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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  I heart VQ30DE!!!!! (maxima motor) - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By IOWAEXPLORER - October 20 - 2:26 am

  I actually sold my 2nd maxima last year, but wanted to share my experience. First and foremost, there is so much to be said about the amazing 3.0 v6 standard in every maxima. Though 190 hp does not sound like much, this car will beat v8 muscle cars! Thats right! I owned both in 5 speed configurations, and have mixed reviews on the manual tranny...quality seems somewhat subpar for nissan....clutch is weak and expensive to replace. Clutch hydraulics gave me problems in both my 97 and 99. Transmission is questionable, but luckily never gave out on me. I recommend the 98 model, as the 99s nearly all have coil pack issues that are aggrivating. Maxima is a heck of a good all around car.

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  My first Nissan - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Brad - October 19 - 11:56 pm

  Although a little slow on the uptake, once the sentra is moving, boy does it move! Some friends and I took mine to Florida right after i got it and i didnt hear one complaint about small back seat or anyone being uncomfortable and my friends are honest with me. This is a wonderful new Sentra and i hope its just the beginning of new things to come! Seems to me like they are raising it up like that altima which is far superior to me than the maxima.

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  awesome car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By 01sentrase20 - October 19 - 8:03 pm

  This car has been a blast to own and I am glad i made my choice of a nissan versus a saturn i was also looking to buy.

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  NEw Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ETHOMAS - October 19 - 3:53 pm

  I just purchased a new 05 SE. It rides better than my 01 se that I traded. I got the Comfort & Premium packages. It is much better than my 01.

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  We love ours! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KB and GB - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Am on vacation with it and everybody that rides in it . . . says theyre thinking about it for their next buy. So far, its a keeper. Weve had nothing but compliments! I traded my Eldorado for it.... it rides and drives like a comfortable car, only now I have more room for passengers. Its great!

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  JUST LOVE IT - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By BECKY MANEERUT - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I JUST THINK IT IS A VERY COMFORTABLE SITTING AND DRIVING CAR. LOTS OF ROOM. LOVE THE POWERED DOORS INCLUDING REAR DOOR. DRIVES VERY SMOOTHE. OK ON GAS. HAVENT HAD A FRIEND THAT HASNT LIKED IT YET. IN FACT I HAVE 3 FRIENDS THAT IS THINKING OF GETTING ONE AFTER RIDING IN MINE.

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  nissan murano, 2003 - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By dsmith9066 - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Love the vehicle. There is a small problem when stopping. When vehicle is put into park, there is a brief lunge. I hve never experienced this before in another vehicle. It is fun to drive. In three measurements of mpg, I get 19.1 mpg for in town driving.

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  Murano...some cabin noise - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Kelly787 - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle. It is the fourth Nissan Ive owned. The car drives well in snow (lots of it) and handles well on the road. My only complaint is that I have had to take in to the dealership on numerous occasions for interior rattles (rear windows, hatch, front and back doors and center console). Some of these have had bulletins issued and others have not. I understand that Nissan has worked to fix this issue and that it has been a problem on all the new model designs. The dealership is amazing and always willing to resolve any problems I have.

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  My review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mi T Mo - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the styling and performance. Even though the transmission is a little sluggish, its adequate for island driving.

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  Nissan, maybe Japans best? - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Richard S Britt - October 19 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S is right on the money ,when it comes to reliability, perfomance,and price. ive seen more new altimas than the Flagship of Nissan. The Nissan Maximia, Is this the new Flagship for Nissan?