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:

• 

  Panoramic moon roof and other defects - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By disappointedcustomer - May 5 - 5:13 pm

  I was a happy owner of a 2016 Maxima believe made a huge mistake getting this car. This car was last purchased on 8/25/15 now Im having problems out of the panoramic moon roof and memory seat position not remembering. Also noticed that whenever slowing down 30 mph transmission jerks hard took into dealer I was told the transmission is shot as with taking back to dealer again for the panoramic moon roof. Dont get me wrong really like the car but not satisfied with all of issues having out of it now its at the dealer overnight for a transmission replacement as with fixing panoramic moon roof. Thought Nissan was one of the best vehicles ever this definitely going to be my last one period. Cant believe brought a new car with few defects now the dealer is letting me loan a Rogue until get a call from dealer saying what Nissan will tell them. Seems Nissan doesnt stand behind their products because when talked with them but no help but it will be ok guess this car might be a lemon want to give it back after starting off having few defects even a new transmission with fewer miles putting on motor not pleased with a defective vehicle.

• 

  A great all around truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By G.V.Romano - May 5 - 2:30 pm

  I bought a leftover 06 and have driven it almost 50k miles in 2yrs. and 9 months. Nothing has ever gone wrong, zero problems. Id like a little better in town mileage but who wouldnt ? Im 61" and I can drive this truck for days at at time and am always comfortable unlike the Toyota I also looked at. This truck has taken me off road, hauling approx.400 lbs. up a logging road and it felt like it was empty. Ive used it for work and play and Ive never second guessed my buying choice. It handles very well, better than some cars Ive driven. The engine is stout and the transmission always knows what gear to be in. The steering very communicative and the truck feels nimble and responsive.

• 

  SLEEK DESIGN - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By mmamman3 - May 5 - 1:40 pm

  After returning from a trip, we rented this vehicle to get from the airport to our home and truly fell in love with it. Four months later, we purchased a 2012 Nissan Quest minivan. So far, we have been very impressed with our purchase. It has much more pep than our previous minivan (Dodge Grand Caravan) and is a quieter ride. The basic features seem adequate and are quite liked by the children, as they now have temperature control in the rear. Standard middle row captains chairs are an added bonus so that the kids dont get in each others space as often:) However, I think the most impressive is the exterior design--very sleek and modern. Its a turn your head and look kind of minivan.

• 

  Nissan Frontier - cant find model I want. - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Roxanne Macias - May 5 - 12:51 am

  Hard to find the Pro4x in a full extra cab, especially in any color other than white/black/silver... So never found one. Looking in Southern Oregon now.

• 

  Fun family car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By phillygm - May 4 - 7:40 pm

  Got it loaded minus nav. Only owned the car for a week with almost 200 on the clock. The ride is wonderful and the power is exceptional. It feels very athletic yet has the capabilities for a family car that I was looking for. I rated it slightly lower on build and reliability because I already have a squeak by the back seat and a strange clank in the engine compartment by the drivers side firewall. Almost sounds like some spring mechanism resetting. It only does it after each start up after cooling down when you are just starting to drive off. Very strange.

• 

  Started out amazing, but... - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fronteeer - May 4 - 3:53 pm

  Ive written a few favorable reviews about this truck, but its had a few major problems and Im afraid it might become a liability soon, since the b2b warrantys gone and the power train is close. Nissan replaced the entire HVAC unit because it only worked on hot and cold, and they couldnt fix it. I recently had a belt and tensioner changed to get rid of a loud squeak when idling cold. The fuel gauge went nuts and I had to have everything changed from the gauge back. Now theres a loud clunk coming from the drive train when I accelerate while turning, in both 4x2 and 4x4. Sometimes the steering wheel pulls so hard to one side after turning, I have to basically stop and let it go.

• 

  Good Workhorse - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By rtreviewing - May 4 - 10:46 am

  I bought this car when it was 6 years old with 107K miles. I kept it for 5 years, putting another almost 70K miles on it. Besides regular maintenance, I did have to replace a few parts. All the maintenance and repairs averaged out to less than $1,000 per year. Not exceptional, but pretty good.

• 

  Nissan Maxima is luxury at its best! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Marcie - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car all around. Fun to drive, ample horsepower. Hands down a winner!

• 

  Not a bad van after all. - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Anthony - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. Its no Odyssey but for the price and equipment not even Honda can touch it. The TV is a plus,it rides really well. Ive been to Florida 5 times already.(9 hr. trip) My kids love it to death.

• 

  Max Air - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Gator - May 4 - 2:00 am

  A Ture sports sedan. Fly on the road. For those like a 4dr sedan but still want some fun to drive. Accelaration is word class, interior is luxury. A reliable car as well, I bought it used with 60K mile. Now it has almost 100K, and I have never need any major service. This is my 2nd Maxima, my first one is a 94 GXE, which carries only 160hp. The 96 GLE is definte an upgrade. I have also tested 2001 and 2002 Max. Feel like my 96 is not any slower than the 255hp 2002 and even faster than the 225hp 2001 model, probably because of the light weight. I will drive it till the wheel comes of or until I can affor a BMW 5 series as I feel no other car has better combination of sporty and luxury.