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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  Manliman - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Girliman - November 3 - 10:00 am

  MY FIRST FULL SIZE TRUCK! VERY POWERFULL AND RESPONSIVE. YOU CAN NOTICE 380/TORC. EXCELENT VISIBILITY OVER TRAFFIC. NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT RV TO USE, TRAILER OR 5TH WHEEL? BOX 5.5MIGHT BE TOO SHORT FOR 5TH WHEEL?

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  You Decide - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LewBank - November 3 - 8:53 am

  I actually like driving this car and its style. However, I feel that purchasing this vehicle was a mistake. I bought this car because I wanted a sporty dependable car to drive around town and on the road. I would call this vehicle anything but dependable. My steering has had a problem for 3 months and my dealer and Nissan is doing little to repair it--I am considering legal action. This is my second Maxima. I owned an American vehicle in between the two maximas. I liked all three cars, but GM gave me much better customer service and service to my vehicle. I wished that I had bought the small caddy instead of the Maxima. Think twice before buying a new Maxima.

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  Get out of my way with the 3.5SR - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By az66bug - November 3 - 6:18 am

  We bought this brand new and always get a new car every 3 years - I can say this one we are keeping longer. Love this car, especially over the re-designed model that looks like a Camry. I was completely sold on the Acura TL but wasnt 100% happy with the bold body style change so decided to check out the Altima after I drove in my buddys 2010 3.5SR. This car saved me thousands compared to the Acura and besides the savings I love this powerful rocket. Have had it 3 years now and not in the least bit sick of it, will continue to enjoy my Altima for years to come (I hope).

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  Tough Competent Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - November 2 - 9:50 pm

  First pick-up I ever owned and compared to my current cars, Porsche Boxster and Infiniti G35, this took a little while to get used to driving. Needed to haul the typical stuff around for the house, the dog and 2 dirtbikes. The 6 cyclinder and automatic are an excellent combination. Very quick acceleration for a truck. Gas milage is around 20 on the highway. Was excellent in the heavy snow this winter. Just click it into 4hi and rip right through the snow. Pretty tall truck (good ground clearance). My wife wasnt to keen on a truck, but she admits it is easy to drive and park.

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  Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Armada Owner - November 2 - 8:13 pm

  Great vehicle. The gas mileage is not the greatest, but you can feel every bit of the 300+ horse power.

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  Very good vehicle - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By davidh11 - November 2 - 5:01 pm

  I originally had a used 2000 Pathfinder and put over 170K miles on it and never had a problem with it. I traded it in (only because I wanted something newer and sportier) on a 2004 Maxima which turned out to be a piece of crap car! I went back to a Pathfinder this time buying a used 2003 Pathfinder and love it so far. The only real issue so far has been a cosmetic one; I believe the paint quality is poor. Keep in mind it has 130k on it but Ive never had a vehicles paint chip like this one does. Besides that, I have no complaints other than of course the sh-tty gas mileage but fortunately it does not require premium unleaded.

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  2002 Nissan Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hayes Rembijas - November 2 - 11:26 am

  Iv only had the car for a few months, but Im enjoying every moment with it.

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  This is one tough vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Holly Castro - November 1 - 11:53 pm

  I have been very pleased with the overall performance and most important, the safety/durability features this vehical offers. I was recenty rear-ended at a speed estimated 40 MPH. My Armada had minimal damage, however the vehicle that hit me had to be towed away w/significant damage. This is one tough truck!

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  2004 Nissan Titan is a VALUE! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bob - November 1 - 8:30 pm

  After 2 months of ownership of my 2004 Titan, Im very pleased with the vehicle. Plenty of room, power, looks, and handling capabilities! Quality is solid so far. Lots of little things that I like about this truck too. Like the 6 disc changer, built in alarm system, sprayed in bed liner, most power in its class. Ford is the only vehicle thats refined enough to even get close to this vehicle...and I dont even like Fords. Ive been a Chevy fan my whole life, but Chevy has a lot of catching up to do to match the Ford and Nissan. Dodge looks nice, but lacks the quality of any of the others. Towing capacity on the Nissan is great!

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  Do not buy a Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By MADDNISSANOWNER - November 1 - 4:26 pm

  Brake problems, brake problems, brake problems. And that is how many times you have to take it back to the dealer to have them replaced. Many other quality issues. I have owned this truck for 105 days and it has been at a dealer for repair 20 of those days. Stick with domestic trucks. Nissan doesnt have it right and they do not care.