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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  An Amazing Car for the Money - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Speedyvonquick - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Got mine for a steal (right after the 2000 model came out). Better build quality than the 2000+ models. After 72,000 hard miles, this car is still as tight as a drum. Got my Boise stereo replaced under warranty at 25,000 miles but other than that, no problems ever. Funny thing is the more miles I drive it, the faster it gets and the more I like it! Gas mileage has improved too. Best v6 in the world. I expect to drive my SE to 250K miles before any problems.

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By C2GA - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car that has many good qualities.

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  Dale Review - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Dale - January 19 - 7:36 am

  This Maxima has been excellent. Fun to drive and comfortable. Very reliable. Preventative maintenance kept it in very good condition. Only mechanical problem was the brakes which had to be replaced within warranty.

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  Very happy owner - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By db5007 - January 19 - 1:36 am

  I was hesitant to write a review since I feel like Ive stumbled onto a great secret.. however, good work deserves to be recognized. This car drives and feels like a luxury sedan. I purchased the technology package which increased the msrp but I still feel its well worth the price. I am surprised I havent seen more reviews or people talking about this car online. I always wanted a Hybrid, but wasnt a big fan of the Prius or Civics design. For me, the Altima had the whole package.

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  20000 miles - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By pheonixunc - January 19 - 12:57 am

  I traded in Nissan cube for the frog as soon as it came out early October 2010 and put over 20000 miles on it. Since then, it has sufferred from ignited "engine check lights" until recent recall measure from Nissan. Other than that, it is full of lovely features for the price, unique style, great performance and cool fuel economy. Solid handling is very attracting point to me especially on corners even against strong wind. Thank you NISSAN for making 21st century Datsun!!!

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  Great bang-for-the-buck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By mf - January 18 - 2:40 pm

  Impressed with the 261HP & 281FT-LBS of the 4.0L V6, even at >6000ft elevation where I live. Excellent quality all-around! VERY spacious in the front of the cab. Mine has "SE Value Pkg" which includes ABLS brakes, bedliner, pwr windows and locks, RKE, cruise-control, and painted aluminum wheels. Its actually a mid-sized truck with a nice, high road-stance. Overall a great truck for the money.

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  2009 Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Stan - January 17 - 6:46 pm

  We shopped through all of the crossovers and were most impressed initially with the room and options on the Murano. It drives very nicely and if you are not careful you will find yourself at 80 mph on the highway without realizing it. It is quiet and comfortable. I am 64" tall and I have plenty of room in the front and back seats. The acceleration is above average for the CUVs we tested and the vehicle handles well. Drive this before you buy any other CUV!

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Hogg810989 - January 17 - 11:46 am

  I bought my titan in June 04. Have to say that the horsepower is great. Gas mileage not real bad. Then again it is a V-8. Very comfortable and roomy. I am a previous nissan owner (2001) frontier, and the quality remains the same in the fullsize truck. Nissan gives you alot for your money. With other truck manufactures, you had to upgrade to get the engine power and options. Pricing is alot less then some of the competitors. You will not go wrong buying a nissan. The dealer that I purchased it from has great after sale service. Go test drive one and see for yourself. You will not be dissappointed.

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  Very Impressed Customer - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Andrea Murphy - January 16 - 11:06 am

  Our family is very happy with the purchase of our Quest. There is tons of room for our family and friends. The reliability of this van is A+. We never have to worry about going on long trips and having our vehicle break down as we have had in the past. Smooth ride, and plenty of entertainment for our children. Also, exceptional service at our dealer. Everyone that has rode in our van is very impressed. I am approached almost everyday by complete strangers about my van, on how impressive it looks. We are overall, extremely happy with our purchase of the Nissan Quest, and would highly recommend this vehicle or any other Nissan product.

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  Love at first site.... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nova - January 15 - 10:40 pm

  My wife had asked me to go test drive a new 05 Altima for her that she was going to buy. When I was at the dealership I walked past the show room and for the first time I saw a 05 Maxima. I could not keep my eyes off her. After I test drove the Altima, I asked the salesperson if I could test drive the Max. As soon as I put the car into gear I was sold. I could not believe that the way it drove out performed its looks. The car is just AWESOME. It is so fun to drive. It is extremely quite and when needed it "Gets up and goes" better then most vehicles. My buddy discribes it the best, "Its like riding on Ice".... smooth.