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:

• 

  Fun little truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By DesertDawg - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have been a nissan fan for years, but if you are looking for more horsepower, hold off until 2005. If you want good fuel economy and need a truck, 2004 is the model year to get. Do research on edmunds and get a good price before you go to buy and do not be afraid to stand up for the value of your trade in.

• 

  Great SUV for the $$ - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By sj - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with this purchase. We drove numerous SUVs before buying the Xterra. All others we tested were in the $30-40k range, but didnt see the point in paying that kind of money with the depreciation rate. Rugged design is nice and performance is very good. Turning capabilities are excellent and it handles very well on any type of road. Rides a little rougher since its based on truck chassis. Storage is ample with the seats folded down.

• 

  Great car and fun to drive. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jckvista - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very solid. Fun to drive. Very reliable. Only negative is front tire wear. Camber is set in to increase cornering ability.

• 

  4th Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cmurphy - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Nissan and second Maxima. It seems each new model we purchase has become more reliable than the last. We just sold a 2001 Maxima,72000 miles, never required any dealer repair. I Just bought this one yesterday (2004 liquid silver SE) and had to test the now expected power to avoid another driver turning from the wrong lane! The Max performed like a dream. My emotional attachment to these cars is so bad that we no longer trade them in...they are sold to another Max fanatic who will give them a good retirement home :-) Yes...my husband IS threatening counseling.

• 

  Oustanding car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Marsh80 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  So you have read the poor reviews of this vehicle. These are inital quality that have all been resolved or handled under warranty by dealer. I have not experienced any of the quality issues since mine was built 5/04. Only quality issue I have is the interior scratches easily. This has been replaced for 05 and I can have my dealer replace mine under warranty. This car is very quick. Must check spedo because it goes up faster than you think. MPG avg 20 city, 29 HW. Sport suspension feels softer than some luxury cars. No mistaken identity. Stands out among many look- alike cars out there. Same engine as 350Z & as reliable as previous Nissan motors. Lots of fun

• 

  Horrible - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Adriana - November 21 - 6:16 am

  I bought my altima coupe a little over a year ago. I have had nothing, but problems with it. I think I have been in rental more than my own car over the course of the year Ive had it. Their is a problem with passenger airbag, tires are crap, makes ping noises all the time, engine revs to the point that it drives you crazy, and has horrible blind spots. The list can go on and on. I will never buy another nissan again!

• 

  350Z Touring Edition - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Audrey Stowers - November 21 - 4:46 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. Tight handling, convenient dash controls, excellent stereo system, and great body style. Always receive many compliments.

• 

  I loved and lost... 2007 Nissan Quest - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By sports3mom - November 20 - 2:17 pm

  I bought the 2007 Nissan Quest brand new off the dealers lot to replace a 2004 Nissan Quest which was wrecked in an accident. All was peachy ... I wanted a new car but didnt want to give up the space my Quest provided - I loved my minivan. (Trust me - if you know me then you know I was not the minivan type before.) But all of a sudden - my air conditioner started blowing at different speeds - the gears started whirring a bit... engine oil leak after 74,000 miles and rack and pinion oil leak. I contacted the dealer and of course, its not covered. The used 2004 Nissan Quest was 100% better than my new 2007 Nissan Quest. To each his own, but I have moved on. Ciao to my first love.

• 

  Love this car!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By copilotdaisy - November 19 - 11:40 am

  I bought my new Sentra as my 1st new car purchase. I love the performance, interior, and the great value this car was. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone.

• 

  Excellent Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Nismo2010 - November 18 - 10:40 pm

  This is my second Maxima and just love these cars. My first was a 98 SE 5 spd and thought it was great, wish I would not have sold it. But now I have a 97 GLE auto with all the goodies and like this car just as much. I bough the 97 with 179k and had to replace a few things, knock sensor, 02 sensor and the axles. I did the work myself so the repair cost was very cheap. I have 190k on it now and its still running great and I plan to keep it until it dies. I would highly recommend the 4th Gen (95- 99) Maximas to anyone who wants a 4 dr sports car with comfort, good stereo, and reliability. Thanks Nissan!