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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  Love My Car! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By LuvMySE-R - December 18 - 10:23 am

  I bought my SE-R brand-new from the dealer in 2002. I just rolled 50,000 miles on the odometer this morning on my way to work. I have had NO major problems with the car at all. It handles well and still has most of its zip after six and a half years. Most of my 50,000 miles have been city miles, going to and from work, shopping, etc. But I do take it on the highway several times a week and the little thing still has enough power to run with the big boys. The only issues so far have been minor/routine/cosmetic and I have not had to dump any extra money into it at all. Well see what happens now that the extended warranty is up!

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  Fun and Sassy - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ron Egelund - December 18 - 8:36 am

  Although I have not had this vehicle a long time I find it fun and exciting to drive. The performance of the v6 is wonderful. The fit and finish is great. I am a little disappointed with the noise coming into the cabin area from the rear wheels. They could do a better job insulating this area. This is my first Nissan and so far so good.

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  Fun car to drive, Awesome looks - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By dan-d - December 17 - 9:10 pm

  At 60 years old Ive owned and driven many new cars. Driving the cube is like sitting in a chair at home looking out a window. Its so easy to get in and out of and very roomy. The 6 speed is smooth and makes the car feel like it has more then 122 HP. The engine in this car idles so smooth and quiet you have to look at the tach to make sure its still running. Much less wind noise at highway speeds than I expected from a square car, rides much smoother than I expected as well. Has more standard features than you usually find in an entry level car. Takes a little getting used to the absence of road feel (feedback).

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  awesome car! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By robert - December 17 - 8:56 pm

  i think buying a 2006 nissan 350z was the best idea ever. i mean its so awesome. the acceleration is rocket fast. and the handling is awesome. thanks nissan for making 350z.

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  A whole new Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By spl311 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  We traded in our 1999 Nissan Quest GLE for a 2004 Quest SL. We gave up a few features but got what we wanted - a couple of power doors (would be nice if drivers side was power too, but didnt want to pay for SE), DVD, gobs more power, more room, and absolutely NO Ford components! Things started rattling and a few things broke on the old Quest, but Im a Nissan guy going way back and love the exterior style compared to the aging Odyssey, our other serious contender for replacement van.

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  Underestimated the Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By DaCh26 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Initially when the Murano came out, I didnt think much of it, I thought it looked like a spaceship. Then I started to shop around for an SUV, wanted to stay below $40k. My choices were down to Pilot and Murano after test driving these vehicles. I liked the Murano and Nissan was mroe flexible with the pricing then Honda. Honda werent budging with the price on the Pilot, and plus I dont have a family, so I have no need for the third row seat. I love the Murano SE AWD, esp the 18 inch wheels & the bright HID lights

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  Welcome back Maxima, I missed you! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By J T - December 16 - 2:20 pm

  My 3rd maxima, and by far the best. I am glad maxima is back with much more personality than last two generations. This car is almost a infiniti. I red most of the reviews here and I see some owners rated the fuel economy at 5 to 8. NONSENSE. I rated at 10 because this is a powerful V6 engine car and for what it does gas mileage is fantastic. If you want to complain and cry about gas mileage, please do not buy this car, go buy a boring hybrid and yawn while you drive around. I love everything about this car. Its hot.

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  My 4th Nissan and favorite - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Eric_in_VA - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 95 Pathfinder when I saw the commercials in the Summer of 2000 for the new 01 Pathfinder advertising 240 hp. I couldnt be happier. Ive got a lead foot, and the Pathfinder easily accomodates. I can easily hang with the V8 Explorers. The in-dash 6 CD changer is great. Ive already got 34,000 miles on my truck and my one and only problem with it is the poor choice of tires from the factory - Bridestones. Already replaced them with Michelins due to poor tread life. I regularly take trips of 800+ miles and drive it daily to work 25 miles each way - comfortable no matter what.

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  New Car Adventure - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dave Kiger - December 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a good looking car. We get many good compliments about it. Rides very smooth. Back seat is like riding on air. Front seat equally smooth. Lots of room front and back. Power to excel in passing, when needed. Gas milage is ok, but we might have done a little better had we opt to go with the 2.5 4 cycl, which would have taken the lower grade or gas consistently without a reduction in MPG. With the 3.5, 6 sycl, higher grade is recommended for better overall performance and MPG, but you can get by with a lower grade and use high grade every 3-4 fillups.

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  Second Titan - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Truck4ever - December 15 - 4:56 am

  I bought this one after my 2005 Titan XE hit 135000, justified by the sale tax credit and an upgrade to luxury. The Titan drives better than any truck on the market right now, including the new Ram. Power is phenomenon, with about $1500 aftermarket upgrade youd have a monster in your hands to play with. I chose the 4X2 model for performance reason. My last Titan gave me 19-20 MPG at 70-75 MPH. This one so far yielded 17 due to the 20" wheels/tires. If you are looking for a personal carrier to cruise the freeway with authority, and can haul five in comfort plus 1000 lbs in cargo, this is it. One 2000-mile trip and you will understand. Thanks God, America still build full size truck.