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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  Horrible Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By SM - February 6 - 8:10 pm

  I cant believe after owning this car for two yrs i have so much problems. It first started with the engine mount having to be changed, then came the jerk when going from reverse to drive, then the a/c stopped working had to change the expansion valve. Whats gonna happen next...I wld not recommend anyone to buy a 2004 Maxima, alot of my friends with the same car have had similar problems. My next car will def not be a Nissan!

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  Xterra - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By stultze - February 6 - 3:06 am

  Great truck. Good performance, great build quality, OK gas mileage for a 6 cylinder SUV, good looks and a blast to drive both on and offroad.

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  Hurricane katrina tough - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By GVW - February 6 - 12:03 am

  This vehicle proved itself in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. My wife and I, plus our 3 dogs returned to the Mississippi gulf coast 3 days after the storm. Trying to be prepared for everything we may need, I purchased a trailer hitch mounted cargo carrier. Then we loaded this vehicle down with everything from small window ACs,cases of water/food, 6- 5gal gas cans full, bateries, dog food, etc. Things were tied to the cargo carrier on top, under our feet, and in every possible space. The vehicle performed beautifully on the road, going around downed tree/debris, cutting through yards and through shallow ditches. Wife said she felt secure in the vehicle.

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  2005 Nissan Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Clifford Straw - February 5 - 8:10 pm

  My Maxima is very comfortable to drive and handles easily. Dual control a/c is very effective and the bose sound system is superb. A very fun car to drive. Road surface noise could be improved. Certain types of paved road surfaces tend to get amplified inside while other surfaces are not heard.

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  Love love love my Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By stlrfan17 - February 5 - 4:50 pm

  I have had my Versa since July and I love it! I added a few extras (tinted windows/window visors/moonroof) to make it less geeky. Im very happy with the fuel economy - went from owning a SUV that got 12-15 mpg to my Versa averaging 30 mpg (city driving mostly). The interior is surprisingly big - we have 2 boys and they have plenty of room in the back! The cargo space is adequate as well. Its fun to drive and easy to park in tight spots. I mostly do city/town driving but have taken my Versa on long trips as well and am very happy with the comfort and the 34 mpg I got! For a car that was well under $20,000 for all the great features, it was well worth the $$.

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  Remote entry problems, Again!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By disgrunteled owner - February 5 - 4:50 am

  At 30,000 miles the remote entry module went out. Its got just under 50k, and its going out again. The day we bought the car, the passenger front window seal flipped and had to be replaced. The drivers window made a very loud cracking noise when the window was rolled all the way up, and the regulator mount had to be welded to cure this, at 15k, and its starting again. Its only had mobile 1 since new, but quite often suffers from lifter noise. I trust this car very little, and I think the experts agree. Thats what leads to very low resell value. If I could squeeze this car, Id get lemonade.

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  Path & the City - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tangassim - February 5 - 2:00 am

  It has been the better SUV I ever had, Every day engine starts without a problem, recently I changed all the beams just to be sure it works properly, it has been the one and only reparation ever done. Now it needs a little pait works (just in fender details) Other SUV`s I had used are a 92 Suburban and a 95 Blazer, but as for today, my Pathfinder long last

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  2000 Nissan Altima - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By jeanetta76 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I love the handling of the car and its reliability. But i hate the maintenance pricing...its too high.

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  good for what it is - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By bugs bunny - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Everything they said about it was true. The gas millage is lackling and the ride is hard for 500 miles of highway, but man cannot live by gas millage alone. The Xterra does what I bought it to do. Take Scouts camping and get in rough areas with ease. I dont notice the whine of the suppercharger but you can feel the power when it is need and I am very happy with my choice

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  Tall Mans Review - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jolley Green - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Murano because of the amount of interior room & comfort that is in the SUV. My buddy bought one that I sat in and just fell in love with the design and interior space. I had to get one for myself. Overall, the performance & features of the vehicle are execellent. Ive read the complaints about the CVT transmission, however, my experience is just the opposite - quick starts, good excelaration and power to get on busy interstate hwys and to pass slower traffic when necessary.