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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  Sportbike Fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mattuuu - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been an avid sportbike rider for a long time and wasnt sure that I would have that much fun in a sports car. I was skeptical about making the purchase but have no regrets now that I own a 350Z. Sure it isnt a quick as a sportbike but it is just as much fun. Hopefully a twin turbo is in the making.

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  Mikes Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mikey Riedel - August 6 - 10:00 am

  My 350Z is really a nice car.

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  Great Start now improve it - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By barry eline - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Negatives: A problem is developing in the drive train. Has a lag or looseness while in drive (D) between 40-60 mph. Cup holders too deep for small cups. The stereo/climate display useless in day time while wearing polarized glasses. Too much road noise, Get the window washer nozzles off the hood. No hood prop. The positives: A vast improvement over 2000 Altima. They improved everything. Great acceleration. Outstanding fuel economy! I can get 30 + mph at 65 with no trouble.

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  Luvmymax - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dwightd2139 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  powerful vehicle with great lines and a slick look. Head turner-lookers want to know what kind of car it is. wanted a great car again so i got rid of my SUV. This ones a keeper.

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  great to drive!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Squidroe - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Weve traded up from a Accord V6, which gave us 5 years of trouble free driving and comfort. This Maxima however, is a large step up with its road hugging ability, power and performance, close attention to detail in the finish, attractive design and the comfort provided both driver and passengers. Whether the buying public finds this gem, well have to wait and see. Both my wife and I are finding it one of the best vehicles weve owned.

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  No Disappointments - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Brian in Ohio - August 6 - 9:43 am

  Let me first say, I get a new car about every 2 years, because I get bored easily. This car is everything I had hoped it would be. It is loaded with the 3.5SE, 270hp, leather, and navigation. It had 32k miles, but drives like brand new. The comfort is excellent, but could use a little softer seats. The performance is up there with the best. It competes with most BMWs, Mercedes, Jaguars and other high dollar vehicles. Braking is better than others have given credit. Handling on the SE is excellent. Controls/interior design is perfect for me. Overall this car is outstanding. I see keeping it in my driveway for a long time. Now my wife wants one after owning a loaded 06 Passat.

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  Titan woes - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Bill - August 5 - 11:33 pm

  Vibration at 24 to 35 mph during acceleration or deceleration. Dealer balanced tires, no change in vibration. All dealer says is that the vehicle is drivable. Vibration does not seem to be related to engine rpm. In shop two times 1500 and 3000 miles. Dealer did not check driveshaft balance or carrier bearing on driveshaft. Only says could be tires. Tires show no abnormal wear. Tread depth across all treads 11/32. Sure would like to see dealer get enthused and find this aggravating problem.

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  Nice vehicle ... BAD brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Sandi - August 5 - 7:16 pm

  Beautiful vehicle! WOW. I did however have it in the shop within 2,000 miles. There is a KNOWN defect on the braking system in the 2004 & 2005 Armadas & Titans that Nissan has chosen not to share with the customers unless it becomes a problem. Supposedly there are no parts available to make the repairs on the brakes at this time, so they are temporarily turning the rotors to keep the vehicle from "skipping" when attempting to stop. GAS mileage is horrible. If you enjoy spending time at the gas pumps, then this vehicle is meant for YOU. All jokes aside, it is a beautiful vehicle. I just wish they had shared the braking problem with me when I bought it.

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  A "real" Truck! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By hot truck - August 5 - 7:10 pm

  Where to start, its got power, lots of real POWER...Its roomy, real ROOMY...The Titan is a real Truck with real power, room, CD stereo, cruise, A/C and this is just the XE model. This is a REAL TRUCK... Note: I found that most of the full sized trucks had about the same mileage rating. If youre looking for a full- sized truck then it better not for fuel economy.

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  who needs a better truck ?! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By L. Konrad - August 5 - 10:06 am

  Bought it used -it had 40k,Ive driven it another 50 thou and not even the slightest issue. All right,the interior could look a little better (98 Pathfinder) but that aint a biggie. All Ive had to do is change the oil in it. Sprayed long box is great. Ive towed bobcats, trailers and motorboat with it - like a breeze. Bridgestone tires are perfect and Ive never regretted that its "only" a 4x2...just need to know how to drive it(with a litlle feel on ice&snow). 5spd Manual tranny is wonderful as well. I just simply love it all and keep it forever.My wife and 2 kids like it too, awesome value. still almost like new ...