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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  FLAW LESS CAR!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By PATEL - February 8 - 10:00 am

  i dont see anything major wrong with the car. a little stuff here and there but no big deal. way better than the ACURA. great handling and power.

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  2000 Xterra Still Going Strong - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By clgd3 - February 7 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned my Nissan Xterra since I bought it new in 2000. I have not had any problems at all mechanically. I have the oil changed every 3000 to 5000 miles. The only thing that has been replaced a couple of times has been the battery. Other than that it has been a great vehicle. I am even thinking about buying a 2008 or 2009 when Im ready to buy another vehicle. Ive been totally happy with my Xterra the past 8 years. I have read that some people have had problems with rust forming on the exterior. I noticed some rust that appeared to form in the paint but with occasional waxing it inhibited any corrosion. Overall the best vehicle Ive owned.

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  Another winner - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By NewCarGuy - February 7 - 11:36 pm

  When my lease on my 04 Murano expired I went to lease a new 09, but was surprised with the significantly higher lease payment. After driving many competitors (MDX, RDX, RX350, Edge, RAV4, Pilot, FX) I still came back to the Murano. Compared to the previous model the 09 offers a more comfortable seat along with a smoother ride. There seems to be plenty of power, but I notice a slight lag off the line compared to my older Murano (it may just be something I have to get used to). Nissan has another winner on its hands!

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  Love my Cube! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Jen - February 7 - 8:06 pm

  I went from a huge van to the Cube a couple weeks ago. I was getting 14 MPG and my first tank was 22 MPG..all city driving. I am hoping this increases in time. I am 6 tall and large and the fit is good..plenty of leg room in the front. Not sure how tall people would do in the back. LOTS of looks from others and comments. It is a real novelty at this point. I also looked at Kia Soul and Scion. I am hot natured and both of those interiors came only in black. I like the white exterior and light grey interior I got. Plus, I feel Nissan is a better quality product. ( I sure hope so!)

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  Great truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By cardinalcoach9282 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck!!

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  ZOOM ZOOM eat your heart out Mazda 6 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Altima Man - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Quick acceleration great looks bumpn sound system. The car that all the 40 year old men with 16 year old brains wants to drive. Watch your speed, car doesnt like to go 50 km/h, it likes to go 80 km/h. Comfortable to drive for long distances. Great high beams could use white bulbs for night driving. Great family sports sedan.

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  Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Atomic - February 7 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Nissan Maxima SE is by far, the best vehicle Ive ever driven. This "Maxi" is my 6th Maxima. The NEW Maxima rides and drives like a dream. Its power is nothing short of stealth- like! The exterior styling draws rave reviews. The driving, seating and comfort levels are absolutely PERFECT!!! It even plows right through the late winter snow here in upstate NY. Im especially impressed with, among the above: the soft perforated leather seats and trim; the EASY to use computer screen and ALL logically placed controls. The car screams: "drive me hard". This is clearly the BEST car on the market for the price.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By johnjill99 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Have only owned the car for one week, and so far I am impressed with the ride quality and the numerous amenities that this car offers. After the first fill- up the average MPG was 22. In addition, the fit and finish of the car is top notch. Appears to be built with careful attention to every detail from selecting high quality materials and workmanship. Each day I drive the car the more I love it, and relize that this is truely a car that offers exceptional value. I am sure that this new Maxima will live up to and exceed the reliability of previous Nissans.

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  Great car - only a few problems - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Jamie - February 6 - 9:26 pm

  Overall, I really like the car. Ive had to put it in the shop for failure to start, CAM sensor, and O2 sensor problems. I did NOT enjoy that part of owning the car. Ive spent about $550 in repairs in 2 years. I just past $70,000 miles. I guess thats not so bad...

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  Solid Car and Great Commuter Value - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Steve - February 6 - 8:16 pm

  I was looking for a comfortable commuter car with good mileage, and this car fit the bill better than others I had tested. I had been a loyal Toyota customer until purchasing this car. Lots of features and much more power than the Yaris, for not much more money as optioned. I found a Sentra S with ABS, CVT, and Bluetooth. The car is extremely comfortable and quiet for a small car. Ergonomics are very good. Engine is very smooth and revs easily. I have the CVT transmission, which I have really grown to like, though initially was a bit disconcerting. Exterior styling is just OK, especially in front. Fuel economy for me is around 29 MPG (mostly highway), less than advertised.