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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  2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Thoroughly Tested - March 4 - 7:26 am

  After six months of spirited driving, I still enjoy the car. On ramp acceleration to 100 mph feels about as fast as our 2006 WRX. Comfortable, well put together, handles well, good road feel, steering is nicely weighted. The Max tracks well; goes where I point it. I took several thorough test drives in the conditions I would be driving (interstate, mountains, 2 lanes and in town). Drove several Maxs, all felt good and had good build quality, fit and finish. I used Edmunds. Researched using the net and found dealer(s) who encouraged me to take my time and get to know the vehicle.

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  Arent sports cars about fun? - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By My 4th Z car! - March 4 - 12:20 am

  The 2004 350-Z Roadster is the 4th Z car that I have owned. By far, its the most powerful in terms of acceleration. It can go from zero to sixty in a heart beat! Be careful ... its not for the faint of heart. Though the interior is not flashy, it still works. The sound system is better that any of the previous Z cars built. The 6 disc in dash CD player is superb. For the money I couldnt find a better buy. I am sure that I have just as much fun driving my 350-Z as any BMW, Audi, Porsche owner and I have more cash left over. Fun doesnt have to cost a fortune.

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  Nissan wont back their product - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mikey - March 4 - 12:00 am

  I bought the truck used with 15K and it now has 53K. For relatively few miles there has been some real issues! -Constant squeaks in the suspension will never be corrected. -I had the common fuel sending unit go out at 49K miles. It should have been covered under the 60K 5 yr warranty but they denied the coverage and I am currently fighting with them -The paint quality is terrible. With little research I was able to find I am not the only one that has paint just randomly start bubbling and peeling with no chip or scratch even starting it! Nissan consumer affairs is totally unprofessional and untimely to be in coherts with. Very disappointing they cant stand behind their product.

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  Great off road vehicle - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Sid Byers - March 3 - 7:30 pm

  Ive been getting 18 mpg for the first 1200+ miles overall. Seats are very comfortable, control layout is excellent. Transmission shifts perfectly, and the ratios are spot on. The traction control while off road really works great, you just keep going forward with very little wheel slip. Id buy this vehicle again!

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  Poor Design/Quality - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Tom - March 3 - 2:40 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my Armada since I purchased it new back in July. The two front doors rattle and move around over even the slightest bump. The dealer/manufacturer states that this is a characteristic of their $40K plus flagship vehicle. I have had the vehicle in for service too many times for creaks and rattles only to have the problems return. Stay away from this vehicle, its poorly designed and of very poor quality.

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  Super Yellow Truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By street2nerz - March 3 - 5:53 am

  Overall, this is THE BEST truck I have ever owned! Absolutely NO mechanical issues AT since new. About the only thing I wish were different are the Front seats, they have no lumbar support. and the addition of a footrest would have been great. Other than that, this is a great truck. I particularly like the styling over the newer nismos as well. Its just better! Oh, one last item, the brakes are good, but easily could have been much better, when are the manufactures gonna get wise about slapping some bremboson their sport trucks! WHEN!!..Id easily pay the difference. I am not easy on my vehicles but this one has really done a great job. Break in your engine and change the oil often!

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  Lemon - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jsara - March 3 - 2:45 am

  First off this is my first AND last Nissan. Ive had my 2013 Altima in for three sets of brakes, the Aux has never worked, the speakers rattle at a volume of 12 and the CVT transmission is a piece of junk and now needs replacing as there was metal found in the fluid by the dealer, nice. I paid $24k for this thing and have not been happy with it at all. The 38 mpg is complete b.s. I drive literally all highway miles and this thing hasnt even come close. An utter failure for Nissan.

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  Great Car - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By bobjob - March 2 - 7:00 pm

  Coming from a family with only Toyota Rav4s the Rogue is 100x more premium. Mom owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4, the difference in quality is pretty astounding. Although I think the Rav4 engine is a bit more peppy initially, the Rogue seems to have more power on tap to accelerate once your already going. The car is great. I got the Sv with Premium Package, (unfortunately did not get the sunroof because of a great deal) and I could not be happier. The sunroof would have been nice to have, but the noise and heat beaming on my head isnt missed either. 1500$ for a sunroof alone is a rip off anyway. All the features are great and the around view camera is something all my future cars will need to have.

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  Pleased with my purchase - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Kuulie - March 2 - 3:53 pm

  I was in the market for an SUV style because I needed a more room...I discovered the Murano inadvertantly. The more I looked at it the more appealing it was to me...Id describe it as very comfortable to drive and it is easy to access...no stooping or climbing to get in...I am very happy with the colors I chose for the interior/exterior. The mileage is not too bad either...I have an 80 mi/day commute and I figured Id have to sacrifice a little bit in order to get what I wanted, but it really hasnt been too much of a sacrafice afterall. It is a sturdy and very reliable car and I would definately recommend it to anyone in need of room/comfort without the typical SUV/Truck automobile feel.

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  Very nice truck for the money!!! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By FLGardner - March 2 - 10:50 am

  Very nicely apportioned vehicle. Quite a bit less in price than the Infiniti QX56 with all the bells and whistles. Very well put together and comfortable. Spacious interior very well put together.