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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  TitanFun - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By eman - January 13 - 12:26 pm

  Titan is an enjoy to drive and is a workhorse when hauling and caring stuff. I have hauled some really heavy stuff and it begged for more. My neighbor was really suprised when I picked a pallet of grass and the rear end didnt even squat even with back tires. He now wants one.

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  Passes Crash Test with flying colors - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By AnarKaotik - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had heard bad things about Altimas in crash tests. Yesterday I hit an SUV, a telephone poll, and landed on my roof. I climbed out myself and aside from being a little banged up, Im fine. Thats what I call passing a crash test. I always enjoyed the car, it was very quick for its class, smooth ride, good handling, very roomy and comfortable. Great buy. I will say I did have to get a few repairs, axels and what not, but probablems didnt start until about 70000 miles.

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  First Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Joe M. - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought Altima with sunroof, antilock brakes, side air bags, fog lights. Nice car. 600 miles on it and already running 28-30 MPG. The 4 cyl is ample power, I had my doubts. Save your money and get the 4 cyl.

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  First Japanese Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Goforit - January 13 - 10:00 am

  As a former American car owner riddled with serious probs with Fords and Buicks I decided to go import. This appears to be a excellent car. Handling is excellent, Power is scalding, Interior is wonderfully balanced between comfort and tech. This car has been truly engineered by some of the most talented people in the automotive industry. I hope this car will be worthy of a review like this 3-5 years from now.

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  Another Nice Nissan - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Kemp - January 13 - 5:16 am

  Had A Jeep Grand Cherokee once that was under 36,000 miles and the transmission went out - the freeze Plugs went out and the final straw was when the windows would not go up - that was my turning point to buy a Toyota 4Runner or a Nissan Pathfinder - Thank You Jeep for forcing me to make the Move and Thank You Toyota for being more expensive. This is my 3rd Nissan and I must say my faith in Nissan is as strong as ever - With the added incentive for Cash For Clunkers how could I pass up on trading in a 1986 4x4 Ford Bronco II. To have such a Reliable vehicle again (Nissan) is like a breath of Fresh Air.

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  Fun yet sophisticated - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Smith - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my Maxima from the dealership I currently sell Nissans at. So far it has been a great car. I took it on a trip down south and it was probably the best trip Ive ever made of that distance. Its been very reliable so far as long as I keep up with the oil changes and what not.

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  2005 Transmission problems - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Alton - January 12 - 1:53 pm

  Same problem, radiator leaked into the transmission, fried all electrical components in transmission. Even if the transmission was under warranty the radiator is only good for 3 yrs 36k. void transmission.

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  Love my armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By DANA - January 12 - 7:10 am

  We love our new suv! We have took many trips in it since we bought it we have had it packed with people and luggage and had plenty of room. It is so comfortable just love the way it rides and drives. Me and my husband cant wait to drive it each time we go somewhere! It is so pretty! Thanks nissan

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  Very happy - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By neal - January 11 - 6:40 pm

  This car has exceeded my expectations so far. Its fun to drive and looks smart both on the inside and from the outside. Its quiet and was a great value, considering all of its standard features.

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  Dont do it! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By 1BadZ - January 11 - 3:10 pm

  After two years of aggravation I finally managed to sell my 2003 350Z Touring just before I ran out of free tire replacements. At 10,400 miles the car was on the second set of tires, second ECU, third battery, and it had left me stranded five times. NissanÂ’s service department is the worst to top an already bad situation. Every time the car went in the shop it was there for days at the time (including tire alignments) and they would never call. The Bose stereoÂ’s CD player only worked on warm days but when it does its nice and loud.