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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  more for less - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bluestreak - December 18 - 4:33 pm

  my driving experience has been pleaserable in this car. it has plenty of room for five adults and the engine sounds great.owning the car has been less of a fun factor, the brakes are less than perfect on the car it can benefit from better performance brakes as an option on the car.

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  30,000 MILE REVIEW - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ClassAction - December 18 - 4:10 pm

  I paid $35,000 and i have 29,690 miles. I have owned it for 10 months. I dont have enough space to list all the problems so here is the most annoying. The transmition doesnt shift properly. Knocking noise from engine area at idle.While braking, the steering wheel shakes and brake pedal pulsates Replaced front brakes @ 19,000 miles and again at 26,000. 4 lo light remains on after vehicle is switched to 2 wheel drive.Low tire pressure sensor always on.The drivers window fails to come up intermittently when fully opened.Body squeaks and rattles.Rockford Fosgate radio volume goes up/down and radio doesnÂ’t receive FM well.Tailgate does not latch on right side.A/C making loud hissing noise.....

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  DONT BUY A NISSAN MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sergey1992 - December 18 - 1:02 pm

  bought the car 3 months ago from dealership with 3 month warrenty car had no problems at all took it to a nissan machanick to check it out after driving the car for 3 months or 15000 miles the car started to experience severe jerking and transmission slipping.. the engine would not go more then 19 miles and the rpms would jump to large numbers and slip tne car starts kicking and doesnt drive i have the 2004 nissan maxima 3.5se model with 5 sp automatick transmission this car has been great until this point but 80xxx miles is reediculous for this type of money this was my 5TH AND LASTTTT MAXIMA I AM EVER BYING THESE MANUFACTURES RUINED THE GUD NAME OF NISSAN AND ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO REPA

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  Well built car. - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By BaylentheSky - December 17 - 10:26 pm

  I bought my 200SX-SE for a total of $3200 after all the repairs/maintenance I needed to do (new tires, battery...) Overall very happy with my purchase, especially in this age where gas costs over $3/gallon. Zippy at above 4000rpm, not so stellar if youre below that sweet spot. Love the sunroof although it rattles and squeaks when driven over bumpy roads. Has AC problems (wont blow at any speed but 4, common with 1995 models) but easily repaired by yourself, just locate the resistor under the glove compartment and replace it with a new one. Car feels cheap, well, it is cheap :D but I dont really mind that.

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  I wouldnt if I were you - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Laura - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Since we have owned this car, there has not been one day that there wasnt something wrong with it. I have 50 plus pages of invoices from warranty repairs. Brakes, rotors, windows, doors, seats, seatbelts, leaks from various places in the engine, exhaust system problems. Its loud and squeaky inside. Its big, spacious and fun but not worth the time in the shop. Not to mention the fact that the dealership and Nissan corporation have been pains to deal with. Seriously, get a suburban.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By sirene916 - December 16 - 9:56 pm

  I bought my first Altima in 2005 before the hybrid model came out. I loved that car. It was stylish, roomy, and fun to drive. I had heard then that the Altima hybrid would be out in late 2006 or 2007, so I have been waiting all this time. I went to the dealer for service on my 2005 Altima, and decided to test drive the Altima hybrid. It was an easy decision to make the trade. The hybrid has all the familiar comforts of my old Altima but with the benefits of a hybrid... and the extras that come with the Convenience Package.

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  It is a Slice of Heaven! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Aquaman265 - December 16 - 8:13 pm

  Always wanted a convertible living in Sunny South Florida. Did my homework and went out and purchased a 2004 350Z. For the money, you cant beat it. As a former Lexus owner, the ride is nowhere near as smooth as the IS300 I had, but in handling, braking, speed and performance the 350Z wins easily. I am 100% satisfied and look forward everyday to cruising topless around South Florida.

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  350 Z - Ride of your life - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Erik J - December 16 - 7:43 pm

  This car drives fantastic, even better than the SLK350 I tried before I got my Z.

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  Fun ride; Good value - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By van29 - December 16 - 3:13 pm

  Looked at all the small performance cars under $20k and thought this the best deal. It is fast and nimble. The boring styling was actually a plus point for me. Buy it with the "racier" colors though.

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  Extremely Happy - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Kathy - December 16 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle on 7/3 best buy great deal I couldnt be happier. I didnt start out looking at the Altima but I kind of stumbled upon it in my search and I am so glad I did. This car has so much class and style Im amazed at the performance. I purchased it in Navy Blue with the blond leather interior and I gotta tell you its a head turner.