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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  Love it!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brez - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The 350z is a great looking car but it is so much more than that. The 287 under the hood make it fun to drive without eating the gas that a V8 would. My only complaint is that the twin turbo kit has not yet been put on the market. Check www.greddy.com for details of the kit to come...

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  First Impression - New Owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By califstateusa - November 28 - 10:00 am

  A sporty two-seater that is fun to drive. Ride seems rather harsh, especially over bumpy Southern California roads. Some type of driver selected dampening to soften ride would sure be welcomed.

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  not too shabby - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By yankeefan - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Purcased the vehicle for the wife with the intention of also using as family transport. She needed less of a car but I made the mistake of test driving the 3.5 SE first and could not even imagine having to drive the four banger ever. Basically got it loaded. Leather package, ABS, traction control, side air bags. havent had it long but she is very happy so far. Have a buddy that owns the same car and he loves it also.

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  I Know My Car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By willtiger01 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the exact kind of vehicle I was looking for except I didnt know that until the initial test drive. The only problem that Ive had is the transmission being very jerky in a sense, probably in relation to its newness. Other than that this is a vehicle that can fit any personality and any lifestyle. Will Lewis USAF 20 years old

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  Wow - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NickD - November 28 - 10:00 am

  No disappointment here! Powerful sedan that lives up to its billing "4 door sports car!" Great styling for 2004.....bigger, bolder and faster. 5th Maxima that I have owned and without a doubt, the best!

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  Everything I want, just excellent! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Adroita - November 28 - 8:10 am

  Very satisfied with this truck after almost 3 years. Great power, smooth acceleration, reliable. Solid vehicle with a great ride and good road feedback. Suspension is excellent. Feels like a German car in truck form. I love it.

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  Volvo to Nissan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By B Den - November 28 - 5:23 am

  Traded in a 2000 Volvo to a 2005 Maxima. I bought my car in Jan and have 7500 miles as of July. This car is great!! The SE has a solid ride, great horse power and a roomy interior. I am 62 and have plenty of room.

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  Excellent Car- Great Quality - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Excellent Car- Great - November 27 - 10:23 am

  My 1996 Nissan Maxima GXE has reached a milestone. Now at 250,000 and no signs of stopping. I drive 78 to 100 miles a day for work and couldnt think of a better car to drive. Every time I think I am asking to much of the car, it just keeps on going. I have had the car since Dec 2005 at 132K, Maintenance has averaged about $1,500/ year (spread out over the entire year- oil changes, tire replacement, alternator, hoses, air conditioning service) Also got new shocks and struts... I usually have 1 maybe 2 major repairs a year like the alternator, struts... nothing out of the ordinary

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Kan - November 27 - 6:46 am

  I purchased my 2005 Nissan Quest SE 4 months ago with 7,000 miles on it...let me just say, I love it! It is great and my kids love it as well. I got the Autume Red (burnt orange) with the Burnt orange (rouge) leather with Black interior, 5 sky panels, two DVD and the list goes on, everyone that rides in it or sees it cant get over how stylish and rommy this van is. No problems at all and Awesome fun to drive. Only issue is gas mileage, wish that was a bit better, but over all 10+ rating! Very happy with it!

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  9 months later - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I still love this car as much as the day I bought it. Over 7,000 miles now and there is only one small issue I have noticed. I tend to always drive in sport mode because the engine seems to shift better and is more responsive. When driving in automatic, especially if you floor it, the engine will stay at a high rpm as if it will not shift into the next gear. It gets annoying although the car is more fuel efficient in automatic mode than sport mode. So, that being said the car is definitely more fun to drive in sport mode. I would rate the gas mileage at or a little above average. I like to drive fast and accelerate hard, plus I always use 93 octane. It can be expensive sometimes to fill up.