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:

• 

  Performance/Luxury Sedan - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Ken Harris - December 8 - 6:13 am

  The Maxima is an excellent choice in this price range fully loaded. I purchased the SE model fully loaded except for navigation. The 3.5 liter Nissan v6 is one of the best in the market. The CVT has extremely smooth operation with no feel of any downshifting or lag time. The ride is fairly smooth and road noise is minimal. The interior design is well constructed and overall I am very happy with the purchase. I have owned 3 Maximas previously, 1990, 1999 and 2001. Nissan has come a long way over the years. I plan to keep the 2008 Maxima for a very long time!!

• 

  Great SUV for the money - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Kenny - December 7 - 7:33 am

  Bought the truck used in 08 with and have put over 40K miles and still runs great. Use it for work reading meters and yet to get stuck or break down on me. Paint is chipping around windshield but other than that no defects. Plastic is nice inside cleans very easily. Awesome dependability!

• 

  We Love It !! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Linda Engle - December 6 - 9:36 pm

  We traded a 2005 Volvo XC90 for our new Armada. We found the Volvo has many of tthe same safety features plus the luxury items missing in the Volvo. Both my husband and I love the ride, the handling, the room and the extras. Lots of goodies for the price. It is expensive to fill up but worth every penny.

• 

  Built to last - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mnzagumny - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have always drove fords and decided on a nissan and it was a great decision- the suv was built to last

• 

  Reliable and affordable - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By amb4081 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car in early 2000 with 48K miles on it. I have only had to replace mostly maintenance items. I had one of the three O2 sensors fail ($90), knock sensor($150), and AC fan motor($cant remember). Everything else has been maintenace. I am very pleased with the car. Mine is a 5- speed manual and it has good pick-up for a larger sedan.

• 

  My Nissan - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Peter Sliwa - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I loves my Nissan, Its the best car I have had so far. Compared to my dads 1992 Mercedes S class, my car is much more fun to drive.

• 

  my favorite car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By wildcat - December 6 - 10:00 am

  It handles Great! Comfortable, amazing gas mileage....Very impressive car

• 

  Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By max_floyd - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car. I first considered Highlander or a Pilot. But after taking a test drive on Murano, I couldnt even think of test driving others. I am very happy with the Murano! It rocks and its absolutely fabulous to drive.

• 

  GREAT TRUCK,,POOR SEVICE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kevin sowers - December 6 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT TRUCK ON CURVES IT HAS THE RIDE AND FEEL OF A SPORTS CAR. LOTS OF POWER AND ROOM.

• 

  A great car for the money - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By yikes - December 6 - 10:00 am

  After looking at several cars, we were sold on the new 350Z once it came out in a convertible. It makes driving fun again! The ride is good and handling has been better than the reviews stated. The added cup holder is a good addition. The dashboard is well laid out. One one negative is viewing out the back and sides with the top up is difficult.