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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  my truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By brandon d - August 14 - 10:00 am

  im a first time owner of nissan from three gmc truck to a tittan. i must say the way this truck handles is so much more like a sudan. also has the power and room of a suv. my complaint is no automatic running lights and the fuel light is a little to far to the side (out of site) other than that im a new nissan fan.

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  Good value - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ZMan Charlotte - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Z for a little over a year now, and am still glad I got the car. It is by far the best "sports car value" around. It looks great, is a joy to drive, and doesnt break the bank! Those people that complain of a cramped interior, or bumpy ride need to stick to a Lexus. For Petes sake, its a sports car- not a sedan!

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  Love my car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By CLB - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I love to drive it. When I 1st got it I had to return it to the dealer because my sterring wheel was shaking very bad. They wanted me to drive the car like that until I came in for my 1st oil chg. Well, that didnt wash with me, I had them to balance the tires, and it now it drives better, but I still had a little bit of a shake. I was also told I could burn unlead gas in the car.

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  Juke a car with personality! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By arckenben - August 14 - 12:42 am

  I have owned a Juke since July 23, 2011 and I have loved every minute of it. It looks like no other. It looks alive, active, like it could pounce on smaller prey! To drive it is to smile. Has tons of torque and feels lightning quick. Grips the road like madÂ…I have DRIVEN this car my friends! It is one of the most fun to drive cars I have ever owned. When you grab it by the short hairs and put your foot into it there is a bit of front wheel torque steer, however the traction control will keep you in lineÂ…unless you turn it off and know what you are doing. It is a very exciting fun ride. Gets a lot of attention at the pump and parking lots. Inside the car has 3 driving modes, eco, normal and sport. Each provides a bit of a different feel. From Eco setting compared to Sport is like Jekyll and Hyde! I drive the wheels off my Juke and still get 25.9 MPG in city. DonÂ’t buy a Juke for the gas mileage, which is not bad considering your driving a Turbo with 0-60 in about 7 sec (with my lead foot and a stick shift). Buy a Juke if you love to drive. It is an exciting yet affordable car that has a personality you can love. The Juke guarantees to put a smile on your face when you drive it. Which is what I am going to do now.

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  Altimas are not reliable and Nissan does not support customers - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By kathy90 - August 13 - 4:06 am

  The air compressor clutch failed on my Altima with only 52,000 miles on it.The cost to repair it is $1000.00 and Nissan has refused to cover the cost of repair because they say that my car is "outside of its warranty parameters." Two reputable mechanics have informed me that it is unheard of for a car with such low mileage that has been impeccably maintained to have a air compression clutch failure.Nissan is not willing to look beyond the warranty parameters and see this as an ethical, good business, customer service issue.They are basically saying that even if the mechanics of the vehicle fall apart after the warranty period, Nissan will not stand by its vehicle.

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  This car has get up and go - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By John - August 13 - 3:06 am

  I drive over 45,000 miles a year, my Maxima was purchased 9000 miles ago. Past cars include a 2002 Avalon, 2005 TSX and 2006 TL. These 2010 models were all included in my new vehicle search. During the test drive, the ride did not stand out like the Avalon or the TL, but it wasnÂ’t bad. Both the Acuras I owned before were extremely responsive vehicles and had a great feel for the road. The 6 speed transmission and the quietness of ride stood out for the Avalon, but it was bland. It was really tough to steer away from 2 car manufacturers that proved outstanding reliability in the past. Each of those 3 cars had over 150,000 miles. In the end, I just wanted a change and have no regrets!

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  Tight - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JohnEsq. - August 13 - 1:40 am

  I looked at the 4runner, H3, Jeep Grand Chrokee and Pathfinder. I was looking for a SUV that was still a "truck" rather than a car crossover. The jeep has fallen out of the truck catagory for me. Its too low to the ground, does not have truck-like tires and no dealers seem to carry the two speed transfer case. The H3 was out b/c I have kids and it does not come with rear door locks anchors for child seats - no wonder GM cant give away its cars. I drove both the H3 and jeep and they also seemed cheap and the fit and finish was poor. The 4runner and pathfinder were both tight and had smooth-as-silk acceleration. I went with the pathfinder b/c you could get more options for the money.

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  Poor mans Infinity - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ron - August 12 - 10:10 am

  I now have three Nissan vehicles and find my 2004 Altima 2.5SL to be the best $20K luxury car on the market. I have over six foot tall and there is still room for adults in the back seat. Reliability has been flawness and gas mileage for my daily commute averages over 28 MPG.

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  Im impressed - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Imnion - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this gem about six week ago and I love driving it. Plenty of power and the sound system (Bose) is outstanding. I got the Super Black with the Black leather interior. When I have this thing clean, it really turns some heads. Especially around dusk, the car looks real sharp. Nay an ounce of any trouble thus far.

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  ABS Brakes - PLEASE - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Ty - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Yes, I have that chirping noise in the morning before the car is warmed. It started at $11k miles. I thought it was the brand of gas I was using. NOT! Okay, the brakes. The car skids even at 15 to 25 miles. I drive two to three cars back on the highway and streets rain or shine. Its a great car - but it needs a better braking system.