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:

• 

  features - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fred - August 25 - 12:00 am

  Disappointed it did not come with safety remote key entry, rides a little rough. First time pick-up owner I expected more comfort. After purchase dispointed in jump seats instead of 4 seats. Bad choice on my part. Color was not first choice but acceptible. Overall pickup is very good and enjoy a lot. pricing of basic vehicle color should not change options or price.

• 

  Awesome old Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Calmadre - August 24 - 4:30 pm

  Bought as a lease return. This car currently (2/2010) has 250k miles. Minimum maintenance.Im religious about 3k oil changes. I LOVE this car. It is going on 16 yrs. and I have no worrys about long distance trips. Nissan is the BEST. I figured I spend about $600. yr in repairs. Can anybody beat that?

• 

  Good Relief - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By d_allison - August 23 - 11:50 pm

  After driving a 95 f150 for a while it was a pleasure to drive this car, the fuel mileage was way better, and the performance was outstanding. My only complaint is that it doesnt look the part. the "Bose" sound system is incredible. i wish we had bought the traction control for it cause i dont even go mid throttle sometimes and the wheels just spin away from all the low end torque. This car is an excellent daily driver after driving a 3 ton brute every where. But i would highly recommend this car for anyone who wants a thrill, with an above average fuel economy.

• 

  3000 miles and still luv it - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By roguecustom - August 23 - 5:17 pm

  Bought our Rogue in Aug. 2010. Liked the styling and handling. Got indicated 34 mpg on the way back from Chicago to Madison at 58 mph. Dropped to 31 at 65 mph. Cold weather drops mileage considerably. In mostly suburban driving in winter we average 23 mpg, freeway driving 28. The AWD/ABS/Traction control is fantastic in the snow. Its wonderful to be able to accelerate without spinning wheels and hoping theyll grab before the wolf pack descends on you. We installed U-haul hitch, grille chrome, lower side chrome accent strips, and roof rack which approximates the 2011 look. Also installed a compass/Homelink/garage door opener/self-dimming rear view mirror from Ebay which is great.

• 

  2002 nissan maxima se - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By kvhinton - August 23 - 10:00 am

  excellent car. my 6 speed is a rocket. 50,000 trouble free miles so far.

• 

  Great Investment - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By muffinman_muffy - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is an undersized, overbuilt (a good thing) SUV. It is the perfect family car.

• 

  Great! So Far......... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Conman - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Just picked it up $2,700 under MSRP. Fully loaded, everything except navagation system. Its my wifes car and she loves it. We still need to figure out all the "gadgets". It has terrific power and rides smoothly. Noted some reviews mention noise with sunroof open. Have found this to be true. This Maurano did not come with sunroof deflector. Strange for a vehicle with everything. We love the looks and do not see many on the road. Concerned about stated gas mileage, getting 14.7 around town. Hope to get better than that! My wife will be running on the highway. This is our first SUV and first foreign vehicle.

• 

  One Fast 4 Door - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By altimateone - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because I was impressed by its performance the V6 w/5speed. I also love the exterior styling. Its one classy looking car. The front seats could be more performance oriented. For the performance this car is capable of it doesnt hold you in very well. If it had seats like the 350Z. I can get better than advertised fuel mileage if I keep it under 65mph. this car is like a race horse it wants to go 80+mph. You get on the freeway before you know it your going 80mph. You have to feather the throttle lightly to keep it under 80. I love this car I was not dissapointed in buying this car.

• 

  One Kick-Ass Car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By BigDH - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Awesone styling, fast (great 3.5 V6), top-notch handling, great stereo, good ergonomics. Overall, a very good value compared to other near-luxury cars on the market today. For the price, the standard features are generous and beat the pants off entry luxury cars like the BMW 330 and Audi A4.

• 

  no brainer for the price - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By docrad1 - August 23 - 8:18 am

  We looked at a lot of suvs used and new, when we added up the standard features the new gas mileage, the features and the package option that added a lot more for less than 1500 dollars this wa a no brainer. the safety features are great and at the price of the vehicle this is not even available in comparable suvs. the MPG in the 2014 models is enticing and makes you fell better buying this vehicle.