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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  good car poor gas mileage - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Mike Richmond - July 13 - 6:13 pm

  The car is comfortable with ok performance in braking, acceleration, and noise levels. But with a window estimate of 36 mpg and I am getting 28/29 on the highway it is not what I had hoped for.

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  Reliable until now! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By russ - July 13 - 2:23 pm

  Up to last Saturday, my 10 year old Altima has been nothing but ultra reliable. It is a noisier car on the highway, especially compared to my wifes Accord, but otherwise a nice car to drive. It handles well, accelerates very well, with power to spare from its 4 cyl engine. Cruise control is a "must" to avoid speeding tickets! Until 3/14/2008, biggest maintenance expense has been for tires (Arizona roads eat them!), and minor maintenance. Saturday (3/15/8) morning, at 65 mph on the freeway the transmission failed. Car has 144,000 km (89,300 miles) on it. Failure occured within coasting distance of a dealership. Cost to repair almost $5,000. Grrrr!!

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  Very disappointing car - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By boothill42 - July 13 - 1:30 pm

  The performance was lackluster. The 4-cylinder 2.5L had to be pushed hard to keep up with traffic, especially on the hills. The engine was noisy, too. Mileage was good when on flat terrain and when really taking it easy, but because the engine was so under-powered I only averaged 21 MPG. The seats had good bolsters, but the cushions were too hard to get comfortable, especially on long drives, and one slid on the seat under hard cornering. The cloth material was nice and did not get too hot or too cold. The head restraints are horrible and put the neck at an uncomfortable angle. The handling was good, but the ride was too harsh to make it a comfortable car for the family.

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  Room for improvement - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Shonte, NY - July 13 - 9:23 am

  Overall the 07 maxima is a nice looking car to the eye! But, there are downfalls. Such as, cabin noise, front end humming, mechanics state theres no problem. tire pressure light consistently comes on. On acceleration the steering wheel shakes at about 55 mph.

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  A True Sports Car Thats Affodable - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Simon Sioni - July 13 - 5:36 am

  It really is a bargain compared to anything that can run with it!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Kerry - July 12 - 10:16 am

  Wanted to get a 4 cylinder (traded in my Explorer) for the economy, and wasnt sure how I would adapt, but its working out WAY beyond all expectations! Im amazed at how quickly I am adapting. Shes full of pep and as smooth a ride as you could possibly hope for. Doesnt feel small at all, but its on a Sentra platform! Quite honestly, I actually look forward to the drive to and from work since I picked up my Rouge! Thanks Nissan!

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  Excellent Vehicle !!! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Mark W. - July 12 - 9:20 am

  Ive had my Nissan Murano for a year. I was amazed at its performance. This car has a lot of spunk! Its unique design turns heads and its handling is excellent. You dont get the feeling that youre about to flip, like you do with some other SUVs. If youre looking for performance and a unique driving experience, this is an excellent choice!

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  Great truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By nd - July 12 - 12:33 am

  Ive had the truck for a couple of years now and have had a few issues with it but all in all has been a good truck. I have put more than my fair share of abuse on it such as offroading and heavy towing and its done allright. Havent had any real Major problems. Another suggested improvement is the front bumper is very flimsy Ive had to replace it twice from offroading in snow.

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  Maxima 1997 - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By mrfoxy57 - July 11 - 10:23 pm

  This is the best used car i have ever owned. Im 57 years old... The performance is awesome, the ride is smooth. the gas mileage is amazing when you consider the acceleration. I would HIGHLY recommend this car.

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  Sentra SE-R - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By pursuit0226 - July 11 - 9:46 pm

  Got this for my sons first car. I wanted something very safe. He cannot drive a manual so we looked at the Civic EX and Mazda 3 Sport. Was convinced that we would get the Mazda until we drove this. The Mazda may drive a little better but it was so small. I am 64 and could not get in or out of the back and even in the front, I felt like I was in a go cart. The Sentra is great! Roomy, fun to drive, paddle shifters and he is getting 26 MPG with no highway miles at all. Build quality is good and for the exact price of a base Mazda 3, he got the moon roof, Rockford Fosgate audio package with I- Pod adapter and back up cam. Now my wife wants one!