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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  Extreme Reliability - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Charles - February 8 - 5:30 am

  I purchased my Maxima December 22, 2000. This has been an extremely reliable vehicle. I have taken care of regular maintenance when it due to be done and have had only one problem with the vehicle this entire time. The starter needed replaced in mid summer of 2005. I currently have over 110,000 miles on the vehicle and have no reservations about driving it cross country. The ONLY reason I may get rid of this vehicle would be to purchase a new Maxima!

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  What an Incredible SUV!! - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Joe - February 8 - 4:23 am

  I looked around for an SUV/minivan that would provide a safe, comfortable ride for my family of 5. I narrowed down to the Infiniti QX56, the GMC Yukon Denali and the Armada. When compared side by side, there was no question... the Armada won. The legroom and comfort are incredible. The fuel economy leaves a little to be desired, but it is a huge SUV! I am 68" tall and with the drivers seat all the way back, I can easily sit behind the driver. No other vehicle found had that much rear legroom. Bells and whistles galore plus it looks great!

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  Great affordable car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By CJ & Rich - February 8 - 4:20 am

  We replaced our old Ford F 150 extended cab with the new Versa. Our other Vehicle is a 2001 Ford F250 crew cab, so going small was a big issue for us. We were used to having lots of room. We have had our Versa for 3 months. So far, we love it. It is very comfortable especially for its size. We recently took a 700+ mile trip down to Florida in it. We are not little people by any stretch of the imagination, yet we were quite comfortable. Gas mileage was a strong 36 to 38 miles to the gallon....we love that!

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  Beauty And The Beast - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Al Seider - February 7 - 9:56 pm

  The new Maxima really is the Beauty and the Beast! It is extremely attractive, both inside and out and is very well constructed of quality materials. People stare at this car and frequently compliment me on it. The beast part is the revised engine. Put this thing into Sport Mode and it blasts up to high speeds in what seems like nanoseconds. It blows away my 2012 Maxima as far as acceleration goes. The new CVT is deserving of the highest praise possible. This is a CVT that absolutely does not behave like one. It provides immediate responses, is super smooth and feels just like a regular automatic transmission. It feels very "connected" to the drivetrain. There is no perception of slippage or hesitation - this thing just moves! Id far rather have this excellent CVT than some of clunky 8 or 9 speed transmissions I have driven that are constantly changing and cant quite decide which gear to select. I challenge anyone who drives this to honestly admit that this is one of the best transmissions they have ever driven behind. The interior quality rivals that of much more expensive cars. It truly has one of the nicest interiors at any price. I could rave on and on about it. Nissan has certainly set a new standard in ergonomics, interior detailing and the quality of materials. As expected with Maximas, it rides, steers, handles and brakes very well. Pay no attention to the purists who condemn it for being a front wheel drive with a CVT. This is an exceptionally well engineered vehicle. I have reached 29mpg on the freeway which is incredible for an engine of this size, and I like to AWAKEN the beast under the hood. The only criticisms I have is that the audio system on the SV is not up to the standard I expected. I would have probably opted for the SL if had realized how mediocre the sound system is in the SV. Also, the Continental tires are very noisy and dont provide for a particularly smooth ride. It is impossible to use the sound system or have a normal conversation at freeway speeds because of the tire noise. Why Nissan manufacture a superlative, best-in-class vehicle like the Maxima and then condemn it to a set of inferior tires is beyond me. Nissan, PLEASE do something about this. I will be replacing these rolling pieces of garbage with Michelins or Yokohamas which Ive had on my previous Maximas. Unfortunately a pricey upgrade for a vehicle so new, but I cant live with the constant tire noise.

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  An easy choice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Krup - February 7 - 12:40 pm

  I was a 15 year Jeep owner. Every 5 years I would ramble into the Jeep dealership and buy my new jeep. No longer. The Rogue won this time over all the Jeeps and other competition on gas mileage, price and looks. This CUV is smooth, quiet and very sharp.

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  SUV Heavan - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ALR - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the best built SUV for the money. Gorgeous looks, fun to drive, great fuel economy for its size. This SUV cost less to insure that full size SUVs and can tow up to 3500 lbs. Extrememly roomy design, with a great 6-CD stereo and avialable satelite radio. Love the leather package that includes sun-roof and power options. Very convenient adjustable pedals is a great feature. The kids love this car, only wish I had gotten the LCD TV option as well.

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  I have been converted to Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By markcowboysfan - February 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife wanted one and I wasnt sure about Nissan. At one time not long ago their cars were not very good. However, I gave them a second chance and I am glad I did. I literally love this new Maxima SL.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DANIEL - February 7 - 1:53 am

  Just got back on a trip of 5,150 miles and enjoyed the driving experience in my 2004 Nissan 350Z. I was supprised at the amount of luggage was able to get in the car. I was gone 16 days and had clothes left. Im 61 years old and have driven Cadillacs most of the time, but this one was more fun to drive on the road on long trips. I have heard that a there have been complaints about the visibility in the mirrors, but I didnt have a problem with them.

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  great car for the price - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By amelia arbona - February 6 - 1:06 am

  just bought it! great car for the money. thousands less than accord or camry here in puerto rico. the new interior looks and feels great. much better than domestic interiors and on par with cloth interior accords or camrys. acceleration is great. just wish i could use regular gas instead of premium. and last but not less, the looks!!! it looks more expensive than it is, better than acuras tsx, vw jettas, even better looking than lexus es 330.

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  One Sweet Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By David Lee - February 5 - 10:13 am

  Bought this truck just before Christmas 2009. I tell you what a fun truck to drive , a very very peppy 4cyl with a smooth shifting Auto Trans. This truck really moves, handles well, and is very very quiet! Had a 2000 Frontier but this one is a far cry better !!! I would recommend the 4cyl Auto to anyone if you just need a truck to drive and not pulling anything. Plenty of ZIP getting on the Highway. Love the ride also the 16" tires and wheels are a nice addition. Overall as you can tell i am very impressed with this truck, the more i drive it the more i like it !!! And it is a very nice looking truck at that ! Traded a Honda CRV for this and have not looked back since !!! Way to go NISSAN