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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  Best Truck made in America - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By rntshy - April 25 - 2:16 pm

  144K and running like a champ. Great at towing, super comfort, kids like the entertainment system, plenty of power.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By 1st time Maxima - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2000SE off of EBAY w/60K miles for $11K and have driven it for about 3 months now. Excellent ride with suprising power from 40-90 MPH. Was thinking about Acura 3.2TL but went with the lower cost of Maxima. Also, the 3.2 have had extreme tranny issues. I put on some new Falkens and they are a very cost efficient complement to the performance and handling of the car. I hope this is geared for at least 150K miles, because I plan to enjoy the ride for a long time to come.

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  Nissan Frontier - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By jh4451 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy the Nissan Frontier so far. The style of the exterior is what sold me. I also like the extend a bed feature. The interior controls are not easy to see with the shift lever in the way. But so far, that is the only minor concern I would have with the vehicle.

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  Nissan Altima - Worth Considering - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By MAD59 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall I have had a good experience with this car. No major problems. I would recommend this car for someone in the market for a used car.

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  2003 Pathfinder is Excellent - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Exc. Choice kfk - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Pathfinder rides excellent. I also own a 2000 Durango and I would say they are both top in their class !! Tried many other SUVs and for a growing family Nissan is the right choice - - - We are NOT a Mini-Van family. :-)

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  NOT SURE.. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By M.E.M. - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I JUST PURCHASED THE 2004 SENTRA 2.5 S AND AFTER A TRIP TO FLORIDA, I FOUND THE FLAWS. 1.) THE SEATS ARE UNCOMFORTABLE AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS; SERIOUSLY NEED LUMBAR SUPPORT. 2.) THE GAS MILEAGE IS SHAKY. 3.) THE HANDLING SHOULD BE TIGHTER AT HIGHER SPEEDS. 4.) THE STEREO SYSTEM: NEED SPEAKERS THAT CAN ACTUALLY HANDLE THE OUTPUT OF THE DECK. ALTHOUGH HEADS WERE ROCKING TO MY SOUNDS! 5.) FOG LIGHTS SHOULD BE STANDARD ON THE 2.5 S MODELS THAT HAVE THE REAR SPOILER AND SUNROOF, I MEAN, WHY STOP THERE? 6.) OH YEAH, THE TIRES NEED TO BE A TAD BIT WIDER CONSIDERING THE CAR HAS SOME KICK TO IT.

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  my hotrod - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By floridagirl - April 25 - 10:00 am

  love this car. traded in my mercedes which was very uncomfortable and totally unreliable and was always in the shop .

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  my new ride - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Judy L. - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I really love my altima. I love the body and especially the back. I love the back lights. Boy does it have power! when you put that pedal down you better hold on tight. I have really enjoyed my altima, i have only had it for 2 weeks but so far so good. The only thing i kinda dont like is the side panels, they look kinda cheap. Like they were cheaply made. But overall i think its a great car and its very roomy.

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  Maximus - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By beastie - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima had me at hello. After a test drive I had to have it. There are not that many four door sedans with power like this out on the streets these days. This car is appealing to all senses. The Driver performance package & 8 speaker Bose stereo(2 8 inch subs included) that can really get your heart pounding are well worth the extra beans. The Maxima clings to the road and excelerates with smooth powerfull force. This added to the fact that the new body style is one of the sweetest looking rides around, I would have to recomend this car to everyone. I could live in this car if I had to. Can you tell i love my Maxima!

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  Just too old?? - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Richard - April 25 - 5:16 am

  At 110,000 miles I guess I should not complain, but after reading other reviews I feel compelled to. My oxygen sensors and transmission have lasted longer than others but buyer beware, they will eventually go bad. When that engine light goes on start looking for another car.