even compare to the feel of the Murano. The first weekend I took it to DC and back in less than 36 hours (5 hour drive each way) with no complaints. I looked at RDX, Edge, and the Rogue and this was by far the best of the bunch. I highly recommend to anyone, just dont expect anything more than 22 MPG.

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  Kellis word - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kelli Porzio - June 1 - 5:50 am

  It has been a great SUV. It taken many road trips. I have had not mechanical problems and at 125,000 its still running great!

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  drive one and you will besold - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By donna legendre - June 1 - 4:50 am

  I had a chrysler Pacifica and had nothing but trouble so started looking and had no idea what to buy. Then,my husband and i went to Montana for a vacation and we rented a nissan pathfinder. We put nearly 1700 miles on the car and loved the ride, the comfort, the handle.. there were no blind spots..so needless to say visibility was 100%. I spotted this car in a lot when we got home..the beauty of this car surpasses all. So we now knew what to buy..Again last week justgot back from vacation to Penn Dutch and put on over 1200 miles.Our friends with us loved the backseat comfort and ride.Now they are planning to buy one.Trust me,once you drive a nissan pathfinder you will be sold donna legendre

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  Excellent All-Around Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Trevor - June 1 - 4:50 am

  I bought this car used 2 years ago, and it has yet to disappoint me. It now has 107k miles and no problems. Very good acceleration and handling, great turn radius, extremely smooth ride and very spacious seating area. I love the eye catching rear light design, it hypnotizes people that drive behind me. Decent gas mileage, and nice features, overall a very satisfying vehicle. Although the "bose" sound system is a bit disappointing, and the microchip key costs over $100 to make a duplicate.

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  Very good value - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By cry havoc - June 1 - 1:00 am

  Manual, 4x2 air, 4-cyl, cruise, preferred package. Power is OK for a 2.5L, at least when I can get the gear of my choice. Pleasant drive, capable of doing almost everything a light-duty truck and daily commuter vehicle could be expected to offer. I got more for my money with the Frontier. The king cab has non-adult rear seats; if you want to use them, get the crew cab.

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  Love this fast, crazy car!!! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Speedracer! - May 31 - 1:16 pm

  I ordered this car last August and it arrived in late December. It is fun, fun, fun! Love the updates on it from the older model. Seats are a bit tight, but Im a 56" woman, so okay. Theyre not the most comfortable in the world. We own an Infiniti FX35 (which I love), but I love the Z just as much. Be careful though, I just got a ticket. I was doing 93/94 mph on the freeway...not good! Its easy to go fast in this car w/o realizing it. I also love how my hair doesnt blow everywhere...I also love the Audi TT and almost bought one, but my hair was in knots after 5 mins! With the Z, its no problem and everyone looks cool in this car.