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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  Perfect SUV - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Mr. Hill - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The most surprising element about the Xterra is the smooth ride. Most SUVs can be bumpy but Nissan builds the Xterra with rubber mounts around the frame and what a difference that makes. The Xterra is high up, higher than the Grand Cherokee and the standard runner boards makes it feel and look more rugged.

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  All round great car. - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By max1970 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The nissan maxima is an all round great afordable car. It has the performance of a sports car the head and leg room and comfort of on of those $40,000+ luxury cars. And not to mention the reliabilty of Nissan. I would recomend this car to anyone in the market for a quick great handling put the kids in the back type of afordable car.

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  ALTIMA SE 3.5 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By JEEP110 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. The performance is there every time you need it just waiting to be released.

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  V6 is the way to go - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brayton - June 27 - 2:00 am

  28k in just over a year and absolutely no problems at all. The VQ engine is reknown for reliability and the 240-hp is a tremendous workhorse. In day-to- day driving, the engine is smooth and pulls well. Passing acceleration at highway speeds is a breeze. The interior could be a bit better (make it like the Maxima), but fine for the first model year.

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  Better than a Ford Explorer... - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Rowdy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 model. Ive had this car since Sept. 2003 and love it. Handles extemely well, plenty of power. The styling is sharp.

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  fast fun family ride - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By mrjustin24 - June 26 - 11:54 am

  We bought our Maxima used and got a great deal on it. It was super reliable, super fast and had plenty of space. This car was an awesome drive. The exterior design was great in its day but aged quickly I feel like. The dash design was stupid. The fake suede material on the dash didnt fool anyone into luxury. The rest of the car was great. We had no problem squeezing 29-30 mpg out on the highway after being told by the dealership it would never happen.

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  Great truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob Cleary - June 26 - 8:26 am

  I purchased this truck for over-the- road traveling. It has been a terrific truck for me. I have used it for some limited hauling. I am not a small guy. It is very comfortable for me. I would have liked 4 doors, and the cruise control "on" button is in a strange place. That is the only thing that has been an issue for me. The comfort, reliability, and the build of this truck is second to none. The styling is far superior to any of the competition. My truck looks more beefy, with more design, while the others look more boxy and cheap. I would recommend this truck to anyone. Who ever gets this truck next, even with 150000 miles will get a very nice looking truck, and one that is mechanically so

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  1/2 price Beamer - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By MJ - June 26 - 1:00 am

  20 MPG in city and 30 on Highway, 3,000 RPM at 80 MPH. comfortable for 5. Special Edition Package great bargain. Sun roof works smoothly and quiet. Fun car to drive. Wish it would have been a 6 speed in 2006.

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  hot car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Tony O. - June 25 - 10:06 pm

  This is the second time around for me owning a Maxima, I had a 2005 for about a year and traded it for the 2006. And this vehicle is great!!! from the purr of the engine to the retractable side view mirrors. Everything is on point. I have no idea why Nissan changed up the bodystyle for the 2007. Its absolutely horrible! Ill stick with my 2006!

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  What a joke on the consumer - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By $38000 piece of junk - June 25 - 1:50 pm

  $38000 piece of junk. Leaks they cant fix, squeaks and rattles they cant find. From week to week it has been endless trips back to dealership for more bull. Windows go down, but not up, doors on side both rattle, even the radio had to be replaced, due to a bad one. Compression leaks, exhaust leaks, and when it rains, watch out. They cant find where it is coming in from, so deal with it. I was told that windows are not going up, because i dont give the relays time to adjust, funny just drivers side. Warped rotors, brakes etc.I have ust 10,000 miles on this junk heep. Nissan extended warrenty, 50,OOO MILES 6 YEAR. Like im going to keep this this long! Should have gotten the Honda.