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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  2nd Maxima and still lovin it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By danalin26 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Just acquired a new 2004 SE 3.5 and absolutely love it. Traded in 2000 Maxima. I thought I had it good in the 2000. The 2004 is so powerful and the options you can get for the price is amazing.

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  2013 Nissan Rogue 25 MPG - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By jbuck406 - July 21 - 6:56 am

  I traded in a 2010 Chrysler T&C loaded because the 3.8L V-6 was just too gas hungry 18-19 mpg. I got tired of it after the new wore off. My wife and I have owned 2 Nissan Sentras and we have liked Nissan products. I decided to try the Rogue and I am very happy with my choice, however, I was going to buy a 2013 Sentra but they all had Black interiors. I could not find one with a light interior. In Texas when the temp is 100 degrees you dont want to be setting in a black car. I purchased a "Frosted" Rogue SL loaded and I love driving it. 25 mpg and I havent been on any road trips yet. It will do better on "Cruise". The Nissan Rogue will make a nice traveling SUV.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Trey - July 21 - 3:06 am

  Ive had my 05 Altima for about 6 months now, and I love it. Its very fun to drive and very sporty. I have a 2.5 SL which includes leather seats, moonroof/sunroof, and Bose stereo system. I would definitely recommend the Altima for anyone who wants a 4-door sedan but yet something sporty.

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  Transmission Problems - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By lilcrot - July 21 - 1:30 am

  Bought this car for my husband because of a traveling job. It only had 3000 miles when I got it. at 72605 miles we had to get a new transmission (3-19- 08) on 5-9-08 at 77732 miles had to get the whole assembly kit again (thank god under the transmission was under warranty still) and the snap ring had popped off. here we are at 92000 miles and having to get the transmission worked on again. all this car has been for us is trouble.

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  A Distinctive Car Worth the Quirks and Shortcomings - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By thos - July 20 - 5:17 pm

  I have an 02 Maxima automatic with 70,000 miles bought almost 3 years ago with 45,000 miles. Mine burns oil, one to two quarts between changes every 4,000 miles. I also bought an 03 Altima V6 and it does the same thing, leading me to believe that this is a very common problem. However, the cars are cheap to buy used and a quart or two of oil between changes is less than $10, so why bother putting in new rings? I ran regular gas for the first 2 1/2 years--a mistake. The drivetrain, including the transmission, works better with premium. The solid rear axle in this car makes for inferior handling compared to the Altima, but the latter lacks the "elan" of the older Maxima in my view

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  its ok in a pinch - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By julie b - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed owning the altima overall, but there have been problems. I have owned it for 3 years, bought it used, and have spent $$ on some big repairs: among others, The brakes have never stopped squeaking despite attempts to fix, the trunk leaks, there was an idle problem- it would cut out at intersections, and the biggest drag is that the 4 cyl. engine is WAY too weak for urban traffic.

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  Ok - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By bobby steels - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for 2 years now, It worked well for almost 1 year. I ended up getting in a fender bender, the dealer fixed it, it never ran the same since. The Brakes have sucked since the beginning, the acceleration is poor, love the dashboard console, radio is poor, overall I liked it for the first year, but began to worry about breaking down just from the way it sounded and the way it ran, made alot of noises. I drive alot and have put 67,000 in the last 2 years on it, all highway miles, I think the car is solid, but not meant for hardcore long distance driving on a consistent basis.

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  Best Value in Class - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By - July 19 - 10:00 am

  We tested the X5 (gorgeous machine for those with lots of cash and tiny suitcases), Envoy SLT & Trailblazer LTZ (when will American cars dispose of flimsy plastic class-less interiors), Honda Pilot(mini-van in wolf-attire, but a very nice car for 30Gs - but no XM, no heated seats?, no moonroof? available), Anyway, we got a loaded LE with XM, brush gaurds front and rear, and every option save for the entertainment system, and only paid 32gs. Over $4,000 off of sticker. Great value and great car. Fast too.

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  Great Starting SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Mr. INC4 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Xterra is a fun and spacious starting SUV with excellent power to get you to places where you would think you never go. The Supercharger delivers power when you need it most and handling similar to a midsize car.

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  great car in mid size sedan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By driven for fun - July 19 - 12:10 am

  Have only 105 miles on car at this time but think 105000 would be soon enough for a new model very comfortable ride love the interior space hope to put some real millage on her real soon