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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  Good, solid reliable SUV - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chuckb - January 8 - 5:03 am

  I bought my 2000 Pathfinder used in 2003. It had 28000 miles on it when I bought it. This is my second Pathfinder, I previously owned a 1995 that needed only two repairs in the four years I owned it, and both were minor repairs. Thats what prompted me to buy another PF. I am already thinking about my third, maybe a 2003 or 2004. I will pass this one along to my son, as it is just too good to sell.

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  I like my car more than a beemer I had - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By greogory - January 8 - 3:56 am

  Must get a 3.5 to fully enjoy this car but the styling alone will make you like it. Cool and well done inside and out. When I see Infiniti G I think the Altima coupe is nicer looking.

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  Nice cockpit - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By vadim_st - January 7 - 10:13 pm

  The car feels light for its size, and quite agile. Only one concern: the engine started to run rough already (some kind of knocking or ticking noise along with rpms).

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  worth it! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By joulia benton - January 7 - 9:26 pm

  I used to drive a chevy cavalier and I loved it but it was not reliable. I knew I had to trade it in and as soon as I saw my maxima and took it out for a spin I knew right away I had to have it. I know it was used but Ive heard a lot of good things about Nissan and plus I got a 3 year warranty. I love my Nissian maxima and shes been good to me and I know we got alot of years ahead. Joulia

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  Nissan Versa SL - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ciara hanley - January 7 - 3:13 am

  The main reason I bought this car was because of the advertised gas mileage on the sticker. Im lucky if I get 20 miles per gallon in the city and Im only getting 30 miles on the highway. The sales people emphasized how great the fuel economy was but I guess none of them own one. I think Nissan should give a more accurate fuel economy rating especially with the high cost of gas. Theyre misleading people. The car is comfortable to sit in and to drive.

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  Zippity Dooooo! - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By WilmaFlinstone - January 7 - 2:43 am

  Love this car and being able to put the money on the table and drive it off the lot (to quote Boz Scaggs)! Paid cash-and after a minimum amount of discussion got the vehicle for under $10,000.The car is quite basic-made the dealer put in a radio/cd as it had nothing(got a nice Pioneer) manual windows, locks,etc. but we dont care - awesome trunk-huge and the car hits 60 mph quickly! Also, saving a bundle on gas(commute 70 miles/day). Yeehaw- gotta love this Flintstones mobile!

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  Asani - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Asani - January 6 - 3:13 pm

  great car fast and reliable great on fuel economy lots of horse power and torque the new maximas they should change the body style on them and increase the horse power like the infiniti 300 horse

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  Great performance and fun car to drive - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Ian - January 6 - 2:56 pm

  I wasnt thrilled with the Maxima until stopped at showroom lot saw a Black SR Maxima this car looks better in person. I cant believe with my eyes that driving a Maxima it has lots of new extras in its class. I love the camel interior its design is better with fit and finish materials are upgraded. Fact love that the Maxima has Normal and Sport mode its more responsive pressing the throttle as this car got the power and guts driving it. There is every available option this vehicle was worth every nickel and penny excellent sound system its more comfortable seems be a luxury cruiser. Ill give Maxima thumbs up including 5***star ratings on everything. I am not a fan of CVT but this would be one car to drive with its 300 hp engine the Maxima picks up speed quicker than ever handles like a Cadillac. Seems as its more safer driving love audio and navigation settings even console center buttons pressing as dont feel like dealing with the Navi plus other things for audio reminds me of a Mazda and Audi with this optional. Overall absolutely love this car looks handsome in and out especially the new design interior such a nice cockpit sitting behind the wheel as passengers would love the comfort of zero gravity seats and more.

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  Nissans Best - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Car Enthusiast - January 5 - 8:10 pm

  Theres only one thing that I can say that can sum this car up. - It is the best car you will ever buy for the money. Period. Ive driven the Honda Fit, Scion xA and xB, Corolla, vibe, Matrix, and Yaris. None compared. Its comfortable, fun to drive, useful, and sporty. Drive it yourself and take nobody elses opinion. ENJOY!

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  CVT Performance Needs Attention - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Shelly - January 5 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over 2 years. Love everything BUT the CVT Transmission! It hesitates upon acceleration, it jerks (like a manual transmission that needs shifted) at 35-40 mph. To me...its EMBARRASSING, I feel like I am driving a sub par vehicle when I have a passenger with me. Hello Nissan, 35-40 miles an hour in the city is the speed limit! Please, please fix this issue...it is making me CRAZY! Love the sportier feel over my previous Camry, but with Nissan aware of this issue and not having a fix for it yet is just ridiculous. Thank goodness this car is going to be passed down to my 16 year old soon so I can get another vehicle.