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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  Glad its mine - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Antoinette - December 28 - 3:43 am

  after looking around for a couple of months we found the pathfinder to be the best suv for the price. Living on an island with mountains and valleys can leave you limited as to where you can go but not anymore. I am very happy with my choice

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  Almost great - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Jim - December 27 - 1:43 pm

  Overall, I like it. Its fun to drive and and it sits up high enough to be able to see over most cars, unlike many of the small SUV-like vehicles. In terms of off-roading, its the best Ive ever had. My major reservation is with the drivers seat. The ergonomics are all fine but the seat itself is horribly uncomfortable for long trips. The gas mileage is pretty bad too, but I knew that going into it. What I didnt know is that gas was going to go to $3/gallon! But, just to put my priorities in perspective, if I had the choice between rolling gas prices back or more comfortable seating, Id choose more comfortable seating. Would I buy another? No, Id go for a 4dr 4WD Tacoma with a shell.

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  Maximum Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By fastridingman - December 26 - 3:56 pm

  At 137k this car is running strong, smooth and reliably. Every component works as it should. The car also has great structural integrity. not a single squeak or rattle. This Nissan is superior to similar age Accord in every aspect including fuel mileage. I owned both. The Maxima outguns the Accord -- period. I just installed a set of 17" wheels from an 05 for style. This car is worth the investment. I havent had to spend much -- front struts and an anti-knock sensor. I plan on another 100,000 fun, trouble free miles with this Maxima. Parts and accessories are readily available. I recommend a new or used Maxima to anyone looking for a good handling, strong running sedan.

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  Poor Build Quality Means Failing Parts - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Disapointed - December 26 - 3:13 pm

  Good mechanicals and style have been offset by lots of design and quality problems. Defective power passenger window, power outlet in front, broken drivers seat motor (big $1,000 problem, Nissan wants to replace full seat for plastic gear in motor, universal failure), grille chrome plating bubbling off, lots of squeaks and rattles. Im only putting 2,800 miles a year on a $40,000+ car, and is already showing lots of problems. What will happen at 15,000 or 20,000 miles?

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  fun with some issues - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By nissan owner - December 26 - 1:16 pm

  It has the power you would expect from a V6. The four wheel drive is great. Has good clearance. Has good strong wheels and big tires so it is capable of going of the beaten path if needed. The only problems so far are that we needed to change the alternator when I first got it and the front upper control arms needed the bushings replaced to fix negative camber on the both sides of the front. The most recent issue this truck has is it makes a grinding or scraping noise like metal on metal on the passengers side right before the transmission shifts up. When the tranny shifts the sound goes away. Hasnt effected the performance but sounds horrible. 1,2,3, on fan motor dont work,dont mind

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  the best car Ive owned! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By swapnil - December 26 - 5:40 am

  The throttle response is great, low end torque is amazing, beats all competetion. Best of all it looks great, definitely a cure for a common car!

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  Love the car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By bobjeeps - December 26 - 5:07 am

  Love the car after 60,000 miles 5 & 1/2 years. Im still amazed how smooth it runs with the CVT transmission. Ive had to replaced the a/c heater blower motor, OAD alternator wheel pulley. I had a condensation leak inside the car. It cost me $560 to fix it. They needed to extend the condensation pipe to draw out the condensation. This is the only item, I feel was no fault of mine, that Nissan should have fixed it for free.

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  Wife & I have Max we always wanted! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Tycoonmd - December 25 - 10:23 pm

  My wife has always wanted a Maxima so when the time came to get another car, we purchased one. I think the 2007 model is the best looking Max to date. Im a big guy and Im comfortable driving and riding in this car. The CVT is great. Acceleration is smooth from 0 all the way to me. I have no problems keeping the car straight and neither does my wife. The intelligent key is great. There are very few things I would change if anything. Have only had it a little while but loving it all the time.

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  2000 Nissan Sentra - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Paramedic - December 25 - 10:00 am

  One of the Best cars I have ever owned. I like it better than our 2000 Maxima. Its easier to get in and out of than the Maxima for some design flaw. Some days I wish I would have purchased the 2.0 model for just a little more pep, but I really have no regrets! Great car!

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  Head Turning vehicle - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By JJWALKERS - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I only test drove this veh, but am thinking about buying it. I like the look, its a head turner. Dont roll down the back windows while driving, or the sun roof. The wind turbulance is bad. You need the wind deflector for the sun roof. Great power, and the transmission is neat. Wife loves the ajustments for the seats, and pedals. Seems like a winner, but I havent bought it yet.