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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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By carsdepot1 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Frontier and they have both been great trucks. The supercharged engine is very powerful and my truck can easily hold five people. I love the Rockford Fosgate Stereo.

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  love it - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Lindsey - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Fast, sexy car. The most stylish car on the road. Corners on rails. Feel the road.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Roosevelt Short - March 11 - 11:10 pm

  My 2004 Maxima exceed all my expectations thus far. It is a fun car to drive and a beautiful car to look at. This is my second Nissan Maxima. My first was a 1989 which I still have and have no intention of geting rid of. It has 180,000 miles and runs as good as it did the day I purchased it. I have had no major repairs and between the two cars I am likely not to ever purchase another during my life time baring a major collision.

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  Dependable! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Valeriern2004 - March 11 - 3:53 pm

  My first Xterra was a total loss due to a careless driver who pulled out and rolled my truck. This vehicle was incredibly tough. I had a seat belt on and came through the accident without a scratch! I honestly love the Xterra. I feel it safe and reliable. I bought another. I love the look and know I can load up the dog,bikes,camping gear, and a couple of friends! It is a good buy for the 2004 models. I love shifting on the fly, it does well in the snow! This is a well built vehicle! I love it!

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  Im part of the 3 percenters - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - March 11 - 1:43 pm

  I rent the 2.5 all the time and personally wouldnt buy that version. I do believe it is too noisy and underpowered. I was one of the few that went with the 3.5 SL (Nissan confirms only 3% of Altimas sold are of the 3.5 variety). Sure, it was several thousand more, but the performance make it worth it to me, and the CVT purrs nicely (nice engine growl) when paired with the larger engine. Otherwise, it is fully loaded and Im loving it. Came from a 2013 Fusion Titanium and had nothing bad to say about that vehicle, but LOVE the new Nissan...

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  maxed out maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bxmax - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Much better overall car than my 97 Maxima. All of the luxury car features at a family sedan price. All the power of a 2 door sports car hidden behind a 4 door family sedan outfit. Beats the crap out of my wifes BMW 328i in acceleration and comfort, but I would rather take that 40 mph curve doing 70 mph in the Bimmer!!!!! Great car.

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  my truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Mary2 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the Nissan, it drives nice.

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  2005 black on black with DPP - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Brad - March 11 - 6:03 am

  This car is great. Bought the black on black (only one in FL at the time) with moonroof and chrome 18s. With newly tinted windows, this car turns heads. Man, is it fast and is very comfortable. My dad had an 1987 SE and the car was great back then.

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  13 yrs & still going strong - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By cool blue - March 11 - 2:33 am

  Very reliable, reasonable yearly maintenance costs, still looks good. Moves very quickly even though it only has 190 hp. I wish I was more talented mechanically to do a few mods to tighten handling; Its handling is decent but could be better.

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  From Toyota to Nissan - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By granddadof9 - March 9 - 9:20 pm

  We were looking for a Crew cab truck and then I saw the Rogue in the show room. We need to take our dog to the vet and for rides and we are both retired and really did not want a Boat retirement car. After looking at what it could do re our needs and wants, it was a done deal.