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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  Love my new Xterra! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By chrislynn - February 12 - 8:10 am

  I did a massive amount of research on this vehicle and could find nothing wrong with it. Not only did the Xterra win top ratings in 2006 across the board, but I could find no substantial cutomer complaints. In addition, these SUVs sell like hotcakes in my neck of the woods, which is a good sign. Aside from the obvious performance features the Xterra has to offer, the lack of complaints and overall customer satisfaction aspect proves this vehicle was a good investment. Im in love with my Xterra!

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  Unsafe at speeds above 60 - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Ingrid Smith - February 12 - 5:20 am

  I purchased a 2015 Altima S from the dealer. Initially upon taking it home we heard a knocking in the engine. Five weeks after we had it, we took a road trip. It was one of the most horrifying experiences of my life. The car wandered and shifted from left to right at higher speeds. Keeping it on the road was a major ordeal and very exhausting. We were happy to make it to our destination and back. Once we got home the car was taken to the deal where it was purchased. The service manager explained that the new electronic steering in the new models was set that way and I would just have to "learn to deal with it." They checked out the car and claimed that nothing was wrong. At this point I would not drive the card off of the lot as I know it is unsafe and very dangerous. I was forced to buy a Rogue and loose thousands of dollars on the deal after owning the car for only 5 weeks and driving it for less than 1,000 miles. My attempts to explain the situation to Nissan Consumer Affairs were useless. Buyer beware!

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  go nissian - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By fvl - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second nissian I had a 2001 crew cab traded it at 60,000 and got a 2003 holds value well, I had not one problem with either nissian. Could not say that for the s10 pickups I used to own.

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  I cant stand this car any longer!!! - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By tortured - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Well whenever I try to go up a hill with this car, it goes at about 10 mph, unless I floor it...and in that case, it just makes the car do this weird thing where it feels like its being thrusted by the gear shift. It has a very noticable shift(I have an automatic), and it feels very unstable on the highway. I mean, the car works, but not well, in my opinion.

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  Life Saver - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By ReporterOKC - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After having relatively good luck with my Nissan, a 17 year old in a Saturn put a hault to its life. She pulled directly into my path and I broadsided her going 40mph...her Saturn was obliterated but my Altima held up quite well. The airbag deployed, and there was a signifigant amount of damage, but nothing that injured me...I truely believe that this car saved my life.

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  BEST MAX EVER - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By TheMax - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a lot of Maximas in my life time. Ive had a 1989 Maxima GXE, 1992 Maxima GXE, 1995 GXE, 1996 SE, And Finally a 1998 SE. These cars have been the best cars Ive ever owned. Ive owned Hondas, Acuras, Toyota ect. And the Nissans have been my favorite. Im 19 years old and i still have more cars to go, but the maximas are by far my favorite. The performance is excellent, handling and suspension is out of this world the car is just all in all great. Easy to work on and very fun to drive.

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  Armada Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Ronus - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent power, comfortable interior, good sound system. Problem with clock on radio not keeping time properly. Would like split 3rd row seating like Sequoia. Gas milage performing below rating, but SUV is still under 1000 miles. Tires were over inflated, and driving seemed smoother after adjustment to specification (35 psi). Stiff suspension makes for bumpy ride over rough road, but very smooth on highway. Fun to drive, throaty sound, size of vehicle makes it feel like you could drive through a brick wall. Bring on a snow blizzard.

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  just bought - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ric t - February 12 - 2:00 am

  only had it a couple of days but its a bast to drive, looking foward to many miles of enjoyment, dealer made it easy to purchase and was friendly

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  Titan rocks !!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By #1 Titan owner - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I used to own a 2001 Frontier and I decided to switch to a true full size truck. Engine is awesome !!! No need to add extras to get the big sound. This baby is music to my ears...Got the SE crew cab 2WD in silver with the bench option. For all you who are looking to haul people, I highly recommend it. Its better than the central console and you got plenty of space for arm to stretch it. Got the popular option with bench, power pedals, universal link transmitter, 6 CD changer. The other day I was in the line at the light with a new F150 with the 5.4 engine. I "smoked" him! The Endurance engine gets a necksnapping start...great job Nissan!!!

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  Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By pjs1234 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I had a deposit on 2004 F 150 which is a great truck A friend suggested that I take the Titan out for a test ride before I get the 150 when I started the engine I was hooked great sound! when we took it for a test ride it felt like it had a hundred more horse power than the Ford 5.4 liter and the five speed trans is always in the right gear and the handling is fantastic