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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  Fun car, but could use some work!! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Kip - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Over all this car is a good bargin for the bang, nice looking, nice interior, and decent performance. Although they could improve on a few things,second and third gears are a bit crunchy, and my biggest complaint is the traction, i mean, I went from owning a 2002 Ford Mustang Gt, and it had better traction than this car, this cars tires just spin with little gas, and im not trying to fry these tires, thats why i steped down a to a cheaper car, to save money. anyway, what im saying is, if you want a car with good traction in rain or snow, this is not your car, its really bad in the snow, really really bad.

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  New NIssan Altima 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By PacificDolphin - July 27 - 2:00 am

  just purchased the vehicle. give it style and performance points, but build quality sucks. after driving 50 miles Service Engine Light lights on, replaced fuel sensor/pump unit after taking off back seat/fuel tank cover?? some creaking noise already, probably some interior panel?? Lets see if I bought a lemon here.

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  4 door Sports Car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By miles316 - July 25 - 6:40 pm

  The 4 door spots car indeed; My Nissan Maxima SV sport package, loaded. Your evaluation of this car will depend on your definition of driving. If you like hard cornering and accelerating adrenaline junky of a car, this is for you. If you want to drive in acute boredom, void of road feel with high speed cornering avoidance, look to Lexus and Cadillac DTS. You need to take this car by the scruffs; tame it like a bull, and you’d be laughing. I got my wife an Acura TL SH-AWD 2010; great car. The Acura tells you when you are going too fast. My Maxima says “is that all you’ve got” seducing you into losing your license. What a machine.

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  Nissan truck disquised as SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By vixkix69 - July 25 - 6:46 am

  I like this XTERRA a lot. I have only had it for 2 months, but it is just like an old friend, specifically the old Nissan truck I had years ago. It IS very rugged looking and DRIVING. It feels every bump and curve in the road,but it keeps on going. Its a fun truck / suv to drive. Yes, the 5 speed is NOT powerful, but anyone knows that before they buy it (internet research).It keeps me from getting tickets! Its too cute for words and so far, I like it. We also have a Titan which is rated pretty low.But we like it,too. IT IS TOO POWERFUL!

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  Looking to Trade - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Ward - July 20 - 8:36 pm

  This car has given me very satisfactory service. Im hoping to upgrade to another Nissan car

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  Not my Car/Hubbys - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Carola - July 16 - 3:53 pm

  Traded in a 99 Avalon Toyota. Car is low to ground like Avalon 99. Engine noise is too loud, sluggish take off. Just not a car for me. I never drive his car, no desire to. Exterior is pretty, but Id rather have a Camry. It is higher of ground and seats need to be automatic. I havent found a comfortable position in front seat yet, driver or passenger. I refuse to take a trip in car.

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  Great SUV, Poor on Gas!!!! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By UNVME - July 16 - 10:00 am

  First foreign vehicle purchased and unfortunately so far its been the most satisfying. Iam in debt to a 2001 SE 2wheel dr.X-terra. Love the Stadium seating in the back seat. Quality of the X-Terra interior is very poor. Exterior black molding yet attractive the first two months now age my Vehicle, because they fade out. I purchased the extended warranty because my electric windows as a total have been replaced 5 times (motors).

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  Baterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By BatmanYZFr1 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I didnt shop thinking about the xterra. All I knew is that I wanted a SUV. The saleman said, "what about this?" All I knew about it is that it that integrated first aid kit-cool. I bought it, they threw in a trailer hitch and I was out of there. I now absolutely love this machine. I aim for bumps and dirt whenever the chance arises. My mountain bike accents the xterra so well.I thought about the jeep liberty afterwards, but that thing is just a little too "cute" for me. just need more power. When I want it to move, which it does, I feel that the engine is working too hard and I think I can see my gas needle falling. everything else is great.

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  Mixed Bag -- Ya Love It Or Ya Hate It - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By SacMuranoDvr - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Well, its a great substitute for a station wagon. The CVT takes some getting use to. Its a lot peppier in Ds mode. Although, Id rather have a regular automatic and more road feel. Fits in parking spaces, carries people, has so-so styling and the dealers are a mixed bag. I dont know, I get the feeling they could have done better.

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  CHK ENGINE SOON - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By RONDA - July 16 - 10:00 am

  WELL WITH LESS THAN 1200 MILES ON CAR MOST PUT ON IT WITH THE IDIOT LIGHT ON CHK ENGINE SOON THAT FIRST CAME ON AT 192 MILES AND NOW WORKING WITH THE SECOND DEALERSHIP TO TRY AND FIX THE PROBLEM ILL LET YOU MAKE THE CHOICE. ITS A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE HANDLES GREAT PLENTY OF TOURQ GAS MILEGE HOVERS AROUND 21-25 ON THE INTERSATE AND 18 AROUND TOWN MIGHT WANT TO INVEST IN SOME ELECTRICAL TAPE FOR THAT PESKIE LIGHT