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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  Its a Dud! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Greg - November 1 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car new in 2001 due to its great handling and performance. Unfortunately, I had no way of knowing how cheap Nissan had gone on the parts. O2 sensors, mass airflow sensors, busted muffler, warped door to the gas tank, electrical system issues...I can go on and on. My advice is to stay away!

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  happy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By aaahomellc - November 1 - 5:33 am

  does every thing it claimed to do,very fun to drive,pulls 5th wheel very good. fuel milage is 7 mpg better than friends hemi and stays right with it or better in hills

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  Buy this car!!!! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Vaughn - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with my car. Purchased a pearl white SR with camel interior. Just passed 1800 miles and its a pleasure to drive. The suspension is a little stiff due to it being a sport but thats something I knew going in. Has all of the bells and whistles of many vehicles above its class. With the dial comfortably located I rarely touch the screen. Power is very sufficient and road noise is virtually nonexistent. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a sub 40k 4 door sedan that likes a little wow factor. Have been complimented many times so far. As far as the cons.....the camel leather wrapped steering wheel looks great but I can already tell its going to take a lot of care to keep looking clean and new. We tend to drive with our hands in the same location and I dont know how well its going to hold up over the years. The Bluetooth has acted up a few times when trying to connect my fiances Galaxy s6 but my iPhone 6 works perfect. No moonroof available on the SR I guess due to the center of gravity, but I feel like something could have been done to make it an option. Mpg is good on the highway but I have been averaging less than 20 in the city. (Premium fuel only). Other than that I absolutely love this car!

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  Too Sweet!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Reese - October 31 - 12:20 pm

  Nice sporty car for the money!! It looks great and drives great. Great acceleration, sporty, and decent fuel mileage. Very nice stereo from factory. If youre in the market for a awesome car that is affordable,sporty and that will turn heads then you have found it.

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  2014 Nissan Rouge SV - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By Desire Me - October 31 - 1:05 am

  Ive bought this SUV in July 2014. I am impressed with most of the features, except the claimed mileage! I do not get over 18mpg driving mostly highway. Also, the lift gate has stopped functioning, GPS unit turns off by itself. front passenger seat vibrates while on ideal. Passenger airbag turns on by itself.

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  Underpowered? - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By markafolse - October 30 - 11:18 pm

  Only if youre a car reviewer who is jealous you werent assigned the Murano convertible to review. Its a small engine car, no doubt, but I have experienced none of the sweaty palm moments reviers warned about entering the interstate. I was leary of the CVT but acceleration is smooth and there when you need it. Braking is excellent. My only complaint so far is the steering has that mush 70s GM feeling. You dont feel as much close control taking corners, but I find it more than adequate in the city driving I do. Parking in the crowded urban neighborhoods I visit is a snap, and the passenger compartment, especially the back seat, is huge and comfortable.

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  Average - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By travisaustin08 - October 30 - 8:06 pm

  Bought at 54,000 miles. Its now July 2011. Currently at 96,100 miles. Fuel pump is the biggest problem. Delay in starting about 33% of all starts. Already have had to replace it once. As of yet, thats been the biggest repair (that, and the rotors). Handling is nimble, but not hugely solid. The driving experience isnt hugely amazing. Ive had the nagging feeling ever since purchasing it that I could have gotten something better. Its a basic car. Dont expect anything special. The jurys still out on how reliable this car will be and Im strongly debating trading it in for something brand new. Itll definitely worth it if it lasts beyond at least 175,000. I expect around 150,000.

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  Dangerous Windows - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Elephant - October 30 - 2:53 pm

  I loved my new Nissan Rogue until the other day when the back side glass shattered into a million pieces without any apparent reason. I had been home only a few minutes when I noticed the glass had shattered. It seemed to have imploded due to the heat and air conditioning combined. The dealership would not accept the fact that it could have been their workmanship or defect in the glass. The glass went into the seat cover about 2 inches deep and would have severely injured a person sitting in that seat. Luckily, the car had just been parked and no one was inside. Glass was thrown throughout the car. No sign of damage due to vandalism or otherwise. Be careful!!

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  If the Nissan Maxima 2003 is safe? - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By nissan maxima - October 30 - 10:56 am

  i just love the way that my 2003 Nissan Maxima drives, handles, comfort,and all the special features of the interior as well as the outside. I like the color which is black exterior and gray interior. It is the very best car that I have had the pleasure of driving or owning and I couldnt be happier if it was a brand new car. I just love my car and wish just wish that I could one day own a new one if this one gives out on me. Thanks Nissan for such a jewel of a vehicle.

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  Nissan Pathfinder XE - 1998 - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave Murray - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Almost the perfect SUV. Reliable, comfortable, tows well. Good in snow and sand. Gas mileage characteristically poor (15 city; 18 highway). At 50,000, had two electrical components fail (about $200 each). Otherwise, totally reliable. Id definitely buy another.