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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  no start - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By rotty - October 21 - 12:03 pm

  I have a 2007 Nissan versa, I am having problems with it starting, very intermittent, turn key for about 10 seconds, just cranks over and wont start, wife embarrassed trying to start it also, also am having probems with weatherstripping falling off back doors in the same place, not overly impressed with gas mileage as what the sticker says.

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  My V6 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Bev Vesoy - October 20 - 8:20 pm

  This is, in its class, the best of the best. It has extraordinary detailing and is beautiful to look at. The dash is user friendly and not cluttered. The pick-up and go is exciting and a feeling of security to know that if I need that power,its there. I would not trade it for anything shy of a Mercedes.

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  One seemingly unsolvable problem - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Pedro Salas - October 20 - 4:06 pm

  This is my third Maxima. I have been very pleased with them over the years. I love the design and performance of the car. However, I cannot get the dealer/Nissan to solve one problem: the bluetooth volume drops to suddenly and returns at random. The dealer has not been able to fis it to date. They have replaced the radio but the problem persists. Additionally, the front two right speakers stoped working all of the sudden this weekend. Also, when I discovered one week after I got the car that the lsft retractable side mirror was not working. Too many problems for a new car. They seem like assembly/production problems.

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  Best Car Weve Owned - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By 3rdNissan - October 20 - 11:20 am

  Great interstate cruising car. After 199,000 miles, Im still getting 24 mpg in mixed driving to and from work, and 29+ mpg on trips. Handling is predictable but not sporty. When I bought four new Michelins at 165,000 miles, the ride became so smooth I decided to keep the car until at least 200,000 miles. This car is worth buying good tires.

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  This car fits like a well tailored suit. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By ray deluc - October 20 - 10:00 am

  As great as this car looks, it drives even better. Plenty of power and handles like a go- cart. Eats mustangs for lunch regularly. The more i drive it the more i want to drive it.

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  Not Bad!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By johnmorfd - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has it all and is great for anyone looking for a midsize vehicle. Alot of thought went into this SUV. This was the first vehicle that I bought in a long time that had no defects of any kind. While I dont drive it everyday, it is fun when I do drive it. The only gripe is that the running boards are not wide enough. Thank You, John

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  Marvelous Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By JMichael - October 20 - 10:00 am

  A dream car for anyone who is looking for the functionality of an SUV with the styling and comfort of a road cruising sedan. With the Murano you cant go wrong. We went from the Subaru Outback, a car in which we loved, to the Murano, which we couldnt be happier with.

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  disappointed - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By alemon - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car in the service center 3 times the first month for a problem which was claimed to be "par for all sentras." the problem still hasnt been identified and fixed. I have filed a complaint with Nissan under the "LEMON LAW" I am not pleased with this car and the mechanics representing Nissan! Would you?????

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  Overall Satisfied - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By postalmaster - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best looking import mini van.

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  Good Choice - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By bbking - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the first miinivan we have owned. As young parents we vowed to never drive a minivan! It was easy until we went to buy a new Altima and drove the Quest for the heck of it...When we got back to the dealership, we looked at eachother and hated to admit it but we were both sold on the Quest. To this day, we have been impressed with its performance. It is zippy, stylish and gets lots of attention. We have tons of room and our two girls love it! We will never own another SUV or car again.