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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  Best Z Ive owned yet - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By AJ - January 6 - 11:43 pm

  This is my sixth Z. I love this one the most. The smooth power/torque is really nice. I love the support of the aftermarket on this car. I also own a modified Trans Am and even though the Z isnt as powerful, its more fun to drive, use around town, and gets a lot more looks. This is a tossable car with good power. It has good room for a two seater. I actually love the interior and all the features. Thanks Nissan for bringing the Z back !!! Reliability has been A++++ I believe Ill get 200K out of this Z as well.;-)

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  Z Love - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Z Love - January 6 - 10:00 am

  the editors review basis its numbers on irrelevant factors. anyone who would consider "cupholders" relevant shouldnt be driving a high-performance sports car. dont only look at the editors final rating to consider the Z -- it deserves much higher than a 7.96.

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  stolen lights and grill - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By sharie - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my third XLE, and I just learned that the 2003 headlight were mounted or designed to be easily taken. I learned this after it happened to me. I have 4,000 miles on the car. It is at the car dealer being repaired. There is over 3,200 worth of damage, I am hesitate to take it when it is finished. As, the police told me, they know where you live and will be back,this car is always being hit on. The lights just pop out. I check with the dealer who confirmed this, Nisson has not recalled them or come up with a anti theft devise. I feel like a sitting duck. If anyone knows how to avoid having the lights taken, please tell me. Thank You, Sharon

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  Great Sports Sedan! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Alan.Wong - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Fast Car! Powerful Car! What else can I say??

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  The wifes truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By 1200BANDIT - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a Murano but the "dealer" wouldnt deal. This truck was on the lot for over 6 months and was a deal. The wife loved it so at 14k less than a Murano, bought it. With 600 miles on the odom, we took it out west on a 4800 mile trip w/cycle and stuff in back. Under 65 averaged 18-20mpg. Over 65 lookout. Very comfortable on the two 800 mile days. Great on highway and had a ball with the quasi offroad trips. Lots of comments from many people. This is our 6th Nissan(3 Maximas, 2 Altimas). 520,000 miles and no complaints.

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  The Intimidator/XTERRA - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Eddie C. - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second XTERRA and by far the best vehicle I have owned. I bought the XTERRA because it reminded me of the Nissan Patrol I drove when working in Saudi Arabia in 1992-1993. The XTERRA is the intimidator of SUVs, looks tough and is tough. It has very good lines, good performance, and the tighest turning radius...probably second to the military version of the Hummer. I very much like the reliability built into the vehicle...get in and go. My XTERRA served me well during the major snow storm last February in Washington DC...I had a blast plowing through snow drifts and going where other vehicles dare not go.

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  holds up well during accident - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ellablue - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my Xterra! Unfortuntly i was in a major accident in my Xterra that resulted in $12,000 worth of damage. If not for my Xterra i would have been badly injured or even worse. Instead i am very lucky to have walked away with only a broken arm. So you can have the peace of mind knowing that your Xterra will hold up very well in a accident. The air bags deployed as the should have and remember to always wear your seat belt it could save your life.

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  Love my Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Just - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd nissan and by far my favorite! 7500 miles and counting since February. This car is fun to drive. It is very smooth , great acceleration - no problem passing anyone on the highway. Great looks - very roomy. Most comfortable back seat of any car I have seen. Gas mileage not bad for SUV - and has improved since I got it -averaging 19 around town and 21 on the highway. I plan on owning this car a long time!

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  Enjoying our Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By cmarc - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Enjoy the back seat space and also surprised at the large amount of rear storage space. This has been a great step to move away from the "moms van" world as the kids grow older.

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  A fun ride! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By jeffdubuque - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Nissans for almost 20 years, my last one being a Pathfinder that I had for four years. This is easily the best Nissan I have ever had. It handles remarkably, and seems very nimble. The fuel economy is great. At 64" I really appreciate the amount of room for the driver and passenger. There is still plenty of room in the back too. This is one fun ride.