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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  Satisfaction, I got mine - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Papa - December 22 - 8:13 pm

  This is my second Nissan Maxima, first one (1996) totaled in accident when rear ended by large SUV going 50+ mph as I stopped for red light. Engine of Suv was practically in my back seat before I was shot 75 yards through intersection. Not a scratch on me or passenger. Replaced it with 1997 Maxima with 80K miles in great condition. It now has 230K miles. Other than changing oil and tires on regular basis, I treat it like an off road truck. Thought about replacing it last month but couldnt turn loose of what has been a trusty companion. Took it to the shop and spent 2 grand getting her back to new mechanically. Figure shes good for another 100,000.

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  Great family car - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By mstee - December 22 - 2:46 pm

  I have only had this car for less than a month, but have been driving a mini-van for the past twelve years. This is by far the most drivable mini-van I have ever owned. It handles like a car. The Bluetooth is a wonderful plus! The only thing I feel I have to get used to is the body style is longer and wider than the last two Chryslers I have had. It makes parking a little more challenging for me.

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  Awesome - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By 25 year old X owner - December 22 - 1:40 pm

  Very well built and well thought out veh. All the little things like tie downs, roof storage are, dual glove box, door cup holder, are great to have. This veh would not be a very good for people who would have to use the back seat b/c of fender/wheel clearance area. Other than that this veh is awesome. Strong motor, good steering, nice stereo (even the standard one), in trunk floor storage, etc. All of the seats will fold flat including the front passenger seat. There are steps on the rear bumper which allow access to the roof of the vehicle if needed. Engine feels strong and I havent had a single problem with this veh since the day i bought it new

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  LUV My Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Julie - December 22 - 1:26 am

  I was involved in an accidents in my Rogue on day three of owning it. We was hit in the passenger side at about 45 miles per hour. I was in the passenger seat. It really protected both of us. We didnt even have a scratch. I love how it handle in rain, snow, and icy conditions. I get very good gas mileage 23 city and 27 hwy.

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  Rear End Alignment - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By BBG1 - December 21 - 6:20 pm

  I love the car. Never a days trouble with it... Except I was confused has to why I kept wearing through rear tires every 10-12k miles. Turns out the rear alignment is out and not adjustable. The dealer would not give me straight answer about fixing it under warranty unless I paid for a diagnostic check up for a hundred bucks. So I had a local garage install adjustable shims and do an alignment all for a $125 in one afternoon. No dealer hassle.

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  Nissan Man - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ron Nickel - December 21 - 4:50 pm

  Didnt want the 4 door because so many on the road, then the coupe came out and it was just what I was looking for. After owning 4 previous Nissan vehicles I wanted another, but wanted a sporty look with good gas mileage. This coupe does both. Rides quiet and smooth at 31+ mpg city/hwy combined.

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  This thing guzzles gas!!!!! - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dullchime - December 21 - 11:48 am

  This my wifes car so I just started driving it. Weve had it since 33,000miles and now were at 115,000 and weve replaced brakes, struts, fuel filler hose, tires, and oil has been changed every 5000. NOW its in need of a new knock sensor and even before this, it seemed like it drinks gas. I have a Chevy Tahoe and it does better. Im going to replace the air filter and spark plugs and see if that helps at all...All in all not a bad little SUV. Great in the snow too.

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  Wonderful - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By ROGUE RUNNER - December 21 - 6:30 am

  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Rogue. It is fun to drive. I see people turning heads when I drive by. It has a very smooth ride. It handles very well. I feel very comfortable driving this SUV. The gas mileage is definitely a great asset. I would recommend this car to everyone. I think this is the best purchase I have every made. Thanks Nissan:)

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  First impressions - 2015 Nissan Murano
  By gibson6 - December 20 - 11:18 pm

  Just traded in 2011 murano for the new 2015 murano sl awd. This is a completely different suv. Much more comfortable seating and better set up of the dash and gauge arrangement. Living in Canada the roads are rough and full of potholes in the winter. The new murano soaks up the bumps much better then my 2011 did. With temperatures near -30 C this murano was still smooth and absorbed the harshest of road conditions this country has to offer. Heated seats and steering wheel a big plus. Great value for the buck.

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  A great car, for a great price - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By tthota - December 20 - 9:36 pm

  33+ mpg for 60% highway 40% local driving. 129@2400 torque delivers good acceleration, similar to VW Golf (122@2600), better than all other JPN, KRN and USA compact cars (about 120- 140@4000+). So, I dont have to floor the gas pedal and listen to the engine hauling at 4000 RPM all the time, as it is in a Civic. The Rockford audio system is super, worth $900, but included in the $433 special edition package, together with fog lights, spoiler, leather steering wheel, sporty grill and seats. The rear seats need more leg room, but most people use a Sentra as a 4-door coupe, with rear cup holders. As other compact cars, you can feel the wind, but very smooth ride in a nice day.