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:

• 

  In the Middle - 2010 with Auto Transmiss - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By ANCube - May 5 - 9:16 am

  Great gas mileage-drinks less gas than my former 1994 Honda Civic LX (I just put gas in at 250 miles-1/4 tank left). Driving in the wind is scary-it feels like the tires might give way and makes car swerve, badly. Great view of hood to map out lanes when driving. Bad thing that they dont have inside hooks to hang dry cleaning or other stuff. Less compartments (no compartments under seats).

• 

  Mixed - 2012 Nissan Armada
  By prmama40 - May 5 - 5:33 am

  I have had my Armada now for a few months now. I suffer from back and hip problems, so comfort was a big deciding factor for me. I love it, it is comfortable and super spacious. The only complaint I have is that the voice recognition is not very accurate. It can be frustrating at times trying to get it to recognize street names and cities. Since I now have 2 back surgeries, the automatic 3rd row buttons are great as tail gate button. My second complaint is the GAS milage, wait the lack of it!! Its killing me....

• 

  Maxima is what it is - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Rob Hardy - May 5 - 3:50 am

  Good car. Better than the 2007 TL that I traded in for. Good ride and comfort. Nothing is wearing out. Only one problem is the front drivers seat is loose and can only be fixed with new parts, which are too expensive so it will stay as it is. Doesnt effect driving, just annoying sometimes.

• 

  Performance, Style and Value - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By GAF - May 5 - 3:50 am

  The 370Z roadster has an incredible combination of performance style and value. A great road car, the roadster (convertible) version of the 370Z w/o the sport package is relatively smooth and much quieter than the coupe. The standard 18 inch wheels are also quieter than the 19" rays. The car handles securely and the interior room is large for a 2 seater. The driving position is as comfortable as most sedans.

• 

  My Red Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Bari - May 4 - 3:36 pm

  I found this car to be so much fun to drive. I have only had it 2 weeks, but love it. I am 52" and with the seat all the way up, I can see the front hood. I get stopped all the time. It is great on the highway and very nimble. I like that the rear door opens like a door. Being 62 years old, I have never enjoyed a car more. It is all that I need.

• 

  great car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By woodman - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 nissan and have never had a major problem, I put 260,000 on my last Maxima with out a single problem.

• 

  Performance at its best - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By klhart - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a must have for young consumers with a lot of cash. I love the beauty and comfort of the fronty when travelling on those gravel roads. And when I mean gravel I mean gravel. The interior design is quite to eye popper. I love the sound system. Nothing comes close to my fronty with the loud supercharger, giving me the power.

• 

  Nissan Maxima GLE 1995 - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan McBride - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used with 118000 miles on it. The first thing to go was regulator on the back window. Since, the only major repair that was done was the replacing of a starter. One pain was the cup holder position, which makes it easy to spill coffee or soda into the console resulting in the replacement of an oxygen sensor--a $26 value, but with dealer installation can add up to $170+ easily. It now has over 200000 miles and still drives like a dream.

• 

  Sold on Maximas - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bgrimme - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car still rides, runs and looks like brand new at 141,000 miles. Its also the most dependable car Ive ever driven. It still has the original exhaust system on it! Besides normal maintance items the only things that Ive had to fix were the A/C and an Oxygen sensor and that was in the last year. The engine doesnt burn or leak oil. The car accelerates hard and tracks straight. Everything works on the car and for the most part there are no squeakes or rattles. Its an incredible car.

• 

  Going on 4 years... - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By chowe - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2000 XE V6 4WD and I am impressed with the reliablity and ride after +60K miles. Sure, Gas Mileage could be better, but what are you going to do. My X has capably handled several snowy winters in the last few years and annual trips out on the beach in North Carolina. It has "passable" comfort for long trips, but it certainly isnt a Benz...Then again, there are no SLKs pulling up to the surf on the beach! Ive had a couple of little rattles and squeeks, but overall, I am pretty impressed.