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:

• 

  Loved this car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Katie R. - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my 98 Altima to get a new car and wanted to review it. I LOVED this car, it was my third car, I bought it used with 55,000 miles on it and it drove like new EVERY day. Never had a problem with it. It was well cared for before I bought it and I cared for it until I sold it at 72,500 miles.

• 

  spec - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By npecora - December 4 - 10:00 am

  good car, reliable, and fun to drive. bought it and got what i expected out of it! excellent car! YEA

• 

  Former Pathfinder Owner - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Viper Rick - December 4 - 10:00 am

  The TV ads gave me the impression that this was a much smaller vehicle.A visit to the dealer prompted a test drive that resulted in a purchase.Compared to my Pathfinder the Murano has more interior space. It has the power and handling of a performance car.The fit and finish is what I expected...EXCELLENT

• 

  FIRST NEW CAR - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By POOGIE 49 - December 3 - 2:39 pm

  This is the first new car I have ever bought and I am 65. After reading the reviews I am worried. I pay a lot for this car each month and will have payments for 6 years. I do have a 5 year warranty on the engine so if I have a problem I will take it to the dealer. If I get no satisfaction I will get a lawyer. Hopefully I dont. So far the car is great but I have only had it 4 months.

• 

  Very pleased! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Northern Cal buyer - December 2 - 4:50 pm

  Any review from a buyer that states "Bad on Fuel" is suspect. If you actually purchase a vehicle like this, and then are shocked by the fuel economy AFTER the purchase, you probably deserve everything you get. Poor fuel economy aside (and which of the SUVs in this class dont have poor fuel economy?), this is a great SUV. Distinctive styling that sets it apart. Powerful engine. Sharp interior. Comfortable 3rd row seats that can actually be used for more than just an emergency. Tons of storage. Get this vehicle loaded with the technology package and you wont regret it. Im very satisfied.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By tsg2003 - December 2 - 8:46 am

  Overall I really enjoy this truck and am very happy with my purchase! The interior is very nice and the layout is excellent. There is plenty of room in the front, but barely any in the back of the access cab. This isnt a problem for me as I dont plan on having tons of people with me all the time, but be aware, space is sparse back there. The truck looks beautiful from the outside. Very rugged looking and certainly stands out in a crowd. So far gas mileage has been 14 mpg which is alright considering the power this truck has, but I was hoping to get 17-18 out of it. Again this is a great driving truck and I feel very comfortable in it. Get one!

• 

  2000 - 2003 was the Best Generation - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tompatman - November 30 - 8:36 pm

  Overall, I love my Maxima. It has been a great car over the years. Excellent, sporty performance for the money. I would say for this class of vehicle you couldnt find a better value. Have 133k on mine now, only serious problems have been a failure in the clutch hydraulics and a leaking radiator I recently had to replace. The engine in the Maxima is rock solid, and if you change the oil when youre supposed to it will never fail. Also, get Yokohama tires on this and itll feel like youre driving a different car.

• 

  love the 350z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By edward johnston - November 30 - 2:56 am

  love the looks and "feel" of the 350z.Tight controls and very comfortable for a smaller car.all electronics are useful and logical and the handling is second to none.

• 

  great truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By jc Sandoval - November 29 - 5:10 pm

  greast driving , handles a little stiff , comfort is great , driving is fun. price a little high

• 

  Luv My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TCross - November 29 - 4:53 pm

  ok after reading some of the other reviews i am trying to figure out what did they do wrong to make there maxima give them so much trouble. I have had my maxima since it was brand new back in 04 and i have not had the 1st problem. I will live by Nissan and say that they have a great car on there hands. I love my maxima and i am currently working with my dealer now to get in a 2010 maxima. word of advise if you take care of your car your car will take care of you. so to the people who gave this wonderful car a bad review take care of your car and you will not have problems out of it