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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  X treme - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Alex Garcia - October 13 - 10:00 am

  this is my favorite car yet . ive never rode a car like this its is superb and thank the nissan company that they built a excellent car.

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  I like it but... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DavidS - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall a good vehicle. The "skyview" roof is silly and there was no option to not have it unless you want to pay $900 extra for a regular sunroof. Very roomy inside and in the trunk. I get lots of dreamy stares.

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  Mad MAX Props!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By hofb99 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Im still so excited! Finally found a BLACK MAX! Owned a white one back in the day, but was originally looking for a black one back then too! But now that I found the one that I want this time...have to say it STILL has me in awe! Ive ALWAYS been a loyal fan of the MAX since the old "box" body-style days. Between the wife and I, this will be our fifth NISSAN, so its safe to say that were a bit biased toward them. Im already accessorizing!!! Turns heads and gets a lot of attention from the public. All I have to say is go and test drive one if youve been thinking of buying one--THE CAR REALLY SELLS ITSELF-- itll make you a believer!

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  great buy - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By joe - October 12 - 2:00 pm

  I have over 46k miles on my v8 pathfinder and love. I have had a honda pilot and a toyota 4 runner and there is no comparison. My 4 runner had all kinds of transmission problems and it was a dog when driving up the passes in the mountains. My pathfinder has all time 4 wheel drive option and it can switch in and out to get better gas mileage and I love the options. Made well and its so sturdy. Love it

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  Constant Front End Problems - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By NBS - October 12 - 8:23 am

  The front end always sounds like its falling apart. Constant noise and replacement of tires and brakes (almost annually), CV Joints, Struts, etc.. Several thousand dollars in front end work at dealership only to always have the same problems. The noise is a horrible creak that sounds like the front end is falling off. People stare at us if we pull up in a drive thru! TV/VCR broke first year and dealer refused to replace/fix it even though its a factory TV/VCR. If you buy one of these you better have alot of money for tires and brakes. After researching, found out thats due to the thing being built on a car chassis instead of a truck chassis. Cant wait to get rid of it.

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  Good vehicle - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Ken - October 11 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my truck new in 1999. I only have about 65,000 miles on it. I have not had a single problem with it in all these years. The air conditioner is just as cold today as it was the day I drove it off the lot. The car has not been back to the dealership since I bought it. I do change the oil/filter about every 5,000 miles. It still runs like a sewing machine. Gas mileage is about 19 in town and 24 on the highway (65 mph). Did have to replace factory radio.

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  Worthless! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Stranded - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Nobody can fix this car. Was told it was crank/cam sensors. No! Timing. No! New computer. No! The thing wont start. The dealer has no idea and neither do two reputable mechanics. Im a real estate agent with no (running) car in a market that makes it tough to buy a new car!

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  Nissan - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Bao - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 170K on it. everything is still good, but the starter is hard to start. I have a friend who drives the same car and they have the same problem. Im not sure if this problem only exist in nissan sentras or other nissan as well. This is my first car so i dont really find it annoying. However, i will NEVER buy this car again and i do not recommend anyone to buy it.

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  Timing Chains are Bad! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bittersweet - October 11 - 10:00 am

  We have been proud owners of Nissans for more than 13yrs. Our 04 Quest has been great over all! I have had problems with the automatic doors not closing and/or sticking. Windows have the same problem. Console is scratched and looks crappy because material does not clean well. Under carriage is to low, going over speed hump I lost plastic bolts holding plastic bottom in place. Now my mechanic is telling me that I need a new timing chain, the dealership will charge $3200 he will fix for $1800. He says it really should be a recall but because of the cost Nissan will not recall! Timing chains are suppose to last longer and be more reliable. Research the web many people having same problem!

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  Wont get fooled again - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By WhatHappened? - October 11 - 10:00 am

  In the first 12k miles, Ive had: 3-4 service trips for check engine light before replacing faulty gas cap. service: re-glue interior upholstery near moon roof. It was suggested that the cause of it coming off may have been use. Use. Guess they never planned on people using it more than 3 times. service: re-glue cheap material around steering column which was splitting along the seam. Guess I wasnt supposed to use the steering wheel either. - worst car in snow Ive ever driven - jarring ride - scraped bottom going 1 mph over a speed bump. - very quick to scratch, chip, rust. - sun visor bracket came loose when I popped it off to put visor by side. started rattling. Total # uses:2