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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  Just what I expected - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By ABretz - September 20 - 6:30 pm

  I bought my Xterra used, and knew when I got it that the mileage was below average even for a mid-sized SUV. The trade-offs have been worth it. FUN to drive, great curb appeal, roomy cargo area, reliable engine performance. I have had ZERO problems with it mechanically, no window or CD failure here.

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  Competent sports sedan - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By tdisalvo - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima satisfied many of my automotive needs. I needed a sedan but didnt want it to be ugly. I needed japanese reliability without sacrificing performance. I needed a 6- cylinder engine AND a manual transmission. I also needed an affordable price. The Maxima fills all of my requirements and does it with style. Nissan builts character & personality into their cars, something Honda/Acura should look into. Go test drive a 5-speed Maxima, youll see what I mean.

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  great truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By stuie - September 20 - 10:00 am

  purchased 4dr se long bed in may of 02 and while the gas mileage is rotten, overall I really love this truck. on the outside ther is too much plastic but it does make the truck different. I can load all my tools for work( about 1500 pounds) and go up the road with NO hesitation. Im really surprised and pleased with this truck!!!!!!

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  Good buy - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mgs - September 20 - 10:00 am

  First Family car purchase ever. Considered the typical Camery, Accord, Passat and Legacy. The Max was larger in every sense of the word. Bigger wheels, engin, wheel base, F/R headroom, leg room, shoulder room - oh yea and a bigger thirst for fuel. It has a smooth wisper quiet powerful engin, its accelaration really fools you. I have already had to talk my way out of a ticket - and I was not even in a hurry. I do not like the rear headlights, and I am dissapointed in the paint. In all I would recommend the car - just pay close attention to the warrentee as it pertains to the paint - you will use it.

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  Nice, but... - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By mattyj - September 19 - 9:56 pm

  I traded a 2006 Honda Civic LX 4dr for the Altima Hybrid. The Civic got great MPG and drove well but the seat was just too uncomfortable. I wanted a 4 door with some comfort and about 35 MPG, When you look around there are not that many comfortable cars that get 35+. I hope that changes in the future. But for now the Altima Hybrid fits the bill. The car drives great, it is hard to keep out of the gas, the CVT and engine make this car feel like a V6, but if you drive it like that the mileage suffers. If you drive a little more reserved the car rewards with great mileage. The drivers seat is comfortable so far with 11,000 miles on it.

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  Great SUV for the money. - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Daniel - September 19 - 8:00 am

  I have had my Pathfinder for a little more than 2 weeks. Absolutley love it. The engine is a monster, just plain fun to drive! Gas mileage is whats expected. If people are concerned about gas mileage, then stay away from higher displacement engines... nuff said. If people want to complain about the legroom in the third row, upgrade to a bigger car. I have yet to sit in the third row of any midsize SUV and feel comfortable. It just comes with the territory. I am more than satisfied with my purchase, and hope to have this car for years to come.

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  Almost There - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Solid - September 18 - 7:10 am

  Good car for the money. The car drives great and the looks turn heads all the time. The car is well rounded and always fun. The only thing that would keep me from buying another one is Nissans service. Nissan does not service or support this product very well.

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  2008 Altima 2.5S nice but could be bette - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Fred from Albuquerqu - September 16 - 10:06 am

  I like the inside and outside style of the vehicle. The layout of the controls on the dash are very user friendly. Good gas mileage and surprising pep in starting from a stop. Not the best vehicle for 6 ft or taller people since steering wheel (even though telescopic) does not extend enough if seats are set back for leg room. Wish Nissan could have added 1 or 2 more inches to the extension.

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  Titan power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Moies Mundo - September 16 - 10:00 am

  The truck has plenty of power and comfort. Fun to drive.

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  Great first car - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Nathan - September 16 - 1:06 am

  I got this car in August 2013 at about 183,000 miles and is at 210,000 currently and its been great have had no problems with it yet. If you want a cheap reliable car with very little to no maintenance than pick this car up.