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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  TITAN CREWCAB SE - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Kevin - May 20 - 12:33 pm

  I bought my Titan Dec 03 , its been good truck. Had master cylinder failure , door moulding peeling off,other than that no other issues. Gas mileage bites about 13mpg to 14 avg. Rockford-Fosgate 6 cd player is a must thing cranks. I got dark blue paint it seems to scratch easily

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  My new Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Seg800 - May 20 - 10:33 am

  Formerly owned a Corolla, loved it but wanted an SUV for snow, rain, ice, etc. Drove my sisters Rav4, hated it and decided to check out Nissan. The Rogue is very cool looking and comes with great features. Drive is very smooth, quiet and comfortable.

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  Great - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By meaghanator26 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car!!!!!! lokks awsome from the street and rides like a dream.

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  MY 20TH A.E. MAX ( Z edition ) - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By alsavillny - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my 20th a.e. maxima for more than two years now and i still feel like racing everytime im in the driver seat. It definitely is a four door sports cars as Nissan claims.

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  Glad I bought this - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By GreyMax - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car primarily for the engine, reliability reputation and the handsome interior. None has disappointed. The brakes were poorly manufactured however. Although the car stops well, (24,000 miles so far), the rotors already had to be turned. This was done N/C as there is a technical service bulletin for the warping of the rotors. Also, the ride may be a bit harsh for some but I did buy the SE model for its sports car like handling. I would buy this car again.

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  true fun - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ds532 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the best Ive ever had. I am impressed with its performance off road and on icy snowy roads. I only had to use the four-wheel drive on a few occasions. The limited slip rear differential helps greatly.

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  A HEAD TURNER - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MMPP - May 20 - 10:00 am

  FAAAAAAAST CAR! Too fast for a middle model. Got pulled over for speeding 2 wks in a row; luckily Im a female.I get nothing but compliments. Very sexy- head turner. Sporty. Easy to dress up. Engine is great.Interior could be refined, but could be the same elsewhere. Wouldnt trade it. ENJOYING THE RIDE!

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  Too Big, Too Expensive, Too Much like.. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By comparo - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The Altima!! Looks like an oversized Altima. Even though it has 10 more hp its slower than the 2002/2003 model because it gained 150+ pounds! $35K for a FWD V6 Nissan Maxima??? The G35 would make more sense. 2004 Maxima lost its uniqueness as a flagship. For less, you can get an Altima, for the same price, get the G35

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  my new venture with used car. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Louie Casparro - May 20 - 5:30 am

  great car. ive wanted one since it first came out. i have no problem with it except mabye not knowing exactly how to use some of the GPS and silly things like the windshield wipers and, for me, difficult light switch. but that isnt you its me. Actually the manual and some of the cars working items are not user friendly. Ive had Hondas all my life and they seem to be easier to comprehend and use. There are a lot of things on this car that yet, im not familiar with as of yet. Mabye its my 72years or something but i have some and i say some difficulty with it as of yet. Ive had it about a month so as i said it me...God Bless you and i wouldnt trade this one for two other cars.

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  Great Car but beware of certain Dealers - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Hurricane - May 19 - 11:36 pm

  After buying the car in Apr. 1998 for $13k I am happy i have put 140K miles on the car to a total of 174K miles. As with some reviews my car has dash gremlins which can be obnoxious. In the past month I have had the shock joints changed and the battery cables replaced. Carriage Nissans service has been very unsatisfactory. The car has had electrical problems since the replacement of the battery cables. Leaving me stranded twice. I hop after the fourth set of battery cables that it is fixed. Other than that every thing seems to working great.